History 1950-1970
In the 50’s, the poodle skirt was famous. While this dress was in style, Clifford saw one of its best financial years. Total receipts for 1953: $1,124.69.
1953 was also a sad year: It was this year that Henley Drummond, one of our own, was killed in the battle of Korea.
In Sept. 1954, W.T Wright began pastoring at CBC and Woodland Baptist. As the 1950’s drew to a close, a homecoming was held on Sept. 29, 1957. There were 140 members and guests in attendance. 7 months later Clifford Baptist Church was almost completely destroyed. On Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958, church members arrived to find a mat under the stove on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, soot and debris cleaned up and sunrise service went on as normal. Had it not been Easter and no one getting to church as early as they did, the church probably would have burned to the ground.
Clifford Baptist Church ended the year with some additions. Three classrooms were added to the right side of the church, membership was 179 and our finances were not so good. Our church took in $2,318 but we paid out $2,343 with a negative balance of $25.00.
The flower power era was in the 1960’s. Many changes came and a new family was formed with the wedding of Roy & Lois Cash. Our membership was 261 and it was at this time that Clifford Baptist Church made the decision to become a full time, self supportive congregation.
We began to look for a full time pastor and a parsonage to rent. In June of 1961 Pastor Clyde Sears became Clifford Baptist Church's first full time pastor.
Then in July of 1961 with a loan from Lynchburg Bank and Trust for $9,000.00 the dream of a church parsonage was made a reality. The parsonage was completed in May of 1962.
One of the most significant things that happened in 1961 was the 50th anniversary of the church. The church was organized in 1909 but the building was built in 1911. So on Oct. 15, 1961 with 159 people in attendance, the 50th anniversary homecoming was held. 
In June 1964 Rev. Sears resigned as pastor of Clifford Baptist Church to accept a pastor position in Bluff City, TN. The Rev. H.E. Davis succeeded him. Many improvements were made through the years at the church from new pews to a new piano to a new outdoor sign for Clifford Baptist Church.
In 1967 we saw the passing of one of the matriarchs of our church, Mrs. Minnie Stinnett. She will always be remembered as a pillar of the church, for her work and dedication to the church and more importantly, to our Lord. The 1960’s ended with a growing population and a growing budget with dedicated giving. Here are a few of our expenses.
Mrs. Minnie Stinnett
1969 Church Expenses
• Pastors Salary: $3,000
• Pastor Personal expenses: $1,600
• Educational Ministries: $700
• Service Ministries: $200
• Building and Equipment: $1,125
• Debt Retirement: $1,454
• Pastor Protection Plan $400
History 1950-1970
In the 50’s, the poodle skirt was famous. While this dress was in style, Clifford saw one of its best financial years. Total receipts for 1953: $1,124.69.
1953 was also a sad year: It was this year that Henley Drummond, one of our own, was killed in the battle of Korea.
In Sept. 1954, W.T Wright began pastoring at CBC and Woodland Baptist. As the 1950’s drew to a close, a homecoming was held on Sept. 29, 1957. There were 140 members and guests in attendance. 7 months later Clifford Baptist Church was almost completely destroyed. On Easter Sunday, April 6, 1958, church members arrived to find a mat under the stove on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, soot and debris cleaned up and sunrise service went on as normal. Had it not been Easter and no one getting to church as early as they did, the church probably would have burned to the ground.
Clifford Baptist Church ended the year with some additions. Three classrooms were added to the right side of the church, membership was 179 and our finances were not so good. Our church took in $2,318 but we paid out $2,343 with a negative balance of $25.00.
The flower power era was in the 1960’s. Many changes came and a new family was formed with the wedding of Roy & Lois Cash. Our membership was 261 and it was at this time that Clifford Baptist Church made the decision to become a full time, self supportive congregation.
We began to look for a full time pastor and a parsonage to rent. In June of 1961 Pastor Clyde Sears became Clifford Baptist Church's first full time pastor.
Then in July of 1961 with a loan from Lynchburg Bank and Trust for $9,000.00 the dream of a church parsonage was made a reality. The parsonage was completed in May of 1962.
One of the most significant things that happened in 1961 was the 50th anniversary of the church. The church was organized in 1909 but the building was built in 1911. So on Oct. 15, 1961 with 159 people in attendance, the 50th anniversary homecoming was held.
In June 1964 Rev. Sears resigned as pastor of Clifford Baptist Church to accept a pastor position in Bluff City, TN. The Rev. H.E. Davis succeeded him. Many improvements were made through the years at the church from new pews to a new piano to a new outdoor sign for Clifford Baptist Church.
In 1967 we saw the passing of one of the matriarchs of our church, Mrs. Minnie Stinnett. She will always be remembered as a pillar of the church, for her work and dedication to the church and more importantly, to our Lord. The 1960’s ended with a growing population and a growing budget with dedicated giving. Here are a few of our expenses.
Mrs. Minnie Stinnett
1969 Church Expenses
• Pastors Salary: $3,000
• Pastor Personal expenses: $1,600
• Educational Ministries: $700
• Service Ministries: $200
• Building and Equipment: $1,125
• Debt Retirement: $1,454
• Pastor Protection Plan $400