A native of Clarendon, NC, Pastor Ken received the Lord’s call to ministry at age 17. Decades later – after founding and selling multiple financial and technology companies – he answered the call. Now, as Elah Baptist Church’s longest serving pastor, he is working alongside Christ to build a strong community of faith that extends beyond the walls of Elah.
Hailing from Tabor City, NC, Teresa McCumbee Long married Pastor Ken in 1969. As Christ commands in John 13:34, Teresa takes very seriously the call to love another as Christ has loved her. She is often seen passing blessings onto others through countless hours of ministry in the church and community.
Pastor: Kenneth W. Long, Sr.
Deacons: Mack Odham, John Cook, Danny Gardner, Rod Lattie, Cameron Smith
Treasurer: Penny Gardner Assistant: Christy Souter
Baptism Coordinators: Franky & Phyllis Thomas, Charlie & Ingrid Fish, Richard Gainey
Baptist Men: Charlie Fish
Building & Grounds: Doris Long, Cameron McKay, Cameron Smith, Chez Richmond, Darrell
Lunsford, Keith Chrisco, Graham Rivenbark, Robbie Walker
Bulletin Editor: Cheryl Trick Assistant: Christy Souter
Call List Coordinator: Beth Lewis, Tina Cuthbertson, Charlie Fish
Celebrate Recovery: Rod Lattie
Church Clerk: Beth Lewis Assistant: Shirley Cooley, Therese Courtney
Church Pianist/ Organist: Jeanne Clayton Backup: Barbara Mintz, Carol Brykailo
Decorating/Flower Committee: Celesa Milliken, Angela Herring, Abby Smith
Event Calendar Coordinators: Teresa Long, Beth Lewis, Bonnie Hill
Family Deacon Ministry Chairman: John Cook
Finance Committee: Cameron Smith, Dennis Cooley, Connie Lattie, Alberta Stallings, Bonnie Hill
Finance Tellers: Shirley Cooley, Angela Herring, Beth Lewis, Bonnie Hill and Deacons
Giving Secretary: Alberta Stallings
Greeters: Richie Ferguson, Antione’ Arnold, Auvia Brown
GriefShare: Charlie & Ingrid Fish, Angela Herring, Phyllis Thomas, Shirley Cooley
Helping Hands (Ladies): Debi Odham
Historian: Rose Cook, Velma Maultsby
Homecoming Committee: Rose Cook-Chairman, Kitchen, Music & Decorating Committees,
Church Socials & Functions
Kitchen Committee: Dennis & Shirley Cooley, Penny Gardner, Nancy Ward, Bonnie Hill, Celesa
Milliken, Richie Ferguson, Teresa McKay, Debbie Clayton, Maureen Jackson, Angela Whaley
Love in Action: Rose Cook
Memorial Coordinator: Rose Cook
Music Coordinator/Song Leader: J.R. Brykailo
Sanitation & Contract Services: Johnnie Whaley, Teresa Long
Senior Usher: Mack Odham Ushers: Robert Mintz, Jimmie Lanier, Franky Thomas, Richie Ferguson
Servant Keeper: Charlie Fish
Sign Coordinators: Chez Richmond, Keith Chrisco, Darrell Lunsford, Rodney Bachand
Song Leader: Carol Brykailo
Technology: Christy Souter, Charlie Fish, Tina Cuthbertson
Ushers: Robert Mintz, Jimmie Lanier, Franky Thomas, Richie Ferguson
Sunday School Director: Danny Gardner Assistant: Frank Pendleton
Nursery Coordinator: Alberta Stallings Nursery Workers: Alberta Stallings, Sherry Rabon, Celesa
Milliken, Martha Henderson, Cheryl Samuels, Therese Courtney, Nadia Chatlos, Teresa Long,
Karma Milliken, Antoine’ Arnold, Auvia Brown, Connie Lattie
Children's Church Coordinator: Therese Courtney Workers: Therese Courtney, Norma Sholar,
Angela Herring, Debi Odham, Celesa Milliken, Connie Lattie
Youth Leaders: Crystal & Johnnie Whaley, Abby & Cameron Smith, Teresa McKay, Tina Cuthbertson,
Carigan McDowell
Vacation Bible School: Angela Herring, Celesa Milliken, Debi Odham, Elizabeth Herring
Men’s Bible Class: Bobbie Howard
Adult Class – Lamplighters: Debi Odham Assistant: Barbara Mintz, J.R. Brykailo
Adult Class – Bible Explorers: Danny Gardner
Originally known as the "Myrtle Branch Preaching Station," it operated under the auspices of the Cape Fear Baptist Association (CFBA). By 1882, the station evolved into the Myrtle Branch Baptist Church, establishing its home just 400 feet west of the Ricefield Bridge on the south side of Old Fayetteville Road.
Within a span of two decades, the church transitioned a mile westward and assumed the name Elah Baptist Church. In 1958, a significant update revitalized the sanctuary, marking a new chapter in its legacy.
During the 1900 annual Brunswick Baptist Association session, Myrtle Branch – alongside ten sister churches – joined the BBA after departing from the Cape Fear Columbus Association. Throughout its history, Elah has been an unwavering supporter of The Southern Baptist initiatives at every level.
As the congregation thrived, the physical footprint of the church expanded. A second story, added in 1974, accommodated the growing community with a fellowship hall and Sunday school classrooms. Even this space was eventually outgrown, leading to the completion of an adjacent fellowship hall in 2006.
Throughout its 135-year journey, Elah has experienced numerous transformations, yet its core mission remains firm: to be a guiding force in the community through the ministry of God's word.