Blog

Generations Blog

  • When All is Said and Done

    “Legacy” can be a self-centered concept, as in “Will people remember me?” Or, “legacy” can be a wonderful, biblical, life goal—a motivation—that those who come behind us will love, and be transformed by, the Lord we love and Who has transformed us.Our commitment to those who come behind us takes... Read more →

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  • God Calls Us

    The Crocker family supports (and has financially committed to) the GENERATIONS Building and Renovation Campaign, not just because we believe God calls us to give what we are able to our church, but also because we want to invest in the longevity and growth of First Baptist Church.  We have... Read more →

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  • Benefits from a Foundation Laid

    Our children are third generation FBC members.  While they are too old for the children’s ministry now, we look back on their time in FBC’s children’s ministry, walking on the colored footprints on the floor and riding in the bye-bye buggy, with nostalgia.   We recognize in looking back through... Read more →

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  • Not Now, but in the Future

    We are Kristin and Scott Brewer and we have three children- Austin, Mattie, and Marshall. Although we have only been at First Baptist for about four years, it was clear from the start that children were important to FBC and having three children ourselves, that was very important to us. ... Read more →

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  • Joining the Church and GENERATIONS

    We are the Craig family. We moved to Huntsville in the spring of 2020, started virtually attending First Baptist, and then joined the church in the spring of 2021. We are so thankful for this new church home and how it has a place for everyone. It was so exciting... Read more →

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  • Paying It Forward

    I had been a member of FBC a couple of years when I was put on bedrest due to high-risk triplet pregnancy.  Billy Orton and others brought that year’s Living Christmas Tree to me by showing up one evening and singing Christmas carols in my living room!  After my triplet... Read more →

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  • Children Are The Future

    During the last four years we have had the privilege of working in Sunday morning Bible study with young adult couples as they start their married lives together. Over time, many of them have begun expanding their families with children. We have come to know and love this community of... Read more →

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  • Next Season in the Ministry of FBC, Church at the Heart of the City

    I was raised by Baptist Missionary parents serving in Brazil. I spent my first twelve years attending church and school with my Brazilian peers, and occasionally traveling with Dad to the remote parts of the state to support, celebrate, and worship with fellow Christians. It was on these trips that... Read more →

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  • Excitement and Unity in a Renovation

    We moved to Huntsville in June, 1980 with a 21-month-old daughter and a son on the way. We joined First Baptist soon thereafter.       We found facilities and teachers ready to welcome our children – and frankly, the teachers were more important than the facilities. As they grew, they... Read more →

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  • Relationships Developed through FBC

    As we drove past the Space and Rocket Center on Highway 20 in the summer of 1988, we were truly amazed at the size of the rockets we could see.  David, then four, was mesmerized and Michael, at almost one, didn’t notice.  Our first foray to Huntsville was an endeavor... Read more →

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  • Let the Little Children Come!

    Joseph and I have been blessed to be members of First Baptist for more than 20 years. Today, you will find just the two of us walking through the doors of our great church. But if the walls could talk, they would tell you of the days of seeing us... Read more →

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  • A Joy To Give

    I joined FBC 26 years ago to worship with my family that were already members, (and to play French Horn in a fantastic orchestra!). I watched my niece and nephew grow up at FBC, Johnny and Suzanne Kirk, holding hands and walking the same halls that I now walk with... Read more →

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  • The Future is Found in the Children

    The theme of GENERATIONS for our building and renovation campaign is especially significant for our family. My parents, Pat and Gordon Perry (who are still members today), brought me to church as a baby and I started my life in the children’s ministry at First Baptist Church.  FBC has been... Read more →

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  • And Yet There is Room

    Our sons were students who grew up in FBC. They did not experience children’s ministry here.We don’t currently – nor do we anticipate – our grandchildren being directly involved in FBCkids’ ministry. Anticipating our next few years’ pursuits, we are unlikely to have direct use ofeither the children’s or music... Read more →

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  • Benefitting from a Space because Others Gave

    We are Jonathan and Amy Boyd with our two teenage children, Matthew and Zadie. We joined FBC in January 2010, and our children grew up in the FBC Children’s Ministry from when they were Pre-K up to the Student Ministry now.  You might wonder why it is so important for... Read more →

