How it all started...
Selma Baptist Church was established about 1872 when travelers taking supplies to and from the Chattahoochee River near Columbia, Alabama would camp and build a "brush arbor" located on Old Taylor Road. This seemed to be a good stopping place for travelers as a spring was nearby. The campers held worship services and as the settlement grew, so did the church. The membership of the church for the year 1886 was 94.
Young Folsom, a Confederate veteran suggested the name "Selma Baptist Church", naming it after the town in west-central Alabama where he had served in the war. This was the name chosen.
About 1904, three acres of the present site was deeded to the congregation for a church, schoolhouse, and a cemetery. In 1915, a two-story school and a steep-roofed church were built to replace the small building first erected on the site. The pastor's salary for the year of 1915 was $61.70 and the value of the church property was $1,000.00.
In 1923 a storm demolished the school building and heavily damaged the church. They continued to use the church until 1933 when a larger one-room church building was constructed. In the early years the church had "Preaching" on the first Sunday of the month and "Church School" every Sunday. Later, "Preaching" was held twice a month and B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People Union), which later became known as Training Union and is now Discipleship Training, was added weekly. Baptisms were performed in nearby "swimming holes" located on various members property. Homecoming was traditionally observed on the firstSunday in July followed by a one- or two-week revival.
Through the years additions were added to include educational classrooms, staff offices, and a sanctuary that seats 350. In 2002 the Family Life Center was completed which includes several educational rooms, gym, and fellowship hall.
As we enter the 21st century, God is blessing our church in miraculous ways. We are growing, people are being saved and several exciting new ministries are being introduced. We stand in awe of what God has done in the past. As we trust Him for the future, we recognize that "our history" page is not yet complete....
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, "let us lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God".
Hebrews 12:1-2
Young Folsom, a Confederate veteran suggested the name "Selma Baptist Church", naming it after the town in west-central Alabama where he had served in the war. This was the name chosen.
About 1904, three acres of the present site was deeded to the congregation for a church, schoolhouse, and a cemetery. In 1915, a two-story school and a steep-roofed church were built to replace the small building first erected on the site. The pastor's salary for the year of 1915 was $61.70 and the value of the church property was $1,000.00.
In 1923 a storm demolished the school building and heavily damaged the church. They continued to use the church until 1933 when a larger one-room church building was constructed. In the early years the church had "Preaching" on the first Sunday of the month and "Church School" every Sunday. Later, "Preaching" was held twice a month and B.Y.P.U. (Baptist Young People Union), which later became known as Training Union and is now Discipleship Training, was added weekly. Baptisms were performed in nearby "swimming holes" located on various members property. Homecoming was traditionally observed on the firstSunday in July followed by a one- or two-week revival.
Through the years additions were added to include educational classrooms, staff offices, and a sanctuary that seats 350. In 2002 the Family Life Center was completed which includes several educational rooms, gym, and fellowship hall.
As we enter the 21st century, God is blessing our church in miraculous ways. We are growing, people are being saved and several exciting new ministries are being introduced. We stand in awe of what God has done in the past. As we trust Him for the future, we recognize that "our history" page is not yet complete....
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, "let us lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God".
Hebrews 12:1-2
Expanding the vision...
At Selma Dothan, our mission is to Love God, Love People, and Live Sent, beginning with our local community. We believe that to truly make a difference, we must start by serving those around us. Our commitment to loving God and others drives our efforts to engage in meaningful local missions, addressing needs and sharing hope within our own neighborhoods. By focusing on local outreach, we build a strong foundation of compassion and service that extends to broader missions, embodying our call to live sent and make a positive impact in the world.
Where we are headed...
At Selma Dothan, our mission to Love God, Love People, and Live Sent comes to life through those who commit their lives to Christ and follow through with baptism. When individuals make this profound decision, they are publicly declaring their faith and embracing our mission. Baptism symbolizes a transformative journey, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to loving God and serving others. Those who take this step are not only joining a community of believers but also committing to live out their faith by engaging in acts of love and service. Through baptism, they demonstrate their readiness to live sent, spreading the message of Christ and making a difference both locally and beyond.
