Turn of the Century

A former slave, John McMullen began the first African American Church in the town of Elon College at the turn of the 20th century. He built Elon First Baptist Church on his land located on Ball Park Avenue. Rev. McMullen was a very intelligent young man who owned a store adjacent to his white frame church.

1922
John McMullen remodeled the building by replacing the planks with a brick structure. The handmade bricks came from a brickyard that was located across the railroad track from the church. The entire congregation worked toward completion of this remodeling effort.

1925
After the death of McMullen, Rev. Sandy Gilmer began to pastor the church. Services were held on the third Sunday of each month. Rev. Gilmer pastored the church until his death in 1956. He was a prominent dedicated minister who was loved by many. As an token of the church's love and affection, his body lay in state at the church on September 10, 1956 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, for the community both near and far would be able to pay their respects.

1958
Rev. Weaver Davis was installed as pastor, and under his pastoral care, Evangelist Mary Ireland became the first lady to preach her initial sermon at Elon. Sister Ireland founded the Elon Gospel Chorus. The membership began to grow and many visitors fellowshipped with us on a regular basis. Under Rev. Davis, water and sewer services were installed, the pastor's office, classroom and bathrooms were added to the church building. A few years later, the Elon Elementary School property on Lynn Street was acquired as land to build a new church. Also during this time, the church purchased a bus for the ministry. In 1983, Rev. Davis retired as pastor to care for his ailing wife.

1984
Rev. Clarence Wall from Greensboro was installed as pastor. Sister Lena Summers was Mother of the Church and the visionary for the Missionary module of the Guilford Baptist Association; of which Elon was an active and very influential affiliate. Sister Mamie Cousin was Assistant Mother.

1997
With a lot of praises, hard work, and with the business knowledge of the trustees, especially Trustee Raymond Warren, the mortgage to the church was burned on December 14th.

2001
The first Big Tent Celebration to commemorate our 79th Church anniversary was held on June 25th. We marched from the Ball Park Avenue Church to our current location. Pastor Wall preached from the topic: "I'm Going With Jesus All the Way." After the service, we had a blessed celebration with food and fellowship. Two additional Church vans were later purchased as an anniversary gift to the church members at another tent celebration.

2004
Pastor Wall served as pastor for twenty years. He was known for his singing ability and as well as his preaching. His years of service ended in October. Deacon Lawrence Slade, Chairman of the Board took on the task of contacting ministers to preach each Sunday. The congregation was blessing with hearing the Word from different ministers including Elon's very own: Minister Jean Parris, Elder Keith Johnson, Elder Shelia Lea, Minister L. D. Summers, and Elder Sharon Johnson. The congregation fasted and prayed to God for direction.

2005
On the 3rd Sundays in March and May, God sent the Rev. M. Keith McDaniel, Sr. to preach. A lot of members recognized "A pastor's spirit" in him during both services. The church members and friends were truly blessed by the Word from God. During the month of July, Rev. McDaniel preached every Sunday.

On the 2nd Sunday in August, the McMullen, Pennix, Johnson and Cousin family reunion was held. The Johnson family made a special presentation: a scholarship was begun for college students to aid in furthering their education.

2006
In July, Elon First Baptist held their first Annual Renewal Conference. The purpose of this conference is to create dialogue with the larger community concerning issues of social and economic injustice. Other worship opportunities birthed out of the ministry of Pastor McDaniel include the Super Bowl fellowship, College Day and the Winter Revival.

Since becoming pastor, the church membership continues to grow.

God has work for His pastor and His people to do. With His guidance, the tasks set before us will be accomplished!

Turn of the Century

1922 John McMullen remodeled the building by replacing the planks with a brick structure. The handmade bricks came from a brickyard that was located across the railroad track from the church. The entire congregation worked toward completion of this remodeling effort.

1922
John McMullen remodeled the building by replacing the planks with a brick structure. The handmade bricks came from a brickyard that was located across the railroad track from the church. The entire congregation worked toward completion of this remodeling effort.