Joe & Nannie Tyndall
I’m writing this article and others like it in future newsletters to help all of us gain a different perspective of our church. Focusing on our Charter Members; desiring to highlight their involvement in our various ministries as well as memories of where we’ve been as a church! The dedication, faithfulness, sacrifice, and service of our Charter Members is a wonderful legacy. That spirit of giving is still alive today within our church and my prayer is that it would spread throughout our entire congregation.
Our first Charter Members to be “interviewed” are seen in this not so recent photo...can you guess who they are? These kind folks have been more than gracious to be my “guinea pigs” (so to speak) in putting this together. If you have not recognized them...they are Joe & Nannie Tyndall. Please take time to read these articles...my hope is as we read and look back we might be inspired and motivated to do all we can for our Savior and Lord!
To say Joe & Nannie have been involved in the life of our church is like saying the ocean is a little wet or the sun is a bit warm. One of the first things they told me is they didn’t do anything extraordinary—everyone was active and everyone was involved. An excellent example for us to live by in today’s church.
Joe & Nannie have served in various positions and committees. Joe served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for many years. Nannie has played the piano and organ, worked within our WMU ministry, and both have worked within our Youth Ministries. In fact, Nannie played the piano on our first day of Sunday School while very pregnant with Valeria. Both served as Associational Messengers for many years.
The more I listened the more I realized their “church life” was predominant in their lifestyle. The community, for the most part, revolved around church activity. Joe & Nannie would have devotions everyday as a family—seeking to instill the Gospel in their children (I have treasured Your Word in my heart so that I may not sin against You—Psalm 119:11). All their children were raised and baptized here.
Some of their memories included how Nannie’s mother (Estelle Harper) found a nickel at church—using it to start a bus fund. The bus was purchased and the nickel taped to the dash as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people. Another memory was of Nannie’s father (Preston Harper) delaying the building of their home (currently where Joe & Nannie live) when asked by Mark Smith so the church could be completed. Preston honored Mark’s request and waited to begin his home—an attitude of service and sacrifice prevalent in the early days of our church!
There is so much more this article could not include concerning Joe & Nannie’s ministries and memories. I’m sure they would be willing to share more with you if you’re interested. For me, I’m thankful for the work they have done and continue to do for His glory. One last thing—they told me (in no uncertain terms) any and all they’ve accomplished was not about them. They continue to serve for God’s glory—let all praise go to Him!
Braswell & Hazel Smith
Have you guessed who this young family is to the right? Some of you may not remember how folk looked that long ago, so I’ll give you some hints.As you flipped the page you might tell by the next picture...they are Braswell & Hazel Smith with son, John, and daughter, Kay on the front.
He served as a Deacon for many years as well as our first Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, and continues as an active WMU member. In this picture, though it’s hard to tell, she is in the “family way” with their third child. The young boy has grown up to be a doctor and the little girl in Daddy’s arms is in the banking field.
Hazel has been part of this church since before the walls went up...doing as much as she could then as well as today to keep us effective ministers for Christ. Some of her memories include watching their three children grow up here, accept Christ, and be baptized. Both their daughters were married here. She even remembers “The Apostoloi” Youth Choir which Nell directed.
Other memories include Homecoming on the grounds—stretching out a wire fence over posts (this served as tables). After lunch on the grounds, admittedly the flies and mosquitoes didn't seem so bad back then, all would travel back inside for a time of singing.
Hazel remembered many of the women either had babies or where going to soon and they would take turns keeping the nursery for each other. She spoke of how Bible School was always a great event. She would bring children by the car loads with some arms and legs hanging out open windows...seatbelt laws were not in effect at this time. Another of Hazel’s memories centered on the choir—of which there were only five (that’s right...5) members. Boy, we have come a long way!
Hazel told me she has fussed for over 25 years to get new bathrooms for our sanctuary building. Granted that was a hard thing for me to believe. She did say how thankful she is for the great strides being done to accomplish this long-awaited goal. She went on to say once they’re done she’ll just keep quiet. Well, if that is the case, I suggest we keep a small piece from the bathrooms set aside only to be completed on the day God calls her home. After all, a “hushed” Hazel just won’t do to keep things “normal” around here!
Carl & Iris Aldridge
Do you recognize this couple? As with all our charter members they were here from even before the beginning. If you look real hard you will notice they haven’t changed all that much—wouldn’t you agree?
