First Baptist's'rebirth' is hallmark for city

J ASPER IS A CITY OF churches and those institutions are among the strongest threads that make up the fabric of this community..

While examples abound, one

need look no further than the First Baptist Church for the strength and the depth of beliefs that depict the entire faith community in Jasper.

A mere three and one-half years ago, but almost an eternity to First Baptist members, a tragic fire destroyed that historic church structure. What followed has been a lesson in faith and resolve in overcoming huge hurdles on the path of church life and service and underscored the unity not only within that congregation but also in other denominations to see that First Baptist ultimately survived.

Immediately after the conflagration, First Baptist congregants banded together in steely resolve to rebuild. Other denominations reached out to that church to offer help. First Baptist members accepted the offer of nearby First United Methodist Church to use its facilities until the Baptist Church could be rebuilt. Several months after the fire, Brian

South was chosen as the new First Baptist pastor, returning to the church where several years earlier he had served as youth minister. South says the church has become stronger spiritually and that the tragic event was "used by God to bring about unity, peace, purpose and a spirit of love that this church is being blessed with right now that in the past was not here."

Two Sundays ago, First Baptist's congregation met for the first time in their new facility. This Sunday the church will hold a dedication and celebration of its new facilities as well as a delayed-by-ayear observance of the sesquicentennial of the church's founding (see related story).

South and members of the church relate experiences of the depth of emotion about "coming home" within the membership.

The Jasper community should share in those feelings and experiences as one of the city's faith building blocks becomes fully restored. Members of the faith community here can and will offer their congratulations and support to First Baptist Church and the outstanding worship facility now available to Jasper and East Texas.