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   Steve Hughes

   August 28, 2025

   Okay, I will have to admit, I have become an “old(?) Baptist History ‘geek'” thanks to Bro. Jesse Owens, Jake Stone and their Generally Particular Podcast. I am glad to be able to hear this discussion this morning especially as it is more geared to us as FWB.

   Growing up loving to go to the South GA Assoc. of FWB Youth Camp, South GA Assoc. meetings with my parents and then to Free Will Baptist Bible College, as I have gotten older, this history has become so much more important.

   Our association gave birth to Dr. L. C. Johnson who pastored my home church in the 1930’s. Laura Belle Barnard, pioneer missionary to India. Dr. Ralph Lightsey, a part of the early days of FWBBC (now Welch). Not to mention all the great pastors who have come and gone during those early formative years of my life and the laymen who faithfully served their local congregations.

   This historical reflection cannot dismiss the the Blanton Family who migrated to South GA from NC in the 1800’s and established FWB Churches all across the Southeastern corner of the state. Few of those family member are still around today and when they are gone, so will be that history. One of those was a great encouragement and blessing to our family for many, many years.

   Sadly, I am seeing a loss in our association and churches over the last several years and we need a genuine reawakening not only in our churches, but also in our association. And with that reawakening, an appreciation for our history. We must learn from the past in order to effectively press toward the future.

   Thanks again guys. And, stay Free Will Baptist! (Sorry Jake)

   Steve Hughes, Pastor
   Corinth FWB Church, est. 1902
   Clerk
   South GA Association of Free Will Baptists

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