This page serves as reflections on the recent events and activities in the life of First Baptist Church from the past year.
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Previous Reflections
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A Service to Celebrate New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2025
Please join us for our service as we celebrate the close of 2025!
A Special Christmas Day Message from First Baptist Church – December 25, 2025
Be sure to join us online at 12 noon on Christmas Day for a special Christmas Day message from First Baptist Church!
You can watch this broadcast on YouTube, and listen to it on SoundCloud!
“Christian Symbols of Christmas” Tabletop Displays – December 2025
Displays for this year’s “Christian Symbols of Christmas” could be viewed in the David R. Hedgley Fellowship Hall throughout December! Please click the image below to view the booklet for all of the displays!
You can see pictures from the reception below. Please click here to view the entire album!
Operation InAsMuch Fall 2025 Event – November 15, 2025
First Baptist held its annual Operation InAsMuch event Saturday, November 15. Community members could participate in free giveaways, free food, the Annie Alexander Health Fair, and fellowship!
Please click here to view the entire album!
“Pots to Plate: A Hands-On Gardening Workshop” – November 8, 2025
The FBC Health & Wellness Ministry hosted this workshop, and Deaconess Cynthia Jerald demonstrated how to plant kale and turnip greens in pots. It was perfect for both beginners and anyone interested in growing fresh, healthy food at home.
Reverend Doyle even took part, planting three pots of his own!
Please click here to view this album in full!
The 85th Anniversary of the Women’s Progressive Club – November 9, 2025
The Women’s Progressive Club celebrated their 85th anniversary today. The club was organized in the early 1940s at the old church location. It was organized by a group of women to help pay for church operational needs.
From the beginning, many programs were held to provide entertainment for the congregation and community. These included the Live Outdoor Nativity Scene, The Thom Thumb Wedding, and Wrapping the Maypole.
Today, the group is still active in church ministry. One of their current outreach ministries is assisting with the needs of Ashley Elementary School.
Our 2025 Fall Festival – October 30, 2025
First Baptist held its Fall Festival on Thursday, October 30. There was food, games, candy, face painting, and other events for the entire family to enjoy!
Please click here to view the entire album on Flickr!
The Passing of RevEREND Wendell A. Johnson – October 29, 2025
On behalf of Rev. Samuel J. Doyle and the entire First Baptist Family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia in the passing of Rev. Wendell A. Johnson, who served as our ninth Senior Pastor from 1985 to 2005.
Our 2025 Fall Revival Speakers – October 20-22, 2025
We are pleased to announce our guest speakers for our 2025 Fall Revival! All services will begin at 7:00 p.m. each night.
Rev. Dr. Alvin Armstead, Jr., was our speaker on Monday, October 20. He is the Senior Pastor of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Farrow, Jr., was our speaker onTuesday, October 21. He is the Senior Pastor of Reeder Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rev. Darian Bouie was our speaker on Wednesday, October 22. He is the Senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Media
2025 Art Exhibit – October 19 and 26, 2025
to the
First Baptist Church Art Exhibit
Sunday, October 19 and 26, 2025
for one hour
immediately following the Morning Worship Service
in the David R. Hedgley Fellowship Hall!
Participating artists: please click here for information regarding your exhibits.
FBC-2025-Art-ExhibitionClick the arrows in the lower left corner to turn the pages, To view or download the entire booklet, please click here.
2025 CROP Hunger Walk – October 19, 2025
A team from First Baptist Church participated in the annual CROP Hunger Walk in Winston-Salem. Thanks, as always, to Ms. Margaret Graham for coordinating the team as well as the fundraising efforts by the church!
Please click here to view these photos on Flickr!
First Baptist Church Spiritual Choir Members – October 19, 2025
Former First Baptist Church Spiritual Choir members from 1971-1985 worshipped with us today in observance of Founder’s Day. Many of them began their spiritual foundation here at First Baptist Church and are continuing their spiritual journey in this congregation, locally and elsewhere.
First Baptist Celebrates Our 146th Founder’s Day and Church Anniversary – October 19 and 26, 2025
First Baptist Church celebrated our 146th Founder’s Day and Church Anniversary on Sunday, October 19, and Sunday, October 26, with the theme “146 Years of Walking Together.” We’re pleased to announce our speakers for these special services!
Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard, founding dean of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, was the Founders’ Day speaker for our 10:00 a.m. worship service on October 19. Dr. Leonard is also a member of the First Baptist Church Family.
Our 146th Anniversary service was held on Sunday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. Our guest speaker was Rev. Zion M. D. McGregor, Lead Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Reverend Doyle is on Substack – October 14, 2025
Reverend Doyle has launched a Substack! Be sure to subscribe, and you’ll receive notifications for his latest publications in your email inbox!
His recent posts include:
- “In Search of Fulfillment?” (October 3, 2025)
- “The Color Blind Church” (October 10, 2025)
- “Black Dorms and Black Pilots” (October 21, 2025)
- “Christ Is King – Part 1” (November 26, 2025)
- “Christ Is King – Part 2” (December 30, 2025)
The Deaconess Ministry Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 5, 2025
The Deaconess Ministry adorned pink ribbon pins during today’s worship service in recognition and support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbon symbolizes solidarity, renewalm and empowerment for those affected by the disease.
Homecoming 2025 Celebration – August 23-24, 2025
First Baptist held its annual Homecoming Celebration during the weekend of August 23-24, 2025. Events on Saturday, August 23, a luncheon, tours of the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, and recognitions of several members of our congregation.
Please click here to view the entire album.
