In 1966, Trinity Baptist Church held its first service at 107 State Street in West Asheville.  The church was organized with 89 charter members.  In 1970, Trinity moved to the new Shelburne Road location to continue building the new church.

Our founding Pastor, Dr. Ralph Sexton, Sr., led the church in acquiring the original seven acres of this 23 acre complex.  It had been used during World War II and the later years as the Zephyr Hills Sanatorium.  Jerry Payne and Ed Sparks led the construction team with many church volunteers.

Dr. Sexton, Sr. retired from the Pastorate in 1988 and the church issued a call to evangelist Ralph Sexton, Jr.  On April 1, 1988 the church voted to call Ralph Sexton, Jr. to be the Senior Pastor.

In 1989, Rev. Jerry Young came along side Pastor Sexton as an Associate Pastor.  Later in that same year the church called Rev. L. Eddy Evans as Minister of Music and Associate Pastor.

God blessed and gave Trinity a heart for missions and outreach.  That wonderful era of spiritual and physical growth continues to this day.

In 1992, the “Baby Palace” was constructed, debt-free, built by the dedicated workers of our church.  That theme continued all year long with our church paying off the mortgage to become “Debt free in 93!”

On November 3, 2002, we were able to break ground for the Tabernacle of the Mountains.   Our first Sunday in this beautiful building was Sunday, July 10^th, 2005.

Today we celebrate 50 years of serving the Lord together.  Our hearts are filled with emotions of thanksgiving and love for those who sacrificed to make this day possible.  We are blessed that we are all together today to remember our families and friends!

Thank you for being a part of this historic day in the life of our church.  We remember the past as we reach for the future; holding together a place for our families to have a spiritual home.

We are honored to serve the Lord, our church and our community together!
You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Psalm 127:1

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…

Fifteen years ago on this day, Muzette and I were in Pennsylvania.  We had spent the night there on the way to New York City.  We were going to see the sights and have lunch in the World Trade Towers to enjoy the fabulous view.

Our trip was delayed one day and we spent an extra night in Pennsylvania, awakening there on the morning of September 11, 2001.  While we were having coffee we heard the news that America had been attacked!

Our nation would never be the same.  In the fifteen years since that day we have seen a change in the way we live our lives and our travel has changed forever.  During this same time frame we have seen the world grow more dangerous with senseless brutal attacks against our people and communities.

As it was in New York City, it was the same in Boston, Chattanooga, San Bernardino, Dallas and Orlando.  The dispatchers, first responders, EMT, law enforcement and emergency trauma teams were there for each individual and family.

The crowd always runs for cover.  People look for a place of safety and a place of shelter.  The fire, rescue, police officers and paramedics rush to the site.  They run into the danger!  They place their lives at risk for people they don’t even know.

We honor the men and women of 9-1-1 today.  You are loved and respected!

Pastor and Muzette