Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating 100 Years, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 20-22, with a host of events.

Dr. Bobby L. Hampton, Sr., pastor, “The 100-year church anniversary theme is, a church with a heritage of faith standing fast and holding onto the traditions which we have been taught through the word of God.”

The church is located at 7463 Pinewood Dr.

The church has a membership of 500 plus.

Celebration Activities:

Community Welcome Day, Saturday July 17, 2-4 p.m.
Candlelight Memorial Service Sunday Aug. 1, 6 p.m., which will honor the members who have passed on.
Hawkinsville Celebration Gala & Banquet "One Night with the King" Saturday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Couples $30 Singles $15
Spiritual Rejuvenation Night with Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr., Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Decatur, Ga. Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.
Hawkinsville Family Picnic, Saturday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tennessee Riverpark Shelter #4 left of playground.
Centennial Worship Celebration Sunday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. Dinner will be served immediately after morning service.

Hawkinsville Baptist originally started in 1910 in a small home located in rural Tyner on the same land as the Volkswagen plant. They were forced out by the TNT plant.

1920-1935 After holding worship service in various homes and at the old camp ground beneath a tent, God empowered the charter members with interest and determination to erect a church building. Brother Eaton Hawkins donated a portion of his property, which was located on Hickory Valley Road in Tyner, TN. This site is presently, the Volkswagen USA location. Thus the church was and named Hawkinsville Baptist in honor of Mr. Hawkins, the land donor.

Because records were lost in the transition, we cannot give exact dates of service of the first pastors of the church. They were Reverends Isaac Brantly, J.P. Minor, E. E. Moore, Robert Adams, W.E.Moore, J.P.Daniels, B. Beaver and E.W.Law. It is our understanding that the Reverends Brantley and Minor actually served as co-church ministers. In 1935 Reverend Nathan Burgans was called as the pastor of the church. He and his wife Hannah worked diligently in the church carrying out the work of the Baptist mission.

1941-1942 The church was uprooted when the federal government purchased the land where the church was located, as well as, the Tyner community. Residents were given only fourteen days to vacate the area and seek housing elsewhere. The government needed land to build the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant, (known as TNT). It was designed to service the artillery needs for the army in World War II. In 1942, with the money received from the sale of the old church to the federal government the deacons purchased a plot of land for the church from Mr. John R. Evan a white real estate developer. Still under the leadership of Reverend Nathan Burgans, members were able to rebuild Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist on its present site, 7463 Pinewood Dr.

1971-1978 After 36 years of serving as pastor, Reverend Burgans passed away. He was the ninth minister and served the longest tenure to date. Reverend William Bobo freely donated his services, he and his wife Blanche and daughter Celeste were a welcome addition to our Christian family. In 1972, Reverend Robert L.Williams was called as the tenth pastor with his wife Palistine by his side. In 1978, Reverend Jay P. Trimble became the eleventh pastor following the departure of Reverend Williams in 1977, along with his wife Rose, the church continued to prosper.

1984 The Reverend Bobby L. Hampton, Sr. of Huntsville, Ala., became the twelfth pastor at Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church, with his wife, Patricia by his side.