HISTORY OF TATUM RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH

Dedicated and Cornerstone Laid: 1952

Founding and Early Mission (1951–1952)

In 1951, Tatum Ridge Baptist Church began as a mission from its "Mother Church," Friendship Baptist. During a revival at Friendship, the pastor, Brother Franklin, prayed for someone to fill in at Tatum Ridge to get the mission started. Steve Columbus was asked to lead; though he claimed he was "no preacher" but "could talk," he felt led by the Lord after a night of prayer. He, his wife Nellie, and their children moved forward with the mission.

In 1952, prior to the building's completion, services were held under an oak tree just north of the present church site. Bill Lewis preached on several Sundays under this tree, which still stands today. The first service included Harold Jones and his wife Catherine, Lilly Johnson, Addie Tatum, Callie Tatum, and Earl Marlow. Other founding members included Mrs. Mattie Gant, Ethel Tucker, Oscar and Nona Tucker, and Guy and Effie Clark.

Property and Construction History

The church site was established when Mrs. Addie Tatum donated 1/2 acre of her land. This gift followed discussions with Ralph Marlow, Steve Columbus, and Earl Marlow, with the assurance that the church would be built within walking distance of Mrs. Tatum's home. Later, Reverend Jim Clark donated money for an additional 1/4 acre abutting the north and west sides of the original property.

1952: The first sign was built by Dewey Fleeman.

1953/1954: First indoor toilets installed by Dewey Fleeman.

1959: Terrazzo floors poured over existing concrete.

1978: Dining room built by Tony Wilson, John Hilton, and others. First telephone installed in August.

1980: Dedication of the new front section of the church.

1983: Clarence and Frank Fleeman laid blocks for a new sign frame.

1984: New septic tank installed; concrete floors poured for the kitchen and fellowship hall supervised by Tony Wilson and John Hilton (cost approx. $4,000).

1988: Vestibule and portico added; the church bell was moved over the front door.

Recent Improvements and Stewardship (2001)

The I.C. Keadle family donated the west side sidewalk, and Greg Tope poured the sidewalk to the youth building. Rosie Turner and her mother, Margie Wilson, funded the covering of all church pews. In 2001, Rosie Turner also donated leaded front doors (hung by John Hilton), a new organ, and a new sign. Sound equipment was updated by Ralph Shannon, Rosie Turner, and John Hilton.

In October 2001, Rory Martin leveled a new gravel parking lot. Landscape plants donated by Rosie Turner are maintained by volunteers and Lucille Williams. Grounds maintenance is provided by Rory and Robbie Martin. Inside, the library was moved to the foyer, and John Hilton built shelves for the new pastor’s study.

A New Chapter

On November 4, 2001, Reverend Bradley Smith preached his first regular sermon. This history was compiled as a labor of love by Chairperson Rosie Turner, with assistance from Gracie Campbell, Ruth McAmis, John Hilton, and Harold Jones.

This history was compiled through the dedicated efforts of many, including longtime secretary Gracie Campbell, treasurer Ruth McAmis, and volunteers like John Hilton and photographer Harold Jones. It remains a "labor of Christian love" intended to preserve the records of the church for future generations.

Rosie Turner
Chairperson
February 2002