Church History
Wickland Baptist Mission Holds First Service
The Wickland Baptist Mission began a full schedule of services on June 2, 1960. A Mission Dedication Service was held at the Bardstown Baptist Church on that date. Following the dedication services, the Wickland Baptist Mission left for Sunday School and worship services at Wickland. There were thirty-three present for Sunday School and forty in worship services that first Sunday.
First Pastor and Officers Chosen
The first pastor was James Barron and the church elected the following "General Officers" at the first business meeting held on June 26, 1960: Sedwick Bean, Moderator; George Brown, Sr., Treasurer; Ida Belle Hicks, Clerk; Mrs. Myrtle Mattingly, Superintendent of Visitation; Mrs. J. O. Cassity, Pianist.
Wickland Baptist Church Constituted
On August 10, 1961, The Bardstown Baptist Church voted to grant letters of dismissal to forty-six members, twenty-five came into the mother church through the mission. This meant the mission had "cost" the mother church twenty-one members and about $500.00 in oil and electric bills incurred for the mission pastor's apartment. All other expenses were paid by the mission.
History of the Building
The members built the first building. A Dedication Service was held August 21, 1966 when the first loan was paid off. Air conditioning was installed in June 1982. Three members furnished the labor: Sedwick Bean; Harold Puckett; and John Troxell.
On March 24, 1991, the church dedicated a new addition that provided space for a fellowship hall and for more Sunday School rooms. Danny Raisor built this addition at a cost of approximately $50,000.00. One of the members, Ebb Eblen, drew up the plans for this addition.
Ground breaking for the newest part of the building was held August 30, 1995. This phase of the building program consisted of a new sanctuary and many new Sunday School rooms. J.D. Whitney, a deacon, donated a year of his time to act as the General Contractor on the project. Dedication services were held on March 23, 1997. The first pastor, Brother James Barron and his wife Linda were present for this service.
Currently
Today, Wickland is a strong, healthy, loving congregation. Our members work hard in their service to the Lord as they prepare to teach and lead each week. Our Children's Ministries continue to grow, and our Youth Ministry, under the leadership of Jonathan Drury, is very active. Our choir, under the leadership of Dave Coffing, provide us with a wonderful time of worship each Sunday morning. Teams and committees are in place to allow everyone to find his or her place of ministry. Under the leadership of our Mission Committee, the church has a strong history of mission work not only here in Bardstown, but around the world. If you are interested in making a difference in this world, then Wickland may just be the place for you.
