This interview series will be exploring a pillar in our community: religious organizations. The News-Gazette prints a “Rockbridge Area Worship Services” page and there are no less than 70 items on that list. The services represent numerous denominations, including but not limited to: Methodist, Baptist, Non-Denominational, and even Buddhist. Locations of these services can be as far away as the Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke, but about 30 of these services are right here in Lexington.
In this series, we’re going to talk with the area leaders of a wide breadth of denominations, religious organizations, and groups. We’ll learn about how they view their place in this area, the diversity of beliefs in our community, and their opinion of how religion affects people and their community.
This week, I spoke with McKinley Anthony Williams of First Baptist Church on N. Main St.
How long has this church been here in Lexington and how long have you been with this church?
Since 1867, so 159 years. I have been the pastor since 2017.
Why do you think there are so many churches in the area, and especially just in Lexington?
Well, I would say that each church has its own focus or emphasis. So, you got people who want to follow that particular leadership, in that particular parish or congregation. You couldn't find two people in Lexington who think alike. But you've got a variety and diversity of churches and I guess that would satisfy their religious needs.
Why do you think churches are typical elements in all cities, big or small?
Well, I think we need, as humans, to have a sense of moral authority. Religion binds together. We need something that helps us to, kind of, grasp the things of life that we don't understand. Religion helps us by faith - it helps us to wrestle with the things that are mysterious to us as humans that our minds can't grapple upon. We, the religious community, believe we have a God that answers all, understands all, and can do all and that nothing is impossible through the power of God.
What affects do you think religion has on a group of people or a community?
I think on, a positive note, it can be very, very beneficial because you have a people who are together in terms of their views. Whatever is transpiring, if it's negative, then it's not the end, and if it's positive then it is through and only by the help and the power of God.
What do you think your religious organization brings to our area?
First Baptist Church in Lexington brings a sense of hope to a people who are oppressed. It brings a sense of unity, a sense of oneness. They may have been oppressed and rejected in the wider society, there is a sense of "somebody-ness" in this particular church, you know, we're counted. Even though the society may say one thing, that doesn't count because ultimately God has counted us. So this church is a constant reminder of the struggles that took place to get the people to where they are.
There's another church they broke off from, 160 years ago roughly. They decided: 'we don't have to deal with this. We can band and have our own. We can celebrate the freedom of Christ through our own way, we can worship, and we can serve in the manner we see fit and we don't have to apologize for it.
How would you describe your congregation’s demographics?
We're mostly older, middle age to older - the older ones who have a sense of their history. There's a lot of legacy here, a lot of family ties. We get some of the college students who, you know, they're searching. They can embrace the church worship style. I think it's mostly older because Lexington is almost a retirement center, so you get old, and older.
How has your service attendance been over the years?
It was very, very good, considering we're predominantly African-American and you only have 499 African Americans here. You get a few others but they're in and out. And then, this is a transient community - a college community too. Even if you get them, you're going to wind up with them two or three years, and then they're off to life. And Lexington is limited in job offers and expansion.
The pandemic hit, but we were open during the pandemic. We stayed open every Sunday. While other churches, some of those closed for two years. First Baptist was open and what we did was stream live, and the community appreciated the fact that we were having worship because it was the only worship service they had. But I think, hit or miss, we're doing okay, considering.
Have you seen any changes, shifts, or evolution of the area?
Yes. It's more diverse since I've been here. It's seemingly a little more welcoming. When I first got here, it seemed like it was a little polarized. Now it seems like, people may not understand or they may not agree, however they do give you the space and they do respect whatever it is that you represent.
How do you see the future of this area?
Well, I think as long as people have the spirit of cooperation, to work together, I think this area can always make it. I think that you would have to, I would say, take the bitter with the sweet. Some people are going to be hard-lined and they're not going to get involved, but there are people in Lexington who seem like they don't mind change. They're open to new things and that's always good for the future: having newness, having youth taking chances, seeing where you can make it, and what you can't see physically but you can see it with a spiritual eye.
