Preface by Jimmy Siler
My family and I count it a great privilege for us to be a part of the Keck church family. I believe that God has led me to pastor this church and that together, we can accomplish His kingdom purpose for our lives.
As we reflect on what God has done among us, let us remember that "other men [have] labored, and ye are entered into their labors". In other words, our church would not be what she is today but for the labors of those who have gone before us. We should thank God for their testimony and influence on our lives. However, we should also commit ourselves to continuing this "work of faith, and labor of love".
I thank God for those of you who have made this commitment already. Your faithful volunteer service to the Lord is what makes our church building a ministry center and a refuge for those in need. In this directory, you will find snapshots of ministry and service that are being conducted every week in our church family. This dedicated service shows the love of God to a world that so desperately needs it.
As we look ahead to the future, we must remember that God is on the throne and that Jesus will continue to build His church until He comes in glory. We just need to be His collaborators by willingly giving ourselves to Him. We have many lost loved ones whom we must continue encouraging to join us on this journey of faith. We have brothers and sisters who have fallen and just need a hand of love and compassion to help them get back on the path of fellowship with God.
I look forward to what God is going to do in the future as we faithfully follow His leadership. Remember, with God all things are possible.
A Brief History of Keck Baptist Church
October 1921 - On the third night of the month, a revival was held by Rev. James Brewer of Poplar Grove Baptist Church in the old Keck school building. As a result of this revival, eleven members of the Keck community were added to the Poplar Grove Baptist Church.
November 22, 1924 - Poplar Grove Baptist Church granted letters of dismissal to S. Richard Helton and Mrs. Mitchell Parker for the purpose of organizing the Keck Baptist Church. S.R. Helton purchased the one-room school building from the Knox County School District by bid for $100. S.R. Helton served as Sunday School Superintendent for four years.
1926 - S.R. Helton was ordained into the ministry and became the first known pastor of Keck Baptist Church until about 1933.
October 1967 - The first Homecoming Service was held on the first Sunday of the month.
1960's-1970's - Three walls were extended in the church, which doubled the sanctuary space and added Sunday school rooms and indoor plumbing.
November 1978 - Additional property was donated by Walter & Lena Hendrickson and W. Anderson and Mark Keck for future building projects.
August 1981 - The grade work began and the footer was poured for our new fellowship hall.
November 25, 1981 - Our Thanksgiving dinner was held in the basement of our soon-to-be fellowship hall.
October 1982 - The fellowship hall is completed and ready to be used.
1987 - The church purchased land adjoining the church property (where the ball field is now).
We used the house on the property for a parsonage for several years before it was torn down.
March 10, 1996 - Dinner and groundbreaking ceremonies for construction of the new Keck Baptist Church sanctuary and facilities were held.
June 1996 - Several men came from Owensboro, Kentucky to help build the sanctuary and the classrooms in the new church.
August 20, 1997 - The last service was held in the old church building with Pastor Damon Helton.
August 24, 1997 - The first service was held in the sanctuary of the new church building.
Fall 1998 - A Dedication Service was held for the new Keck Baptist Church building and sanctuary we worship in today.
Pastors of Keck Baptist Church
S.R. Helton 1926-1933
Fount R. Brock 1933-1938
J.F. Carr 1938-1940
Maynard Earls 1940-1941
Roy Stewart 1941-1949
Matt C. Moore 1949-1952
Edd Parker 1952-1954
Virgil Mills 1954-1957
Edd Steely 1957-1958
Earl Smith 1958-1961
A.J. Cupp 1961-1966
Damon Helton 1966-1973
Dale Johnson 1973-1975
Herbert Wells 1975-1976
Marvin Jones 1976-1977
Damon Helton 1977-1983
Clay Harrell 1983-1987
James Hundley 1987-1993
Damon Helton 1993-2001
Carl Gallion 2002-2005
Jimmy Siler 2005-today