The Rev. James O. Barnett recently celebrated 60 years as pastor of The Church of the First Born, a holiness church which got its name from the Bible (Hebrews 12:23).

He was born on Oct. 15, 1932 to Louisa Elizabeth and Abraham Lincoln Barnett, who took him faithfully to church.

He met his wife, Ruth, and married her on March 6, 1951. They had nine children.

In 1956, Barnett was saved at the church, which at the time was at Burchett Block. In 1958, he became pastor of The Church of the First Born. At this time, church was still being held at Burchett Block. The church then moved to 11th Street with Barnett still faithfully pastoring.

In 1968, Pastor Barnett and the congregation built the church in Dunlap Hollow.

A faithful and spiritual pastor, Barnett said he shall continue to “preach God’s word,” until the Lord calls him home.