By By Janet Little Cooper
Services celebrating Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Churches 119th anniversary began tonight with a series of messages brought by local pastors and ending on Sunday with a special service.
Members will gather each night this week to celebrate the rich history and tradition of the Baptist Church that began when Atmore was still known as Williams Station. The church has seen many wonderful pastors over the years and continues to be blessed under the leadership of current pastor, Rev. Willie Hawthorne.
Rev. A. L. Durant who led the church for 34 years preceded Hawthorne, who became pastor in 2002.
"I am happy to be the present pastor," Hawthorne said. "This is my home. My parents started their ministry here in this church and I am proud to be a part of it. Greater Mt. Triumph has always been a church that helps in the community. It has a history of helping others. It is an icon in the community. It is the oldest black church in the area and from what I understand, most of the Baptist churches came from Mt. Triumph. This is just a thrill celebrating 119 years of ministry. We are looking for a glorious time."
Rev. Sanders Mason pastor of Zion Star A.M.E. in Atmore will be speaking Wednesday night, followed by Pastor Hattie Bishop of Deliverance Ministry in Atmore. The celebration will continue Friday night with the pastor of Union Baptist in Bay Minette, Rev. Dwight Boykin. The week will end on Sunday at 3 p.m. with a special service featuring Rev. James Miller from First Baptist Church of Warrington in Pensacola, Fla. The weeknight services all began at 7 p.m. and are open to the community.