Social - February 2003

Meeting the People

Pastor serves the community through careers, programs and volunteerism

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

February 21, 2003 - His relationship with Lincoln has evolved.

From his years at East Lincoln High School to his time spent as a magistrate, the Rev. Franklin Lowery has a passion for his community.

“I’ve watched this county go through a lot of transformation,” he says. “The sad thing is, we’re still several steps behind.”

Lowery, 45, strives to help people, young and old, take these steps — spiritually, mentally, financially and emotionally.

He is the full-time pastor at Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church and resident program coordinator with the Lincolnton Housing Authority.

The two professions complement one another, he says.

“I’m enjoying what I’m doing (at the Housing Authority), and it’s a ministry as well.”

Call to Ministry

Lowery graduated from Belmont Abbey College. He worked as a magistrate for Lincoln County for 18 years. Though he was dedicated, Lowery admits he lacked passion for his job.

“I was staying there because of the check.”

During his lunch hour, Lowery often would cross Main Street and go into North State Books where he began browsing the theological books.

Lowery looked back at the classes he had taken in college — many had been of religious nature. His interest in religion and theology increased, and he soon began taking corespondent courses at Carolina University of Theology while continuing to work as a magistrate.

Lowery earned his degree and hit the evangelism trail. When he abandoned his job as magistrate and was ready to serve as a full-time pastor, there was only one place that came to mind — his home church, Gold Hill.

Out of the Pew, into the Pulpit

Lowery officially became the pastor of Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church in February of 1999.

He admits that taking the helm of the church where he grew up was awkward at first.

“God has a way of preparing you for situations,” he says.

But Lowery’s fresh, new approach has brought about a lot of changes. And over time, his long relationship with the church helped build trust, and stronger relationships.

“Every elderly person in here can say they played a part in raising me,” he says.

Building on tradition

Lowery has brought change to the Stanley church, but he respects tradition.

The church is in the midst of renovations. The sanctuary has been made over to add more floor space and pews.

The stained glass windows were removed then reinstalled in new areas.

Older programs were kept in place and expanded upon.

Since Lowery came to the church, the youth programs have increased as have choir and adult programs.

“I love outreach,” Lowery says. “I love being where the people are.”

Lowery says he, and the church, are ever evolving.

“I’m learning. This whole journey is a learning experience.”

The “learning experience” has brought more people into the church. When Lowery first became pastor, 60 people typically  attended the Sunday morning service. That number is now between 130 to 150 each week.

“I look out in the congregation, and there’s a number of people coming now that were not in the church before,” he says.

Meeting the People

Lowery worked as a volunteer with the Lincolnton Housing Authority in the early 90s. His volunteerism evolved into a part-time position in 1993. Eventually he became the full-time program coordinator.

“If we’re going to be Christ-like, we’ve got to meet the people,” he says.

Lowery says his work at the Housing Authority is incredibly rewarding. He enjoys working with youth, watching them grow up and succeed.

He names instances when the youngsters return as adults and tell him how well they’re doing.

Lowery says he’s heard many negative comments about today’s youth — often referred to as Generation X. He says there is always hope.

“The X is nothing more than a cross where somebody didn’t hold up their end,” he explains.

Life to the Fullest

Lowery says his life is fulfilling. He and his wife, Sylvia, are the parents of two sons, Tory, 26, and Justin, 19.

His days and nights are spent serving the community and the Lord. And, he says, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lowery still remembers a day when he was in college. He saw two news reports about Lincolnton — a crime had been committed and a fire had broken out downtown.

“I said then if I ever graduate, I’m going to go home and try to make a difference.”

Lowery says he could never consider going anywhere else. He feels his passion for his community fuels his desire to make it better.

“My joy is introducing people to new things and watching them be successful.”

Gold Hill is holding special services this month in honor of Lowery’s fourth anniversary as pastor.

He plans to attend all the services, but says he also looks forward to getting away at the end of the month.

Lowery and his wife try to take mini-vacations every two to three months.

Where is this month’s destination?

“I ain’t going to tell you because someone might find out,” he laughs.

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Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church is located at 7447 Old Plank Road in Stanley. Sunday services begin at 11 a.m. Various services are held each day of the week.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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