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Baker: A well-seasoned, experienced pastor
ea Pulpit0617
Pastor Henry. H. Baker - photo by Photo provided.
At 78, Pastor Henry H. Baker still preaches and teaches the word of God.
Although he lives in McIntosh County, he travels to Liberty County to perform his pastoral duties.
A native of Savannah, Baker has been in the ministry since 1974 and has served as pastor of Beach Hill Missionary Baptist in Midway for 27 years.
He is also pastor of Second Woodland Baptist Church in Cox.
Beach Hill Missionary Baptist has services on the first, second and fourth Sundays; and Second Woodland has services on the first and third Sundays.   
“The fourth Sunday is designated as Youth Sunday at Beach Hill. We recently had a sleep-in for the children,” the pastor said. “Although both churches are small, I have some faithful and dedicated members.
“Beach Hill is the small church on the side of the road with a big heart. We have quality programs that are very inspiring,” he said.
He also noted Maggie Baker of Midway is Beach Hill’s oldest member.
Some of the programs sponsored by the churches include the annual Friends and Family Day, Men and Women’s Day, Jesus’ Seven Last Sayings on the Cross, revivals and church anniversaries.  
“Every time we go to church, it should be a revival experience,” he said.
Baker credits the Revs. William C. Cunningham and Perry J. Jones as being his spiritual mentors.
“Rev. Cunningham mentored me as a young person, and Pastor Jones exhibits the characters and quality of a true pastor,” Baker said.
Baker’s advice to ministers is to not become a dictator.  
“You must realize the church called you to pastor. Respect their rights and privileges. Learn to be patient in all things and never get into an argument,” he said. “Being a pastor is very rewarding and you must learn to be in control of yourself. If you make a mistake, admit it and move on.”
Despite his age, Baker still cleans an office in Savannah, but plans to retire from this job in the very near future.  
Pastor Baker has served as chaplain for the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in Savannah for 16 years and also serves as chaplain for the Savannah Baptist Ministers’ Union.  
“I came up through the ranks,” said Baker.  
Prior to going into the ministry, he served as a deacon for 30 years and was very active in the Sunday school.
Baker and his wife, Doris Williams Baker, live in the little town of Carnegen, and are the parents of seven children.   
In his spare time, Baker said he loves to play golf.
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