Whitlock, Tenn.–Today was an extra special day for Birds Creek Baptist Church in Whitlock as it celebrated its 200th anniversary with proclamations, good words, good music and good fellowship.
Henry County Mayor Brent Greer presented a proclamation celebrating the church’s Bicentennial, General Sessions Judge Vicki Snyder spoke about how influential Birds Creek has been over the years on her life and family. James Twilbeck presented a plaque from the Tennessee Baptist Association.
Today’s service was followed by a luncheon and special music from “For Heaven’s Sake”.
The church has evolved in many ways over the years with many building changes and additions. Church Historian (and organist) Caleb Grissom said a one-room log building was used to worship in 1820. “This was called Birds Creek Church. Named by Bryan Bird because many birds came to a creek near this building, to bathe and drink water.”
Sometime before 1912, a one-room frame structure was erected. This building was partially burned in March 1913 and was repaired by April 1913. This structure is the main center of the present church building, Grissom said. The additions of fellowship halls and educational wings has occured over the church’s history and in 1997 a Family Life Center was built.
Photo: County Mayor Brent Greer presents a county proclamation at today’s Bicentennial Service at Birds Creek. (Caleb Grissom photo).