Gilbert McDowell - Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Gilbert W. McDowell, pastor emeritus, served Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church for 28 years as pastor. He came to JHBC in 1964 from Pilot Baptist Church, Zebulon, N. C. where he served from 1955-l964. From l964 until l992 he led the church through two building programs of the present education building and sanctuary. He served on the Ordination Committee of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association and remains active in the church life.
Rev. McDowell graduated from Greenwood High School, Greenwood, South Carolina. Received his Batchelor’s Degree from Furman University, Greenville, S. C. and his Batchelor of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
He and his wife, Nancy Powell McDowell have three sons. Steve & wife, Tanya of Cary, N. C. . They have two children, Ashley and Zachary. Stan & wife, Karen of Charlotte, N. C. They have two sons and a daughter-in-law, Mark & wife, Kate, and Joey. Bert and his wife Mary live in Cumming, Ga. and have one daughter, Maggy.
He has many interests that have kept him busy over the years. His love for family, friends, gardening, sports, and reading (especially history) has always been a priority. His love for God’s word and understanding of people endears him to the present day congregation of JHBC. He and Nancy were honored in 2003 when the new fellowship area was named for them…McDowell Hall. He has continually led people to “deeper depths and higher heights” of God’s love.
