It is a church that cherishes its history, and there is a lot to commemorate.

First Baptist Church in Talladega will celebrate its 175th anniversary during a special service May 30 at 10 a.m. The service is open to all and the church promises a full celebration of its long history.

The doors will open at 9 a.m. with fellowship and food. A tour of the church will follow the service.

Terry Barksdale, minister of music and senior adults as well as staff advisor to the 175th Celebration Committee, said longtime members and visitors may learn some interesting details of the congregation.

While the service is free, there will be a lunch at noon at a cost of $15 per person. Lunch reservations must be made by May 16.

Brenda Burt is chairwoman for the 175th Celebration Committee. The other committee members are Rudolph Dennis, Hubert Hubbard, Emily Johnson, Ginny Sims and Nettie Studdard.

The committee is planning for a full house for the celebration. Burt said many former church members have been invited, and she expects extra people in the congregation to join the Sunday regulars, who usually number around 300.

Guest speaker will be Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Special awards are expected to accompany the anniversary. Burt said the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission will have a presentation.

Sen. Jim Preuitt is expected to attend and proclaim a resolution for the anniversary.

The theme of the commemoration is “Great is Your Faithfulness to Each Generation.” Burt places a special meaning to it of her own translation.

“Since the church has begun it could not have endured 175 years if God had not blessed us and been faithful to us,” she said.

The commemorative spirit will be in full bloom even before the service. Barksdale said the church will perform a selection of favorite anthems at 6 p.m. May 23 “to kick things off.”

Preserving history is important to First Baptist not just in the instance of this commemoration, but as a regular part of the church.

The church houses its own Hall of History that holds artifacts to keep First Baptist’s history alive. This area is undergoing renovations and redecorating for the anniversary.

The Hall of History houses pictures of church events of yesteryear. Pictures of all the pastors dating back to the original founders can be seen. Only the church’s last pastor is missing from this list, but Burt said this will be remedied.

Other artifacts include an early communion set and even church minutes from its founding year of 1835. The church’s first Bible from 1873 is also on display.

First Baptist had its own historian, Walter Belt White, for more than 25 years until his death in 2007.

White wrote a book titled “History of the First Baptist Church Talladega, Alabama,” which chronicled the church from 1835 though 1985. This book remains a popular item in the church’s library.

Burt said three people are working on updating this book.

Thomas Chapel is also being refurbished as part of this commemorative year. The carpet has been removed to restore the original wood floor. It is also being redecorated and new pew cushions will be put in.

Thomas Chapel used to be the church’s main sanctuary. It is now used for Wednesday evening services and small weddings and funerals.

Burt feels renovating these parts of the church are important to its overall mission.

“The spiritual ministry is the important thing, but you have to have a place to do it,” she said.

The spirit of loyalty that accompanies places with rich histories is alive in the congregation. Hubbard said that at 80 years old, First Baptist remains the only church he’s ever been a member of.

Johnson, 88, has been here for 58 years and Dennis, 90, for 65 years. Dennis still sings in the choir.

First Baptist was started on May 31, 1835, with 10 charter members. It was originally called Good Hope Baptist Church.

Today, with more than 600 resident members, it is one of the largest churches in Talladega.

The first building was located at the corner of Spring and North streets. It moved to a building on East Street in 1873.

It moved again in 1932 to its present location on North Street.

For more information about the 175th celebration or to reserve lunch, call 256-362-8081.