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KANNAPOLIS — On Aug. 31, 1941, a Baptist mission started in the Blackwelder Park area became an official church. On Aug. 31, Blackwelder Park Baptist Church will wrap up a four-day anniversary revival with a celebration of 75 years as a chartered Baptist church.

“What a blessing,” current Pastor Phil Goble Jr. said on Wednesday. “To look back and see all the lives touched, souls saved, missionaries sent out … man. It is a true work of God!”

The first meeting about the Baptist mission was held Oct. 29, 1939, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rayford James on Glendale Ave. Just 10 days later, North Kannapolis Baptist Church voted to sponsor the mission in Blackwelder Park. The first donation toward the Sunday school mission was $1.13.

North Kannapolis Baptist bought 50 song books for the mission on Dec. 6 and then, on Dec. 17, passed a motion to buy six lots in Blackwelder Park for $400 for mission purposes.

The mission met in a tent from June to November of 1940 and then moved into its first building — a 24-foot by 40-foot structure built for $300 — on Dec. 7, 1940, and J.C. Hill was called as the first “associate pastor.” Hill became the first pastor of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church when it was officially organized into a Baptist church on Aug. 31, 1941.

“Blackwelder Park Baptist Church has a long and rich history in this community,” Goble said. “From meager beginnings as a mission under a tent to sending missionaries around the world, God has truly blessed the work started so many years ago by faithful believers in Kannapolis!”

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, Blackwelder Park is hosting an Anniversary Revival from Aug. 28-31.

On Sunday, Aug. 28, the Rev. Bill Saylor will be preaching in the morning service. There will be a meal following the service. Rev. Saylor was instrumental in helping Blackwelder Park as it searched for a pastor several years ago. Service begins at 11 a.m.

On Monday, Aug. 29, the Rev. Stan Welch will be preaching with the Blackwelder Park Baptist Church choir, led by Josh Welch, providing music. Rev. Stan Welch was pastor at BPBC for more than 20 years. Josh Welch, Stan’s son, grew up in the church and currently leads the music program. Service begins at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Rev. Eric Simmons of First Baptist Church-Summerfield will be preaching with The Whisnants, a nationally-known Southern Gospel group, singing. Service begins at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Blackwelder Park and North Kannapolis Baptist Church will join to celebrate the anniversary. The Rev. Chris O’Guin of North Kannapolis Baptist Church will be preaching with a combined choir from Blackwelder Park and North Kannapolis performing. There will be a meal before the service and anniversary cake and ice cream after the service. The night begins at 6 p.m.

“I am so excited that North Kannapolis will be joining us,” Goble said. “This celebration is as much about what God has done here as it is about the faithfulness of North Kannapolis to launch a mission more than 75 years ago. We are so thankful Pastor O’Guin and the congregation will be with us that night.”

For more information, call Blackwelder Park Baptist Church at 704- 932-4266. The church is at 2204 Summit Ave. in Kannapolis.