Mankind records history as a memorial to the deeds of those who have served their day and moved on and as a guide and inspiration to those who follow. It is with this purpose in mind that we review the history of the Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church. However, because of the lack of information at this time, we have composed to the best of our ability the history of this Church.

In the year of our Lord 1891, under the leadership of Reverend C. H. Payne, twenty-eight years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Lake Elam Baptist Church was organized; a wooden framed structure sitting high off the ground on the banks of the Alabama River, at a place called Jackson Lake.

Later, a spot of land was donated in Sandtown, and the wooden frame was brought from the Jackson Lake site. The lumber was moved in many ways, but the main mode of transportation was an oxen and a wagon. The lumber was moved from the lake up a dusty path along the L & N railroad track, through the Widows Home and Long Quarters communities and placed on the lot where the Old Church used to stand (presently a parking lot) on a spot of land donated by Deacon John Washington.

The building was remodeled in 1944 under the leadership of Reverend A. W. Wilson. The deacons at that time were: V. E. Jackson, Chairman, John Isom, Dave Crenshaw, John Washington, Fred Williams, Oscar Iverson, Sr., Joe Washington, Joe Bradley, Andrew Jackson, and Joe Slaton. As the years rolled by other deacons were added: Oliver Fenderson, Johnny Prince, V. E. Long, Harry Iverson, Sr., Willie Jackson, D. F. Adams, Walter Wilson, Will Robinson and Matthew Washington. Later, a dining room, kitchen and bathrooms were added to the old church structure. Sister Sabitha Robinson, who also donated the first flowers to the Church, donated the first Sofa and Chair. Sister Minnie Duncan was the Secretary and served for many years.

Reverend William Ashley accepted the calling as Pastor in the year of our Lord 1974, and under his leadership added more deacons: Deacons Sammy Zeigler, Joe Brown, Willie Jackson, Clarence Former, Benny Terry, David Perry, and Elvis M. Pettaway. A Trustee Board was also organized. A beautiful Foyer was added to the Church, along with central heat and air, and a Hammond Organ. The land adjacent to the Old Church was purchased, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and trained leadership of Reverend William Ashley, church family and many friends, began the process of building a new structure for Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church.

The new structure was completed January 1996 and Consecration Services were held February 25, 1996 with Reverend Wilbert Wright serving as Associate Pastor. In the new structure, we were blessed to have added more room in the sanctuary, a beautiful Pastor’s study, fellowship hall, five bathrooms, baptism pool, choir room, and finance office. As time rolled on our Pastor, William Ashley retired in 1997, and Associate Pastor Wilbert Wright carried on the flock until 1998.

After fervently praying for a leader, the Lord answered in the person of Reverend Richard Russell. As a young man, Pastor Russell has energized the ministries of the church. Through the help of the Lord, many ministries were added and revamped under his leadership.

Under Pastor Russell’s leadership, our membership and attendance has grown tremendously as well as the spiritual level of our worship services. We have eradicated the mortgage of our present sanctuary and purchased additional land for future expansion of the ministry. Ground breaking services were held November 14, 2004 for a new sanctuary. It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to bless us as we continue to follow the vision that he has given to our Pastor.