Antioch baptist church celebrates 185th anniversary

HUMBOLDT, Tenn — For nearly two centuries one west Tennessee church has served the community. On Sunday, they honored the church’s legacy.

Antioch baptist church says they’re celebrating the past and anticipating the future.

Pastor Bill Espy said “God’s just blessing us. He’s so good to us and we’re just thankful to be apart of what he’s doing right here in the Humboldt Medina community.”

For the past eleven years Pastor Espy has served and he said overtime Antioch has evolved for the better. “The church has seen lots of changing we’ve moved through several different facilities.. this facility was built back in the mid 60s and we just renovated it this past year.” Espy said.

People who’ve been members of the church for more than 50 years were asked to stand to be recognized.

“It’s cool to see people from over the years come back and celebrate with us.” Church member, Marley Dyess said.

Some members described Antioch as a close knit family, dedicated to serving the community.

Marley explained that “families like to be able to bring their kids for them to learn and just to grow and we definitely have that here.”

While remembering the church’s start back in 1831, folks are also preparing for what’s next.

“With the growing upcoming generations I’m really excited about our potential meeting peoples needs right here in Medina and Humboldt.” Espy said.

Pastor Espy said the church will be celebrating all month long. Next Sunday the president of Union University, Dr. Dub Oliver will be their special guest.