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  • Planning, Implementing and Trusting Projects to God

    We are Gaines and Susan Gravlee.  I myself am a product of FBC Children’s ministry.  My parents, Gaines and Ann Gravlee met at First Baptist in the 1950’s.  My sister Beth and I started in the “Cradle Roll” and grew up here learning through the many programs the church offered... Read more →

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  • Meet Joe Craft: GENERATIONS Foreman

    You’ve been a part of GENERATIONS, reading testimonies, seeing before and after photos of the construction and renovation, watching videos of the children and now we want to introduce you to Joe Craft, one of the men behind the scenes.Joe is the Construction Foreman for Johnson Kreis Construction and he’s on-site... Read more →

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  • Stepping In and Stepping Up

    Greg moved to Huntsville to start a new job in January 1992 after graduating from MississippiState University. Six months later, we married and started our new life together in Huntsville. Wevisited a few churches, but I will never forget the first time I saw First Baptist Church. Greg,being a jokester... Read more →

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  • Shoulders on Which They Stand

    “Plant a tree under whose shade you’ll never sit.”   That old adage was certainly not original to Bill or to me, but it’s the way we chose to live our lives. I’ve had no personal children of my own.  But during my years at FBC I’ve had the pleasure... Read more →

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  • Fanning Family

    We’re the Fannings! You might know us as “Talley’s kids”, by my husband as an officer who roams the halls on Sundays, or by me as the “unofficial” children’s area greeter…those Fannings, we like to make our mark on FBC!  When we moved our membership to FBC back in 2017... Read more →

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  • THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DREW US TO FBC

    Have you ever visited a church and had the feeling of “this is home”? Not long after Jeff and Istarted our family, we found ourselves looking for a new church home in the Huntsville area.Visiting new churches with babies is not an easy thing to do. When we left Colin... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS Renovation Update

    Phase II construction continues in several parts of the building.  The contractors have completed framing and rough-in of electrical and plumbing in the area near room 251.  Drywall has been installed, and tile installation for the new restrooms is underway.  This part of the project, which will be completed in... Read more →

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  • A Present Treasure, A Foundation for the Future

    As “experienced adults” in our late 70’s, we embraced the opportunity to be a part of our GENERATIONS Building and Renovation Campaign at First Baptist Church.  Our children, Mike and Deanne, are now in their mid 40’s.  They are very successful in their careers and most importantly are extremely involved... Read more →

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  • Opportunities to Learn and Build Friendships

    When we, Sam and Amanda Golden, moved to Huntsville in 2014, we knew one of the first things we wanted to do as a couple was find a church to join. With our first child on the way, we wanted to feel good about the adult programs as well as... Read more →

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  • Sisco Family Has Deep Roots at FBC, Huntsville

    GENERATIONS-a term that seems synonymous with the Sisco family at First Baptist Church.  Our children are fourth generation members of the Church we call home.   My grandfather attended First Baptist, my parents met and married in the Chapel.  I was enrolled on the Cradle Roll before I was born... Read more →

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  • Our Privilege to Support and Give

    Jerry and Carolyn Miller have been members of FBC since September 1960. We had a 4 month old son, Jerry Jr., whom we brought to FBC our first Sunday in town. He went to the nursery and it was a very pleasant experience.  We added two daughters, Jenny and Leslie,... Read more →

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  • ROCK Foundation

    We, Glen and Donna Jones, had Huntsville on our radar for retirement since the start of our marriage at Fort Campbell, Kentucky 38 years ago.  After eight moves abroad and stateside, we finally arrived at our destination in January 2020.  Donna and I both were raised by Christian parents who... Read more →

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  • Play Place Is Open For Fun!

