Pastor Russ and Brenda Maroon
One of Hamilton County’s oldest churches celebrated its 95th anniversary and homecoming on Sunday.
On Jan. 27, 1930, the congregation of Woodland Heights Baptist Church began worshiping at the site, on top of the hill at the end of Beason Drive in Woodland Heights. Mr. S.A. Raines had acquired the lot where the church now stands for the purpose of erecting a church.
There have only been 13 pastors beginning with Rev. Henry Smith. Rev. Russ Maroon, current pastor will begin his 10th year on July 1st. Ron Neal serves as pianist and Brenda Maroon is the church organist.
Rev. Maroon said his church is small but the people have a big heart, always meeting the needs of those who attend. The Sunday Morning service begins at 10:30 a.m. In attendance for the special Homecoming Service were Diane Smith Ridley whose grandfather was pastor for 25 years. Also in attendance were Cathy Morris and her son Dru. The Morris’s great uncle was one of the early pastors.
Among the charter members of the church were Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Raines, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Combs, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. McMurray, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Berry and Mrs. Fannie Cox.
The church is a member of the Hamilton County Baptist Association.
Diane Smith Ridley, Pastor Maroon, Cathy and Dru Morris