Midway Baptist Church

1941 to present

Location

3414 W. Walnut St., Johnson City, TN 37604

History

The Midway Mission was organized by Central Baptist Church in April 1941. The building used by the Mission for a house of worship was once a house and store combination.

In June 1947, it was voted that the Mission become an independent church, and in May 1947 the Central Church confirmed this decision. On August 3, 1947, the organization of the Mission into an independent church was completed with seventeen charter members present. The organizing council was composed of pastors and members of the following Baptist churches: Central, Unaka Avenue, Boones Creek, Roan Hill, Southside, Temple, Pinecrest, Erwin Calvary and Jonesboro First.

After the adjournment of the Council, the Church met in its first business session and elected Rev. Haven C. Lowe, pastor and the following other officers: Zaleen Lowe, Clerk; F.N. Sims, Treasurer; Mrs. Howard Strickland, music director; Miss Betty Lowe, pianist; Lewis Sims, custodian; E.H. Lowe, Sunday School superintendent; Mrs. Howard Strickland, Training Union director; and F.N. Sims and Howard Strickland, deacons. The some of the early ministers to the Mission, listed in the order of their service, were: Lester Burnette, Robert E. Lee, and Haven C. Lowe.

In due time the church erected a new house of worship. On Sunday December 12, 1948, the cornerstone for the new building was laid. As the work progressed, many problems and difficulties arose. These obstacles were overcome with the work of members and some non-members. On the first Sunday of April 1949, the new building was dedicated.

Posted 10 Sep 2005