History of Preston Baptist Church
Preston Baptist Church was founded in 1836 at a location near the Kinchafoonee Creek. Sometime between 1856 and 1866, the church was moved from near the creek to a location in the area that is presently the site of the city cemetery. In 1898, the church was moved to its present location. The newly relocated church was dedicated on the first Sunday in August 1898 with Reverend B. W. Bussey, then pastor, bringing the dedication sermon.
The church building underwent a remodel in 1950-1951. On July 16, 1979, lightning struck the church steeple and set it on fire. Thereafter, a fiberglass steeple was installed. The bell that hangs in the steeple is the first church bell which was forged in 1859.
In 1966, the church began a full-time program of ministry under the leadership of Pastor Russell Thornton. In 1981, several families donated stained-glass windows in memory of their loved ones. In 1982, a front porch with columns was added and new chandoliers were installed in the sanctuary.
The church building underwent a remodel in 1950-1951. On July 16, 1979, lightning struck the church steeple and set it on fire. Thereafter, a fiberglass steeple was installed. The bell that hangs in the steeple is the first church bell which was forged in 1859.
In 1966, the church began a full-time program of ministry under the leadership of Pastor Russell Thornton. In 1981, several families donated stained-glass windows in memory of their loved ones. In 1982, a front porch with columns was added and new chandoliers were installed in the sanctuary.