Church members at the First Baptist Church of Augusta shed tears and offered hugs Sunday morning for departing pastor Dr. Timothy Owings.
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By Sunday night, many of those same congregants stood in the sanctuary and demanded answers from church leaders over why the pastor had resigned. They were told about an investigation into improper church spending.
It was a difficult day for the 3,000-member church, the birthplace of the Southern Baptist Convention in May 1845. Dr. Owings was the church's second-longest-serving pastor in its nearly 200-year history.
His decision May 27 to announce his resignation after 13 years sparked weeks of rumors and opinions, some expressed publicly in letters to The Augusta Chronicle.
The pastor didn't use his final service at the church to reveal much. In his morning sermon, Dr. Owings simply challenged the congregation to support the church's "next shepherd" and thanked them for allowing him to serve so long.
"I am overwhelmed by your love," Dr. Owings said during an altar call that drew dozens. "What a precious gift."
The congregation recognized Dr. Owings with a standing ovation and a silver tray. He reassured members that he wasn't through with ministry.
"I've got some more symphonies left," Dr. Owings said.
After Sunday night's worship service, about 700 members stayed for a specially called meeting to vote on a 12-month "appreciation package" for Dr. Owings totaling about $150,000 in salary, health benefits and cell phone use.
After approving the package in a voice vote, church members spoke from three microphones in the aisles.
Many of them simply wanted answers.
"I think I speak for many when I ask why our beloved pastor has resigned, and no one seems to know why," Lorraine Bartlett said.
Ken Daniel, a church member who said he had been asked to speak for Dr. Owings, said the pastor made the decision while reflecting on an internal investigation into spending. He said the pastor saw an agenda by a select few.
"He would have had to become a fighter, which his character would not allow him to do," Mr. Daniel said. "Tim Owings left because he was forced out, and the facts will come out."
He said he has been in frequent contact with Dr. Owings and promised to release soon a 17-page synopsis of activities leading the pastor to quit.
David Hudson, the chairman of the church's board of trustees, told the congregation that the pastor resigned while the board was examining whether church bylaws were being violated on expenditures. He said several expenses were not approved, including $21,000 on sanctuary renovations, $22,000 for a salary and an undisclosed amount on a piano.
Mr. Hudson, a local attorney, did not place blame on anyone for the expenditures. He also encouraged the church to move forward.
But members grew more curious. Mercer Trapp said the church seemed to be operating in secret.
"We need the truth," she said. "We may not like it, but we'll like you for giving it to us."
Jim Davis said he intended to propose a motion asking Dr. Owings to withdraw his resignation. He said he was told his motion had to be advertised in a church publication for seven days before it could be considered.
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Dr. Owings greets parishioners as they make their way out of the church after his final day on the job as pastor. He did not give a reason for leaving.
MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF
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Others members asked for unity and begged the church to act with grace.
Ben Fowler said he was disappointed in the church family.
"If God were standing up there, he would have a frown on his face," he said.
Ellen Underwood cried as she talked about the effect the situation was having on the church's mission.
"To many in the community, we look terrible," she said. "We need the Holy Spirit to come to this place."
Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (706) 828-3851 or greg.rickabaugh@augustachronicle.com.
