By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On Sunday, April 18, a large crowd gathered for Celebration Sunday at Broadway Baptist Church. After a worship service, the church held a "note burning" to recognize the church's debt-free status.

Jeff Williams, treasurer, handed the final note payment to Scott Kirk of First Southern State Bank. 

Kirk, in return, presented the paid-in-full mortgage to Randy Tumlin, chairman of the church's building committee.

Tumlin was joined by Fred Johnson, chairman of the finance committee, who lit the match that burned the note as the church's pastor, Dr. Kevin McCreless, looked on.

After the note burning, the congregation released balloons in celebration of being debt-free.

Broadway Baptist Church was founded on January 7, 1928 with 73 founding members. The church's first wood building was raised in two months and became known as "the new Baptist Church on Broadway" after the Rainsville Missionary Baptist Church burned to the ground the year prior. 

After many building additions, the church expanded to a new sanctuary and fellowship hall on September 25, 2005. As of 2021, the church now has over 900 members.