History

The High Point Baptist Missionary Baptist Association was organized at High Point, N.C. the second week in August, 1889. Rev. Anthony Wilborn, Spencer Thomas, F. R. Howell, W.D. Haden and others composed the organization. It took its name of the town where the first meeting was held. This Association came out from the Rowan, and is composed of churches in the counties of Guilford, Alamance, Randolph, Davidson and Orange. Considering the Association to be one of the small associations and composed of small churches, no association in the State is more loyal to the work of the Convention than the High Point Association. Since its organization until 1906 eight hundred and fifty dollars has been raised. This amount was used in the support of missions, Home and Foreign, ministerial education, the Orphan Asylum and church extension. The following churches compose the Association: Elm Grove, Locust Grove, Jones Chapel, Gibsonville, New Light, Mt. Pisgah, Rocky Springs, Laticure, Friendship, St. John, Graham, Locust (Alamance), Cross Roads, Main St. Hillsboro, Austin Grove, Mechanic, Asheboro, Randleman, Trinity, Thomasville, Mt. Pleasant, Liberty Grove, and Rock Grove.

The following are the ordained ministers: A. Wilborn, S. Thomas, E. Graves, C. N. Brown, F. A. Long, J. W. Turner, C. Hughes, S. Troxler, G. W. Austin, W. W. Price, B. F. Robbins, W. E. Graves, and Grimes. The High Point Association has a membership of twelve hundred and fifty, and houses of worship valued at five thousand dollars.

Other auxiliaries of the Association-Sunday School Convention, 1910, Woman's Auxiliary 1913, and the Usher Board 1940-were formed to enhance the Association in its endeavors. Several revisions were making in the constitution, when deemed necessary, to keep it current and abreast of present happenings.

The Association has continued to progress and thrive under the leadership pf Moderators J.B. Ellis and W. L. Wilson.

The Association purchased land at Elon College-Gibsonville, and an Orphan Home, a Home for the Aged and five rental houses were developed. Also, a Mid-Year meeting and Pastor's Associational Conference were initiated in the 1930's.

A conflict arose during the 1957 Annual session and a splinter group formed the Guilford Association.

Under the direction and guidance of Moderator W. L. Wilson, three and eight tenths (3.80) were purchased at Stokesdale, NC in 1958, for an Assembly site. Dedication ceremonies were held in 1961 and the 1962 plans have yet to materialize.

A Retired Ministers Fund, Building Fund, Scholarship Fund, and Checking Account were established, and minutes of annual session of each auxiliary were combined under one booklet. A scholarship was granted-based on need-as a means of encouragement for boy or girl who planned to further his, her education. Many strides have been taken to advance the cause of the High Point Association.

There are presently thirty-two churches within the bounds of the Association. We are encouraged to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and by the grace of God, we can make it.

CHRONOLOGY OF PRESIDENTS/ MODERATORS

Rev. E. F. Parham-(1889-1890) (1st President)
Accomplishments: Constitution, Ministerial Board, Life Members, Officers make reports before re-election, Annual Fund-raiser, Endorsed Shaw University as Baptist Headquarters, Organized Committees, Grievance, Obituary, Ed. Temperance, Church Letter Form.

Rev. F. A. Long-(1894-1910) (2nd President)
Accomplishments: Church Letter form, Orphan Home Oxford, Orphan Home-Winston-Salem, Statistical Table/Extracts, (Churches, Pastors, Clerks, Membership, Value of Church Property, Association Rep., etc.), State/National Conventional Delegates, Institutes (Bible).

Rev. Spencer Thomas-(1910-1913)
Accomplishments: 1st. Moderator, Organizer of H.P. Association, Sunday School Convention, Women's & Auxiliary (Women's Work)

Rev. J. E. Boykins-(1913-1924)
Accomplishments: Charter Members become life Members, Added Union Meeting, Delegates to Cedar Grove/Rowan Associations, Ordination Council.

Rev. J. B. Ellis-(1924-1949)
Accomplishments: Board of Directors Trustees, Evangelism, Orphan Home/Home for the Aged-Elon College (for Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham counties), Revised Constitution, Added Field Missionary United Usher Board, Office of Auditor, 5 Rent Houses at Gibsonville, Ministers/Deacons Union, Mid-Year Meeting (1934-36), Pastors Associational Conference, Organized Usher Board Convention (1940).

Rev. W. L. Wilson-(1949-1989)
Accomplishments: Revised Constitution, Raised Association fee, established Retired Ministers fund, Minutes of Auxiliaries combined under one heading, all finances banked, Banking Committee, Purchased Assembly Site-1958(3.8 acres), Dedication of Assembly site 1961, Plans to build-62-63, Added Religious Institute, Scholarship Fund, Re-established One-Day Session, Added Youth/YA Department (1984), Established History of Association Committee.