Pontotoc Second Baptist Church

Pontotoc Second Baptist originated from First Baptist Church of Pontotoc, MS in 1866. We have been blessed with several God-fearing leaders. Just to name a few in recent years: Rev Terry Baber, Rev R. V. Jones, Rev David High, Rev John Crittle, Rev .Robert Jamison, Dr. P. Montgomery, Rev Herbert Bonner and the list goes on to our present, Rev Derric Morrison.

History:

Pontotoc Second Baptist has always been blessed with diligent, hard-working and faithful members. We have also been blessed with great leaders. With this in mind, the idea to improve the existing building was formed. For it had been many years since any work had been done on the existing building. The first thing to do was select a person or persons to be in charge of this project. On July 11, 1994, Bro. W Zinn, Sr was elected Chairman and Bro. J Hall, Sr, Co-Chairman of the Building Committee, for there was a lot to be done.

For the next year, the Building Committee worked toward getting bids for renovation of the existing building, getting the land surveyed and other appropriate business needed to complete the project. During this time, the church body met and continued to discuss the need for improvements of our building. As we met, the idea of a completely new building was brought about.

After many meetings, prayers and more meetings, there was a decision to coordinate a "Future Development Committee." Several members volunteered to be on this committee: Rev E.E. Zinn, Chairman, Sis D. Dilworth, Co-Chairman. The committee met and discussed several ideas. On May 8,1995 at the regular church meeting, they presented their report. Thirty-four people wanted a new building and seven people wanted to remodel the existing building. The church body held several more meetings. Our pastor at this time, Rev. Baber, was offering encouragement and prayers at all services, for us to work together to do the things that the Lord would have us to do.

Still praying, on February 11, 1996, it was approved to paint the sanctuary and replace some carpet, while we were still waiting on bids. Several bids were submitted for renovation of the existing church. On February 10, 1997, Bro Zinn and Bro Hall submitted a bid for a metal building that would cost, $112,500. The church body as a whole liked the plan, but was a little apprehensive on the financial part of the plan. At this time, Rev Baber presented the vision to us that was given to him by God, which was: Each adult member pledge to pay $35 a week or more, but most of all be faithful to God about paying our tithes and offerings, and God would do the rest.

On March 9, 1997, the church body approved that we tear down the existing building and build a much larger building all together. 130 members were present at this meeting. On March 23, 1997, several members volunteered to be on the building committee. At the time the building committee suggested that the men of the church would do the work, "free of charge." Of course this idea was acceptable. This would be a 5-year project, with completion expected by July, 2002. Several committees were formed: Brick Committee, Window Committee, Decoration Committee and so on and so forth. The Committee members worked hard and long to ensure that everything was going as planned.

In July 1997 while we were hosting the State Convention, Pearson Construction Company started to work. The church was excited. Over the next couple of years, the women of the church cleaned bricks, painted some and helped with the hardwood floors of the church, while the men of the church tore down the old building, and built the inside of the new building. We had Sunday service in the gym. Bro Bates came and rendered music for us. This was a great day.

After many long hours and hard work supplied by these men: W.Zinn, Sr, S.Zinn, E.Vaughn, J.Elzie, J.Elzie,Sr, C.Keys, and H.Duke, we were blessed to have dedication of this building in January 2000. Only 3 years to do what we anticipated to be 5 years. God has truly blessed us and we are forever grateful to have a place of worship that also serves our community as well. We pray that God will continue to bless our efforts as we seek to do his will.