By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
PHIL CAMPBELL – The congregation of Mountain View Baptist Church in Phil Campbell spent last Sunday celebrating an important milestone for their pastor and his wife.
Bro. Sammy Taylor and wife, Judy, began their ministry at Mountain View on January 8, 1978 when Sammy preached his first message at the church.
"He preached through the month of January, and he was officially called in February to be the first full-time pastor of the church," Sammy's son Hugh Taylor said during the special service Sunday morning.
Over the past 30 years, Mountain View has grown from 159 to 533 members under Sammy's leadership.
Sunday school enrollment has gone from 109 to 255 members.
The church also built a spacious sanctuary and Sunday school facility.
Before entering the ministry, Sammy was happy working as a store manager at TG&Y when he said he heard the calling to go into the ministry.
During the special celebration service, Sonya Tucker, from the State Missionary Department of Discipleship and Family Ministries and Dr. Lonette Berg, Executive Director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission each made special presentations to congratulate Sammy on his 30 year milestone.
"When I think of Sammy, I think of the word encourager," Tucker said.
Bro. Vance Hester gave a short testimony about the things that Sammy had led the church through and the blessings that have been bestowed up on the church during his leadership.
"He's [Sammy] has always kept his focus on the mission of the church," Hester said.
Dr. Mike Goforth, Pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, gave a message about the importance of the prophet to God's Church.
After the special worship service honoring Sammy and Judy, the church held a reception dinner in their honor.
A "Celebration Roast" completed the day dedicated to honoring the Taylors.