Our Homecoming Sunday Worship Service, with Dr. Valerie C. Morrow as our guest speaker, is available for viewing or listening below.
Fall 2025 Preaching Series by Reverend Doyle: “Enjoying Life and Embracing Purpose” – August 17-November 23, 2025
Rev. Doyle presented a twelve-part preaching series on Sundays from August 17 through November 23!
- Sunday, August 17: “Stop Looking for Fulfillment in All the Wrong Places” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-12)
- Sunday, August 24: “Pursue Joy” (Ecclesiastes 2:25-26)
- Sunday, September 7: “Pursue Joy (Part 2)” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)
- Sunday, September 14: “See Beauty in Every Season” (Ecclesiastes 3:11-14)
- Sunday, September 21: “Avoid an Isolated Life” (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)
- Sunday, September 28: “Get the Most out of Worship” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)
- Sunday, October 5: “Let Trouble Build Your Character” (Ecclesiastes 7:1-13)
- Sunday, October 12: “Avoid the Snare of Sin” (Ecclesiastes 7:25-26)
- Sunday, November 2: “Learn the Value of Wisdom” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-18)
- Sunday, November 9: “Address Little Imperfections Before They Become Big Set Backs” (Ecclesiastes 10:1-6)
- Sunday, November 16: “Spend Your Youth Doing What You Are Passionate About” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)
- Sunday, November 23: “Seek Fulfillment Where It Can Be Found (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)
Video Playlist
Click here for the complete playlist.
Audio Playlist
Dedication of New Equipment at First Baptist Church – July 27 and August 3, 2025
First Baptist recently acquired new equipment as we continue to serve the Lord. Each was received with a prayer of dedication by Rev. Doyle during our Morning Worship Service over two Sundays.
Monitors in the Sanctuary
New monitors were added to the Sanctuary and dedicated on Sunday, July 27. There are a total of five monitors: two at the front of the Sanctuary beside the pulpit area, two in the choir loft, and one in the narthex.
Church Van
A new church van was dedicated on Sunday, August 3. It can carry fifteen passengers.
All of these photos are also available to view on our Flickr site.
A Two-Part Sermon Series by Reverend Doyle: “He Moved in to Help” – July 13 and 20, 2025
This sermon series by Rev. Doyle is available for viewing or listening below!
Sunday, July 13: “He Moved in to Help” (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Sunday, July 20: “He Moved in to Help” (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Youth and Children’s Father’s Day – June 15, 2025
The Youth and Children’s Ministry celebrated the men at First Baptist Church on Father’s Day! The kids distributed gift bags to fathers at the close of our morning worship service.
To view the colete album, please click here!
Youth and Children’s Ministry at Creekside Lanes – June 14, 2025
The Youth and Children’s Ministry had a “Fun Day” at Creekside Lanes!
To view the complete album, please click here!
Recognition of Graduates – June 8, 2025
Graduates Aalayah Kimbrough (high school) and Donelle Leak (college) were recognized during our Morning Worship Service. A reception was held afterward on the Church Lawn.
To view the complete album, please click here!
Vacation Bible School – June 2-6, 2025
Our annual Vacation Bible School was held from Monday, June 2 until Friday, June 6. The theme was “The Jesus Connection: Downloads from Heaven,” and classes were available for all ages.
To view the entire photo album, please click here!
A Special Presentation for Women’s Day (May 18, 2025)
During our Women’s Day Service, we recognized the following women as “pearls” of our congregation. Each of these women are 90 plus years in age!
We honored today:
Mrs. Marjorie Bohannon
Mrs. Roberta Collins
Mrs. Billie Jones
Mrs. Naomi Jones
Mrs. Ruth Oliver
Ms. Alma Penn
Mrs. Ruth Page
Ms. Evelyn Penn
Mrs. Helen Phillips
Mrs. Julia Smith
Mrs. Ollie Tatum
Mrs. Janet Warren
Mrs. Annie Pearl Wilson
The Women’s Day Worship Leaders and the First Baptist Church Family thank each of you for your service and dedication to our church and the community!
The Installation Weekend of Reverend Samuel J. Doyle (March 28-30, 2025)
First Baptist Church hosted the Installation Weekend of our twelfth senior pastor, Reverend Samuel J. Doyle, on March 28-30, 2025. It was a full weekend of celebration for Rev. Doyle, his family, our congregation, and guests from Winston-Salem and the wider community.
Guest Speakers
For information about the guest speakers for the weekend, please click here.
Programs
Video Streams
Click here for the complete playlist.
Audio Streams
Images
The Installation Banquet
Click here for the complete album.
The Installation Ceremony
Click here for the complete album.
Images are courtesy of Dink Digital Productions of Kernersville, North Carolina.
The Lay Ministry of Caregivers Celebrates Its 29th Anniversary! (March 16, 2025)
Congratulations to the Lay Ministry of Caregivers, who are celebrating their 29th anniversary of service!
For more information about this ministry, please click here.
“Let Your Light Shine” Fellowship by the Youth and Children’s Ministry (February 22, 2025)
The Youth and Children’s Ministry held a fellowship activity for the youth who attended Youth Fun Day on Saturday, February 22. The youth also assembled and donated twenty Welcome Bags to the SECU Family House in Winston-Salem.
Please take a look at the album below as they let their light shine!
Winter and Spring 2025 Preaching Series by Reverend Doyle
Please join us for Reverend Doyle’s preaching series, “Leaving Everything: Sermons on Discipleship from the Gospel of Luke,” in the Winter and Spring of 2025!
This series will begin on Sunday, January 12. We’ll see you in person in the Sanctuary or online!
Media
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Previous Reflections