Lilly Baptist Church

The founder and first pastor of the Lilly Baptist Church was Rev. Leroy King. He organized the church in 1910 in the town of Jones Mills which later became known as it is now as Frisco City, Alabama. The church was established despite of the harsh conditions. There was no running water, no electricity, and no paved roads. Its first location was in a brush harbor just a few miles from here. Later, the Lilly Baptist Church was built as a small wooden building in its current location.

The church began with the fellowship of numerous Christian believers. Rev. David Duker, Rev. W.M. Davis, Rev. Zeb Tate, Rev. Charlie Gibby, Rev. N. Bracy, Rev. Adam Dinkin, Rev. Wiley Williams, and Rev. M.O. Bettis were a part of the church ministry when the Lilly Baptist Church was established. They all served under Pastor Leroy King.

The charter members included: Deacon Nelson Tucker and Family, Deacon Ed Johnson and Family, Deacon Andrew Williams and Family, Deacon Charlie Lett and Family, Deacon Cisroe Tolbert and Family, Rev. Willie Gibby and Family, Deacon John Longmire and Family, Deacon Rueben Johns and Family, Sister Alline Huns and Family, Deacon Leonard Tazlie and Family, and Deacon John Thomas and Family.

Other deacons who served were: Deacon W.H. Bradley, Deacon Tom Green, Deacon Fred King, Deacon Affred Key, Deacon Sam Seldon, Deacon Lige Ikner, Deacon Milton Smith, Deacon Abe King, Deacon W.B. Marshall, Deacon Joe Scott, Deacon Joe Malone.

The early worship services were filled with singing, praising, and preaching. The great pioneers of this great church praised God for things being as well as they were but they prayed steadfastly for a better day.

As the years passed, the congregation continued to grow and various men of God were sent to pastor the Lilly Baptist Church congregation. Each pastor had a vision from God for taking the Lilly Baptist Church to a new level for the edification of God's Word and for His glory.

Pastors succeeding Rev. Leroy King included Rev. Robert Johnson, Rev. B.D. Lambert, and Rev. Robinson.

In 1949 the church was rebuilt under the leadership of Rev. L.J. Hawkins who served as pastor for six years. Despite the many challenges that Rev. Hawkins and the congregation encountered, he kept his vision and persevered in rebuilding the church.

Later, in 1955 Rev. S.C. James was called as pastor and served for twenty-three years until the Lord called him home. Under his leadership, he added the following deacons to the Deacon's Board: Deacon John Cunningham, Deacon Alfred Malone, Sr., Deacon George Carmichael, Deacon Osia Carmichael, Deacon Earnest Richardson. Not only was the Deacon's Board expanded, but many youth joined the church as well.

In 1978, Rev. W.E. Hill was called as pastor and served until 1991. While he served as pastor, he added third and fifth Sunday worship services. Deacon Noble Cowart, Deacon Alfred Malone, Jr., and Deacon William Thomas were added to the Deacon's Board. In addition, the kitchen, cafeteria, and bathrooms were added to the church building.

Since 1992, Rev. Whalen Oliver has been serving as pastor of the Lilly Baptist Church. Under his leadership, Deacon Anthony Jackson, Deacon Charles Lee, Deacon Robert Pettway, Deacon Willie Frye, Deacon Weston Primm,and Deacon Pilot Williams have joined the Deacon's Board. Many new members have come to Christ and joined the Lilly Baptist Church congregation. In addition, the church building has also undergone the construction of a covered driveway for the elderly and disabled on the church vestibule.

Although the Lilly Baptist Church foundation was established over a century ago, we pray that God will continue to bless us spiritually and use us as His instruments today just as our forefathers were used by Him so many years ago.