They both have been part of our choir—she still is and he has since been part of a heavenly choir. He has served as Deacon for many years and was our first Sunday School Superintendent. She taught Sunday School—first the Youth and then the Young Adults. Both had served as Associational Messengers and both have served on Pastor Search Committees. She has been and remains active in our WMU ministry. She told me “we had so few everyone had to work”—not a bad philosophy...everyone should have a “job” to do within God’s church here at Deep Run.
My last clue is she has been our unofficial photographer snapping pictures at VBS, Homecoming, trips, etc. keeping our memories fresh as we see those pictures. She is affectionately known as our “Cruise Director”. That young couple is none other than Carl & Iris Aldridge!
As our Treasured Friends leader/coordinator/director, Ms Iris keeps both young and old as busy and on the go as they want to be. She has many fond memories of people and events connected with our church—too many to list here and now. But when asked about her impressions of our church she is quick to say—wonderful, heavenly, warm, loving, friendly—well, you get the picture.
Carl and Iris started out at Sandy Bottom but where thrilled when Uncle Mark spoke to them about starting our church. Many had pledged money toward this God-given vision and Ms Iris shared how they had to sell corn to meet their pledge—they, too, understood the meaning of commitment and sacrifice. As she reminisced, she chuckled—she had been asked and accepted the position of Youth Choir Director...just imagine.
Ms Iris has a special love for the Youth of our church! She and others would make dresses for the Apostoloi Choir (our Youth Choir). She is also a believer in education. On her 80th birthday her family started the Iris S. Aldridge Scholarship Endowment to assist graduating high school seniors from our church with money for continued education.
There is no doubt Ms Iris loves her church. Her children were raised here, accepted Christ as their Savior, both daughters and a granddaughter were married here—it’s family. She describes us as a close knit family—young and old—fitting together, loving each other, and serving Christ! Enough said, but if you would like to hear and know more join her for lunch (breakfast or supper) you will enjoy the history and conversation!
Frank, Frankie, and Marion Mellette
Here they are! This months charter members—do you recognize them? I’ll give you a hint—even the little one is a charter member. In fact, though he is the oldest of his siblings, he is our youngest charter member.
The parents in this photo not only shared a good portion of their lives together, but they also shared a first name. He served as one of our earlier deacons and was handy with a hammer and nails. He made tables for our children to use in Sunday school and other times. He also made shelves to help organize items in various rooms. He possessed a good speaking voice and would be called upon to narrate during special programs in church.
She had been a long-time Sunday school teacher for our younger children...teaching them many years in our old kitchen area. She has been part of our WMU Ministry, especially prior to her hearing loss.
In case you have not guessed—these fine people are Frank, Frankie, and Marion Mellette! All 3 joined during an April revival in 1954. Frank and Frankie already made a commitment to join, asking Marion to watch his younger brother and sister. But, Marion wanted to join and be part of God’s work here in Deep Run.
The Mellettes believed our church filled a void not only in their life, but also in our community. They enjoyed the times of fellowship, worship, picnics, study, etc. it was not something they would want to miss. Even if they had company Frankie would fix all that was needed to eat and still make it to church—it was their commitment and it was important! All three children attended here, accepted Christ as their Savior, and were baptized.
During those early years, the preacher would come to Deep Run twice a month and occasionally stayed at the Mellette’s home where he would sleep and eat...a service provided by many in those years.
Marion remembers a tree house where the parsonage sits today...he and a few friends spent many a night camping out there and fishing in the pond across from the church—long before the Greene’s built their home.
Many know Marion moved away for some time (41 years) but this month marks his 4th anniversary at being “home.” He continues to use his talents in videography by recording DVD’s for shut-ins as well as for those participating in special services.
Both Frankie and Marion have seen tremendous growth in our church and they, like many others, are proud to call First Baptist Church of Deep Run—HOME!
Herman "Shorty" & Ellen Tyndall and Judy Morris
Do you recognize these fine people? They were around at the beginning of our church—doing what they could to accomplish God’s will in making First Baptist Church of Deep Run a reality.
All three (one more on p.2) are charter members and have been involved in various ministries. The young woman (p.2) was the first to be baptized in our church. Her Momma (pictured with her husband) sang in our choir for many years and taught our children in Sunday school. She also served
on a Pastor Search Committee which brought Rev. R.H. Lineberger to be our first full-time pastor, serving from July 1962 to April 1972—still the longest serving pastor in our history. She certainly helped choose a good one.
If you guessed these are Herman “Shorty” Tyndall, Ellen Tyndall, and Judy Morris you have done well. Ellen remembers church prior to air conditioning—”we burned up in the summer time”—she told me, but it was worth coming! She remembers when only a half dozen were in the choir—we’ve come a long way. Her and Shorty attended every Sunday they could—he got some of his best naps during Sunday preaching. (Editor’s Note: Ellen asked me to include this fun fact.)
