1913-1917

At a called conference October 11, 1912. The First Baptist Church of Dublin. With interim pastor Reverend J. C. Stillian, serving as moderator, the deacons recommended that the church extend a call to Reverend T. W. Callaway of Americus who was then serving as Pastor of the East Macon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia. Final action was postponed until October 19, 1913 when the recommendation of the deacons extending a call to Reverend Callaway was adopted by the church.

The committee appointed to see Reverend Callaway regarding his call to the pastorate of the Dublin First Baptist Church reported that he accepted the call and would take up his duties as pastor December 1, 1913. During Reverend Callaway’s pastorate in 1914, the church voted to have 1000 copies of the covenant with each member furnished a copy.

A city missionary was employed and Reverend Callaway agreed to give $35.00 per month to his salary, and the Sunday School would supplement that amount sufficiently to make the salary.

The last installment of the on the note of the third church, completed in 1908, was paid in June of 1914. The church cost $40,000.00. The church at pastor Callaway’s suggestion, planned a special meeting with a view of the Baptists of Dublin getting better acquainted and bringing about a closer fellowship, which on motion of J. H. Witherington, was done. On Sunday morning June, 21, 1914 the church was dedicated with an impressive ceremony in charge of Reverend Callaway.

Special music was rendered by Miss Lily Hightower and Miss Pauline Fuller. Dr. George Douglas of New York, read the scripture, and J. H. Witherington, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, read a short sketch of the church prepared by Mrs. Josie Carswell, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. T. H. Rowe, which will be found in the regular minutes. A former supply pastor, P. A. W. Jessup, also read a short history.

Mr. W.W. Robinson, chairman of the Building Committee, took the cancelled check from Dr. J. B. Donaldson, Treasurer, and burned it while the congregation sang the Doxology.

Reverend M. A. Jenkins, former pastor of the church, under whose leadership the church was begun, preached the dedication sermon, and Dr. Troy of New York led in the dedicatory prayer, followed by the benediction by Reverend Jenkins.

Reverend Callaway served from December 1, 1913 until 1917, and returned to Macon.