Discover the heritage of MPBC in a year-by-year journey of celebrations, events, acknowledgements, and milestones. This visual timeline captures the vibrant story of our church community—highlighting the people, ministries, and moments that have shaped our mission and deepened our faith. From joyful gatherings and impactful outreach to heartfelt commemorations and spiritual growth, each photo reflects a chapter in our shared journey. Join us in honoring the legacy as we look forward to the future of MPBC. 

Let's start where it all began! The year was 1943 and The Charlotte Observer was covering the story of a new church being built in the Myers Park neighborhood. The headline on Monday morning, November 1, 1943, read, "Efirds Give Site for New Myers Park Baptist Church" with the subheading, "Congregation Plans Edifice at End of War." The article starts "Wartime Restrictions Prevent Development of Tract Until After Hostilities. Translation of the congregation's dream of a modern edifice as the center of the expanding program of Myers Park Baptist Church was accelerated yesterday with announcement of a gift from J. B. Efird and other members of the family of real estate on which the value is regarded as ranging between $40,000 and $50,000." The property is noted as being "J. B. Efird's old homesite, inclusive of the brick structure used as the church's Fellowship house and seven plots with a combined total of approximately three and one-half acres of land." 

A congregational meeting had taken place following the morning service the day before (Sunday, October 31, 1943). Dr. Marvin Scruggs, Chairman of the Board of Deacons presided over the meeting. The announcement of the generous gift was made by Frank Dowd, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Special Committee--appointed the previous April--to select and recommend a church site. Other members of the Special Committee included Dr. Marvin Scruggs and J. H. Bridges, Superintendent of the Sunday School. In a gracious note from Mrs. Efird, she wrote, "This dedication is made in the hope of those who return to us (after the war) will find that we have erected a church which will be for them a place of beauty, peace, and Christian Fellowship." A photo was captured and featured in The Charlotte Observer with the heading "New Church Site Presented" portraying Mrs. Efird delivering the deed for the land to Dr. Marvin Scruggs thereby conveying the property to Myers Park Baptist Church. The photo also included Frank Dowd, Jr. and J. Herbert Bridges. 

Myers Park Baptist was already making advancements as an organization in January of 1943 as the congregation chose the first Board of Deacons during a church conference that had taken place during the morning service on January 17. The headline in The Charlotte Observer read, "Baptists Name Deacon Board: Myers Park Congregation Selects Group to Supersede Executive Committee." John R. Knott, Vice Moderator presided as the following Deacons were elected: H. B. Benoit, J. H. Bridges, James R. Bryant, J. E. Burnside, Guy T. Carswell, R. S. Dickson, Frank Dowd, Jr., Fred B. Helms, Dr. Ralph F. Jarrett, John R. Knott, H. V. Lang, G. H. Ledbetter, R. T. McManeus, Lex Marsh, Jr., T. J. Norman, Jr., Dr. W. M. Scruggs, H. M. Short, F. Dwight Stephens, H. P. Swinson, C. W. Upchurch, and Lloyd C. Withers, Jr. Also elected at the meeting were the delegates from the church to the annual meeting of Mecklenburg Baptist Association which was to take place the following Tuesday and Wednesday at St. John's Baptist Church. 

In September of 1943, Myers Park Baptist Church called Dr. George D. Heaton, who had been referred to as "Outstanding Virginia Minister" and "one of the most brilliant men in America" to be pastor of the new church. He accepted the call and resigned during worship service from First Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA where he had been serving for six years. He then wired his acceptance to Fred B. Helms, Chairman of the Pulpit Committee. The MPBC congregation voted unanimously for the thirty-four-year-old pastor, Dr. Heaton, who was widely known in the Southern Baptist Convention. During the same meeting, the Pulpit Committee "recommended that a full-time director of music, a director of religious education and young people's work, and a full-time secretary be employed as soon as suitable persons could be found to fill the posts." Mrs. Alice Hulbert Berman, B.M was hired as Minister of Music and Paul E Crandall, Th.M. was hired as Co-minister and led the religious educational programs. 

Dr. George Heaton sent the following letter to the congregation on September 14, 1943:

"To Our Church Family,

"The eagerly awaited Sunday is almost here! I trust that you look toward the nineteenth with the same anticipation which we feel. On this day let us dedicate ourselves to but one objective: the creation of a church that will radiate the spirit of Jesus Christ with the full effectiveness that Jesus desired when He first established it. 

"Before beginning our ministry among you we have planned carefully with the committees of the church. If it is true that the end may be inferred from the beginning, then we have great reason for confidence. The decision of Mr. Paul E. Crandall of Richmond, Va. to come to us is an answer to the prayer we made as we planned for the future. Together, he and I, as fellow ministers, will share the work of the church, and through his ministry of teaching, training, planning, visitation and preaching we all shall be greatly blessed. We will look forward to the fifteenth of October when he and Mrs. Crandall will arrive in Charlotte. 

"Usually it is a long road from the dream to its fulfillment, but God has graciously guided us to one who will begin at once to train our children (and ourselves as well) in the great music of the Church. Yes, Mrs. Alice Berman will begin her ministry of music on September 24th, and we shall soon be inspired by the music of choirs from our won membership. We will welcome the coming of Mr. and Mrs. Berman with a joyful song in our hearts. 

"All of us will be glad to know that Mrs. Northington is going to continue in her capacity as Church Secretary. Her knowledge of the membership, and the formative period of our church history will be invaluable in all our planning. 

"So you can see how seriously we all are undertaking the responsibility of building a great church. Let no one take lightly the holiness of that to which we have put our hands: the church of Christ commands the best that is in us. For eight months you have put your whole beings into this significant venture; and now we join you, not to take the work from; but to take up more of the work with you. Our utmost will be added to your already fruitful labors. 

"I could find no better subject for my first message than this; 'He Whom A Dream Hath Possessed'. After the message, Mrs. Heaton, George, Jr., and I will look forward to your personal greeting as we unite our lives with the Myers Park Baptist Church. 

"Remember: in whatever way my ministry can be helpful to you, I am ready to perform that service. I shall give my all to this church, even as I believe God has called us to do. 

Cordially, 
Dr. George D. Heaton"