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Pennsylvania Church Marks 150th Anniversary

By August 23, 2015No Comments

ElimsportPA_inlineELIMSPORT, Pa.—First Baptist Church of Elimsport marked its 150th anniversary with a heartwarming celebration around the theme “Continuing a Heritage of Faithfulness.”

On Saturday, Aug. 8, God granted a lovely summer evening for attendees to enjoy a picnic and a concert at the church’s pavilion. Former and current members, friends, family, and neighbors lifted up God’s name in praise and testimony.

The next day, Pastor Todd Baker led the Sunday School hour and morning and afternoon services. His recounting of the church’s history was punctuated by video messages and letters from ministry partners, previous pastors, and former members. Dan Brooks, who had been a music director at the church, played a beautiful piano solo, and former Pastor Lee Kleiwer and his wife, Colleen, provided special music.

Pastor Robert Sauser gave the morning sermon. Sauser had been pastor of First Baptist from 1975 to 1979, after the 30-year ministry of Pastor Ralph Colas. Using Psalm 78 as his text and referencing passages in 1 Corinthians—along with humorous anecdotes and fond memories—he reminded the church to stay true to the full Word of God.

Attendees received a historical booklet, a pen, and a well-crafted slate coaster. Following a catered lunch, a video was shown of the opening of the time capsule that had been placed in the cornerstone of the current church building in 1964. The items could be viewed in a display case in the back of the church. The celebration was completed with a challenge from Pastor Baker and more testimonies to the miraculous ways God used people from First Baptist to reach the world and their neighbors for Christ.