The First Baptist Church in Churdan celebrated its 125th anniversary with a full day of activities on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Regular worship services were held that morning with more than 140 members, former members and guests attending. Pastor Bobby Palmer brought the message encouraging all to stay rooted in Christ.
Worship was followed by a catered meal prepared by member Eddie Lusk and his wife Joleen Killeen. Approximately 160 people were served in the church basement.
A program began at 1 pm with a special song sung by Rochelle Fagg, Amanda Helms and Laura Minnihan. Pastor Palmer welcomed the crowd, followed by words of praise from Rev. Mary Miller, associate executive minister, Mid-American Baptist Churches. Rev. Miller presented a certificate from the American Baptist Historical Society to Pastor Palmer, noting the church’s 125 years of service in the Churdan community.
Letters from former pastors Frank Fagerburg and Sean Peifer were read. Peifer, who lives in California, and Fagerburg, 94, of Green Lake, WI, were unable to attend.
Greg Berkey, John Swoyer and David Smiley shared some memories from their time of service at First Baptist. Then members of the congregation were given a chance to share stories and memories of the past, beginning with the oldest member of the church, Clare Hunter. Hunter has been a faithful member for 82 years.
The song Statement of Faith, which had been adopted as the celebration theme, was sung by the trio of ladies, followed by a short video made by Charlie Paup. The video included some 8mm footage made by his father, the late Ralph Paup, during the construction of the current building in the 1940s. It also included parts of the 100th and 110th celebration held at the church.
The program ended with the trio singing Midnight Cry. People continued to enjoy fellowship while cake and punch were served. Many perused a pictorial display and a longer version of the video which was playing in the sanctuary.
Former pastors of First Baptist Church in Churdan (from left) Greg Berkey and John Swoyer, both of South Dakota, and interim pastor David Smiley of Des Moines, joined current pastor Bobby Palmer in a day of celebration of the church’s 125th anniversary.