    The wait is over!  On Sunday, June 27th, a beautiful crowd of all ages and stages of life gathered in our new kids’ welcome space to celebrate our Grand Opening.  The excitement was palpable, and EVERYONE was eager to take a peek at the Play Place.  After Travis shared a prayer... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS Renovation Update

    The opening of the Play Place addition officially ended Phase I construction, and the new play equipment has now been thoroughly tested out by many happy children!  There is still some remaining work outside near the addition, but the contractor has moved their protective fencing back to open up additional... Read more →

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  • To See their Children Grow in Christ

    Billie and I became members of Huntsville First Baptist Church in August 1991. We joined the Adult Choir immediately and a Sunday School Class. In a couple of years we were asked to teach the four-year olds. Having no children, we did not think we were qualified! Seeing them graduate... Read more →

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  • A Place to Forget Life’s Troubles

    I know how much our church loves children, but, before the renovation I don’t think visitors would instantly know it walking through the halls of the building itself. At my sons’ preschool, you just know, deep down, that children are a top priority by looking at the way they have... Read more →

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  • Open Arms

    Have you ever been the new ‘kid’ in town? I certainly have. For the first 10 years of our marriage, my husband, Jacob, and I moved every year or two. It was thrilling to be out on our own, exploring new places and meeting the wonderful people who lived there.... Read more →

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  • Children’s Ministry Brought Them Through the Door

    When Andrea and I were engaged, I remember my grandmother asking if our church had a children’s program.  She told me that when my dad was little, they left the small church they had been attending and began attending a new church because they had a strong children’s program.   My... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS Renovation Update

    Progress continues in all areas as we near the first step of the “three-step” opening for Phase I.  Inside Entrance 4, ceiling and laminate flooring is being installed in the area around the new elevator.  The laminate will temporarily stop just past the new elevator but will eventually be extended... Read more →

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  • Rick and MaryAnn Moon

    We Sit In The Shade of Trees We Did Not Plant We are Rick and MaryAnn Moon.  Rick, his sister Marsha, and parents R. D. and Dathern Moon joined First Baptist in 1965.  Upon our move to Huntsville in August 1988 we joined them bringing with us our 5-year-old son,... Read more →

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  • Handprints in the New Space!

    We had so much fun placing handprints on the stage in the new space!Thanks to the parents and grandparents who brought their kiddos out and a big thanks to the volunteers who painted hands and feet, cleaned up, took photos and were a part of this fabulous time of organized... Read more →

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  • A Message From Travis Collins

    “Fifty-two weeks ago we revealed the grand total of pledges for our GENERATIONS campaign – a total that exceeded both our goal and our dreams… pledges that made possible the entire funding of the building and furnishing of a premier kids space.” – Travis Collins, Pastor. Read more →

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  • Hoppe Family

    Our family joined First Baptist in August of 1991.  Our two little girls, Katie age 6, and Emily age 4, immediately became part of the children’s ministry and took part in all of the wonderful activities which were under the ministerial leadership of Tina Newberry.  I was very happy to... Read more →

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  • Faith, Hope and Love for Future Generations

    Art and I joined First Baptist as a newly married couple in 1985. We were looking for a church home that would provide spiritual encouragement for our marriage and later help us teach our children about God’s plan through his Son, Jesus Christ. As our children came along, First Baptist... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS Reveal 1 Year Anniversary Before & After Updates

    Happy 1st Anniversary! These past 12 months have been remarkable in more ways than one! We have seen continued build progress on our new and renovated spaces and a higher than average percentage of contributors and participation towards our GENERATIONS Building and Renovation Campaign. The transformation of our campus, the... Read more →

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  • Leaving More than Grass Stains

    One Sunday morning, as we were working Extended session with some preschool kids in the courtyard, Bill remarked about how when he was a kid, he loved to roll down the grass embankment leading to the play area.   I mentioned that I bet almost every child that has been... Read more →

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  • For All Generations

    First Baptist has been our church home since very early in our marriage. We began our journey here in a newlywed class where we were mentored by great teachers.  We met many couples in those early days that have become lifelong friends. We were blessed with three children who grew... Read more →

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  • Members, Staff, Now Members Again

    Our journey at FBC by Joy and Michael Moore On a Sunday in August 1971, a young couple parked in front of First Baptist Church and walked into the building bringing their 10-month-old daughter with them. They are uncertain which door to come in but are greeted by a woman... Read more →

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  • Blessing Others in Our Community

    Howdy! We’re the Schoenert family, Eric, Katie, Cooper (7) and Jordan (3). We moved to Huntsville in July of 2019 from College Station, Texas! Not too long after our move, we started visiting FBC Huntsville regularly. We quickly got involved and enrolled our youngest in the WEE Ministry and started... Read more →

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  • Growing & Returning Generations

