History of
FRANCHISE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Franchise Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL, has some "loud mouths" to thank for the ground it sits on -- its first and only site.

In 1852, a few black citizens who gathered on Saturdays under a bush arbor on the banks of the Chattahoochee River were making a joyful noise unto the Lord, but some other citizens thought there was a little too much racket greeting the boats coming into port.

Girard Baptist Church -- located on Dillingham Street and just a hop, skip and a jump away from the river -- offered its sanctuary to those enthusiastic worshippers, but they proved to be too noisy even for that location.

Land on Church Avenue (now 10th Avenue) was donated to the noisemakers for a church and a school for colored people. This was called their "franchise." When they had collected enough money in 1882, the group erected a wooden frame building on Church Avenue and named it Franchise Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1927, the wooden edifice was razed and replaced by a brick building. And today, after several renovations and expansions to the structure, some 1,500 Franchise members continue to enjoy the heritage of worshipping God on the same ground as their forefathers did.

Those forefathers, their sons and daughters -- and their sons and daughters have led Franchise from the banks of the Chattahoochee and down the avenue of progress.

Along with the expansion of the building has come growth in membership and services rendered by the church.

In addition to regular Sunday worship services, Family Night service and study classes for adults as well as children, Franchise's ministries include: cassette tape, videotape, missions and a free meal service. Sunday morning worship is broadcast on local television and radio stations.

There are three choirs and numerous intramural auxiliaries and other auxiliaries with national affiliations. The church also provides scholarships for college students.

Franchise pastors in recent history include the Revs. E.G. Epps, S.A. Bostic, S.A. Harvey and Marion Wiggins. The current pastor is Dr. Raymond Cochran.

Currently, services of worship are on Sundays at 8 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday school at 9:45 a.m.; and Family Night on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

In August 1996, Franchise purchased additional adjacent land on which to build a new sanctuary. Near the end of 1997, a thanksgiving service for the land was held, and the groundbreaking was held Jan. 11, 1998. The congregation worshipped for the first time in the new sanctuary on June 13, 1999. In combination with a service marking the 147th anniversary of Franchise, a Dedicatorial Service for the new building was set for July 11, 1999.