Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Find Your Local Branch
Back
Scroll to top

Business Spotlight: Elizabethtown Baptist Church

1 min read
Play Business Spotlight: Elizabethtown Baptist Church Video

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch

Video Transcript

Located in Bladen County, North Carolina, about an hour from Wilmington, sits the majestic Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

The church plays a major role in the Elizabethtown community and that was never more apparent than in the aftermath of a devastating tornado.

Disaster Strikes

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, shortly after 5 PM, a deadly tornado swept through the area.

With winds at an estimated 142 mph, two buildings at the church were completely destroyed and significant damage was done to others, including the main chapel.

In the aftermath, residents gathered together, using the church as their recovery center, to assess the damage, to bolster hope, and to begin the cleanup process.

Rebuilding and Growing

In the years following the storm, Elizabethtown Baptist Church, like the town, has rebuilt and then some.

The Elizabethtown Christian Academy launched in 2011 initially offering only 1 grade but now it accommodates children from Kindergarten through 7th grade, as well as a preschool and an after-school program.

For a determined organization like Elizabethtown Baptist Church, the future looks bright.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch
Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Front of old house that is a fixer upper Money Pit or DIY Heaven? Whether you flip houses or see your potential dream home in something that’s currently a bit rundown, it can be hard to tell if the property you’re planning to renovate will turn out to be a fortunate find or a total flop. 4 min read
FHA Mortgage Loan Insurance If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s quite likely that you have thought about acquiring mortgage loan insurance through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Established in 1934, the FHA has helped millions of people insure their properties. Over the years, especially following the economic crisis of 2008, the FHA has implemented requirements for potential homebuyers. Loan Limits To remain eligible for FHA loan insurance, consumers must fall within the loan limits. These limits are not only divided by state but are also doled out per county. If you’re curious as to what your state’s FHA loan limits are, you can refer to the Federal Housing Administration’s website. Debt-to-Income Ratio This ratio was set to ensure homebuyers do not purchase a property that they cannot afford. By using these calculations, it can be determined whether or not a person has the potential to meet the demands of owning a home.  The ratio is looked at in two different ways: Mortgage payment expense to effective income = Total mortgage payment divided by gross monthly income. The maximum qualifying ratio is 31%. Total fixed payment to effective income = Total mortgage payment added to monthly revolving and installment debt, which is then divided by gross monthly income. The maximum qualifying ratio is 43%. Credit FHA requires that a borrower have good credit standing. In order to receive approval, a lender analyzes the borrower’s past credit performance. Loan approval will likely be declined should the credit history reveal slow payments, poor financial decisions, and delinquent accounts. Other issues are having no credit history, filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, making late payments, being subjected to foreclosure, and receiving collections, judgements, or federal debts. Apply for an FHA Loan with First Bank You have a friend at First Bank to better understand the loan requirements. We work with the Federal Housing Administration to offer FHA insurance mortgages. In order to quicken the process, you can apply online. Just be prepared with some financial information, such as income, assets, and expenses; you will also have to know the property’s information, like the estimated purchase price and down payment (if buying) or estimated property value and loan amount (if refinancing). ——— Sources: 2 min read
Apple cake, apples and eggs on a table Recipes from Our Neighborhoods, Part 2 In celebration of the fall season, we’ve pulled together a few family recipes. Here, you’ll find a few sweet treats and sides to pull out in time for the influx of company in the weeks to come. 3 min read
Community Banks Near Me Where can I find banks near me? When it comes to banking, customers want banks nearby that are part of the communities where they live, work and play. First Bank is rooted in a community focus that dates back to the days of the Great Depression when we helped farmers and local businesses make every dollar count. Our core values have not changed in the eight decades since we opened our doors. First Bank remains a community bank that’s committed to helping communities prosper and thrive. First Bank: Your Community Bank We began as a community bank in 1935 with only one location but now we have more than 100 branches in North Carolina and South Carolina, mountains to coast. First Bank is the best of both worlds when it comes to community banks: small enough to serve our communities on a personal level but large enough to fully manage any financial needs. Services Offered by First Bank Here are just some of the amenities offered by First Bank: 5 different types of personal checking accounts and 5 types of business accounts 6 levels of personal savings accounts and certificate deposits (CDs) and 3 options for business savings Credit cards and debit cards for both personal and business use Loans for personal, business and home equity Adjustable, fixed-rate, and non-conforming mortgage loans FHA, rural housing and VA loans Professional and construction loans Free financial wellness programs for your employees Wealth management services including mutual funds, stocks and bonds, annuities, 401(k) and IRA’s, life insurance and more Personal and business insurance First Bank utilizes modern technology to stay close to our customers at any time from any location. We offer 24-hour banking via our online and mobile banking. Our accessibility is one of the many reasons why we are one of the best community banks near you. Visit a Local Branch Near You First Bank has many locations in North Carolina and South Carolina. Use our location finder to see a branch near you. Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value. ——— Sources: FDIC: https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/resources/cbi/report/cbsi-1.pdf 2 min read