    We are Brady and Emily Buford. I (Brady) have been going to FBC since I was born, and Emily has been attending since 2018 and has felt welcomed and at home. We met at a campus ministry at the University of Alabama, and after we both graduated college, we needed... Read more →

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  • Planning, Implementing and Trusting Projects to God

    We are Gaines and Susan Gravlee.  I myself am a product of FBC Children’s ministry.  My parents, Gaines and Ann Gravlee met at First Baptist in the 1950’s.  My sister Beth and I started in the “Cradle Roll” and grew up here learning through the many programs the church offered... Read more →

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  • A Love for Children in the Church and Community

    Lara grew up at FBC and her mother still attends here.  Dean started coming as a young adult and we met in the Singles class.  Our two children, Kristen and Justin, had a wonderful experience growing up at FBC.  They were able to participle in things like preschool Music and... Read more →

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  • The Joy of Participating with Others

    This is not my first rocket. I have been around for a long time. For example, I have been privileged to have known every person who has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Huntsville since 1926. Dr. Milford (1926 – 1949) retired before I arrived but I was... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS for Jesus

    It has been said that Christianity is only one generation away from becoming extinct. Because our world is becoming less Christian, this emphasizes the importance of the Generations campaign. This building project is aimed at the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our younger generation and their training... Read more →

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  • All we have is God’s.

    I came to First Baptist in 2008 as Associate Minister of Music/Organist and Wayne joined six months later after he retired from 41 years as a minister, most of it as a pastor. I retired in 2012 and although we live in Guntersville, we love this church and want to... Read more →

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  • GENERATIONS…Five of them!

    We moved to Huntsville October 6, 1989, Phillip was returning to Alabama after 7 years and I was a new transplant from the mid-west.  Phillip’s aunt, Doris E. Roberts, had been on staff with FBC for many years and Phillip has had family attending FBC since before the 1900’s.  Phillip’s... Read more →

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  • Back to the Future

    We have dubbed this entry to the blog “Back To The Future.”  To best understand the O’Dell’s support of the children’s ministry capital campaign we call “GENERATIONS,” one must travel back in time more than 35 years.  In 1984 we were members at the church in northwest Huntsville where Nannette... Read more →

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  • 35 Years, Three Generations and a Commitment to Future Generations

    When Park and I moved to Huntsville with our three month old daughter 35 years ago, we joined First Baptist Church. We both had grown up going to church reaping the benefits of being part of a loving church family. We wanted the same for our young daughter and felt strongly about the importance of going where... Read more →

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  • Reaching into a Community that Needs More than just New Tile and Grout

    Hello, we are John and Jamie Richardson and we have two elementaryaged kiddos, Eli (11) and Ava (7). John grew up at FBC; his family hasalways been part of the action here and he had such a great childhoodwith FBC at the core. I, Jamie, felt immediately taken into the... Read more →

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  • A Family’s Support for the Next Generations of our Church

    We are so excited that our church, across all generations, is committed to investing in our First Kids Ministry through their commitment to GENERATIONS.  This is apparent in the time people volunteer to serve these kids and in where they choose to put their money.  From the first time we... Read more →

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  • Groundbreaking Reflections from the Younger Generation

    “We’re going to put a roof right there where we were. And there’s going to be a kid’s space there too. But they aren’t going to just use the shovels to build the building- they will use the machines. We were just doing a symbol”. Emma, age 6   “I liked... Read more →

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  • One Family’s Groundbreaking Experience

    As new members of First Baptist Church, it was an honor to be asked to be part of the groundbreaking.  We have followed the campaign and are excited about the updates to the facilities.  Having two young children, it’s exciting to know that we get to join other families in this journey... Read more →

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  • What Can I Say?

    How ‘bout Thank God! and Wow! and Amazing! and Way to go! and Hallelujah! What an incredible day, to celebrate pledges of $8,313,121 toward a $7 million goal! Keri and I have been part of six capital stewardship campaigns, and we’ve never seen anything quite like it. But that’s not all. To have 573 pledges, representing 1,321 people (singles, couples and... Read more →

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Ways You Can Give

For our church to reach its financial goal, we will need commitments in varying amounts. Please consider your commitment in proportion to your resources. These commitments are for 3 years, over and above your current giving.