Judy had moved away for a while but she is back now tending to her Momma. She does remember Shorty and Ellen visiting folks often, especially those who were going through some difficult times.
Homecoming was a big event for Ellen and Shorty—she misses not being able to come anymore. If you get a chance, stop in at Britthaven (Kinston) and spend a few minutes visiting with Ellen—she’d love to see you!
Oliver & Ann Smith
Some more have turned the clock back a couple years...do you know who they are? These two met as teenagers at Bethel Baptist. They accepted Christ during revival services—the same night. Later they were baptized in the same mill pond, again on the same day. It continues to amaze me how God works in the life of His children...bringing these two together at a young age and keeping them together for so long. In fact, looking beyond this life they will be together forever—a wonderful promise.
He would say they met at church, joined the same night, baptized the same day, and been “waddling around ever since!” On September 3, 1943 Oliver and Ann were married. They have served our church for many years in various capacities. Oliver spent many days working on our building. He served as Deacon, Treasurer, Trustee (for 49 years), and even on pulpit committees. He was certainly “pro-church” wanting to see this church grow, doing what he could for it’s benefit. Ann says, “He had more common sense than anyone I’ve ever known” about Oliver.
Ann helped organize and lead our first Sun Beams for several years. She was a faithful nursery worker—loved those children. She also served as Sunday School secretary for many years. Ann always helped with Vacation Bible School—even picking up children on the way to church. She even served on some past pulpit committees, too.
Ann remembers we had a smaller congregation those early years and everyone pitched in—doing what was needed to keep going. Both Oliver and Ann loved serving in may capacities. “God has blessed us through the years!” the blessings have continued with their children (Paula, Jimmy, Donna, and Randy) along with their spouses (Ed, Becky, Linn, and Ginny), and their grandchildren. Ann just beams when talking about her family. Family is important and one of the best things to do is raise our children in church!
All four children accepted Christ and were baptized here at Deep Run First Baptist. Three of the four were married here and three of the four remain actively involved in church ministries here!
Church continues to be a priority for Ann! She remembers on Sunday mornings frying 2 chickens with the fixings, getting 4 children dressed and ready, getting herself ready, and still being on time. This kind of dedication was modeled for them by Mark and Lula Smith (along with many other founding members). A good witness for all of us!
When asked how she could wrap up our “interview,” Ann said—”I’m proud to be a Charter Member of this church. From it’s beginning to where we are now with God’s blessings this will always be our home!
One last thought...if you have not tried any of Ann’s pound cake you are missing a real treat!
Ray & Dot Blizzard
When you hear the term “Charter Member” what comes to mind? I hope words like trailblazer, explorer, or visionary come up along with characteristics such as self-sacrificing, hard working, and giving, too. We have much to be thankful for here at First Baptist and part of that is because of our Charter Members!
Here are two more of those visionaries for us to recognize—those whose work continues to glorify God and build us up! Do you recognize them? She was always involved in Bible School—teaching and helping out in any way necessary. She was involved driving Ms. Lula & Estelle around seeking folks in our community of like faith to begin our church—visitation works! She has served on one of our Pastor Search Committees as well bringing Pastor Elmore to Deep Run.
He served as an RA Leader, served as Deacon, and was church treasurer for nearly 20 years. In our formative years (1951—1953) he was serving our country in the Army. Afterwards, he was glad to be back home—doing what he could to help us become what we are today.
You probably have already recognized this couple as Ray & Dot Blizzard. I recently sat down with them to reminisce about our history—it was good and I hope you will enjoy, learn, and do a little remembering, too. One of the first things they mentioned was the importance church had in their lives—all worked during the week, as many do today, but Sundays were for Sunday School and then worship. The afternoons were spent with families.
When Ray was ordained as Deacon it was Ms. Estelle’s last night at church—she longed to witness this service and was pleased she could. All three of there children were raised, saved, and baptized in our church. They remembered the work Mr. Preston, Mark, and Redding put into with our building. Another note of interest is that there were others who helped with our building and because of God’s work in and through His people they opted to join our fellowship.
Dot was a member of Union Baptist and Ray a member of Smith New Home (FWB) but being a part of First Baptist just made sense—it was built for the right reasons...to glorify God...and God continues to bless us—real good! They have seen a lot of progress over the years—new additions, parking lot, fellowship hall, land, many people coming and adding much to our church family!
When asked about the state of our church, Ray said and Dot agreed—”First Baptist is in good hands with the people here today!”