Fairlawn

The History of

In 1884, Fairlawn Baptist Church was located on Whitehall Plantation and was 
originally under the first leadership of Rev. Prince Black and eight deacons: Solomon 
Parrish, Moses Johnson, Moultrie Thompson, January Mack, John Ward Adams, 
Louis Minis, Edmond A. Marshal and R. J. Hawkins.  The early church members 
were those who held a strong belief in God’s Word.  They were descendants of 
slaves of Whitehall and Gibbons’ Plantations.  The founders of the church 
exemplified the faith that the Apostle Paul wrote in  Romans 8:39, “ nor height, nor 
depth, nor shall any other creature separate us from the love of God, which is in 
Christ Jesus our Lord”. Upon their death, slaves living on the plantation used 
Fairlawn’s cemetery as their resting place; there are markers dating back to almost 
200 years. Today, the only visible remaining indication of Whitehall Plantation is a 
very short piece of oak lined trees.

In later years, a plot of land was purchased from The Little Pilgrim Society to build a 
church; however, the land was not suitable. Gracefully, a plot of land was obtained 
from Deacon William Smith at the Five Mile Bend, across the railroad to build a 
church.  This church was called The Second African Baptist Church and was later 
changed to Fairlawn Baptist Church.

In 1950, a plot of land was purchased from Sis. Emily Gathers to build a new 
church under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Perry. Groundbreaking ceremonies were 
held on the 3rd Sunday in June 1950. In May 1955, the church was dedicated and 
Rev. Joseph H. Perry conducted the first communion.


A NEW BEGINNING:  “From the Ashes”

In January 1979, plans were being made for renovations on the church, but tragedy 
occurred. On  February 2, 1979, the church was destroyed by fire. We were blessed 
to use the Clifton Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Sweet. 
Thanks to our many friends in the community, surrounding counties and cities; God’
s blessings were once again bestowed upon us to build a new church.   

Our church is Bless to have been under these pastoral leaderships: Rev. John Ward 
Adams, Rev. W.C. Ward, Rev. Jim Winters, Rev. D. D. Murchinson, Rev. J. H. 
Jones, Rev. J. B. Bates Rev. Joseph Perry, Rev. C. W. Aiken, Rev. A. L. Hall, Rev. 
William Green, Jr, Rev. Leroy Pollen, III.

Currently, Minster Harold Edwards, Sr. serves as our 12th pastor of the church. He 
was called to serve as pastor in January 2007.

As we embark upon many years, Fairlawn Baptist Church will continue to seek the 
Lord in Prayers for directions in His church.  We bow in humble submission and we 
thank and praise His Holy name for His Goodness and His Mercy. In this church we 
will serve the Lord.