SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Berean Baptist Church has celebrated 60 years of God’s faithfulness, marking the event with an anniversary Sunday on Aug. 2.
In the morning service, Pastor Richard Ahlgrim gave an account of the church’s beginning, which was motivated by its desire for doctrinal truth. He also highlighted major mileposts in the church’s ministry, including several expansions of church property and the development of a Christian school. Church members Don Adrich, Tim Vangeison, and Jeremy Krall gave testimonies of the sound Bible teaching and the spiritual encouragement they have received at Berean Baptist.
Guest speaker John Greening, GARBC national representative, shared a message of expressions of thankfulness based on John 12. Special music by the church choir centered on sharing the news of Christ’s salvation and the joy that faith in Christ brings. The church family expressed praise to God by reading Psalms 100 and 145.
The morning service was followed by a delicious catered luncheon at the Nelson Center in Springfield’s Lincoln Park. Highlights of the luncheon were church members’ “popcorn” testimonies, expressing gratitude to the Lord for the church, and gospel songs presented by “The Boys,” a men’s trio. Berean Baptist has enjoyed the long-term ministries of Pastor Richard and Betty Ahlgrim for 46 years and Associate Pastor Dave and Cindy Fox for 16 years.
