When Coffee Baptist Association celebrated its 100th annual meeting, one weekend was not long enough. In fact, one month wasn’t either.
To observe the anniversary of its first meeting, the association hosted a series of events that began in July and culminated Oct. 20 with the 100th annual associational meeting at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Enterprise.
Director of Missions John Granger believes it was important not only to celebrate the history of Coffee Association but also to recognize its ongoing relevance.
“Associations tie churches together and they help provide training and give leadership as far as missions planning and strategy,” he said.
Granger offered a history lesson on the unique creation of Coffee Association. What is now Coffee Association was formed in 1908 when Pea River Association and Haw Ridge Association merged. The two associations had already changed their names, and both were known as Coffee Association.
He added that the observance also recognized the 130th anniversary of the former Pea River Association.
To celebrate the anniversaries, Coffee Association hosted functions including:
- a prayer walk around all city and county schools and presentation by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department at New Brockton High School for parents and teachers on the dangers of crystal methamphetamine Aug. 18,
- a cookout at Enterprise Recreational Complex Sept. 15 and
- fishing at Coffee County Lake Oct. 11, followed by a fish fry.
Kaye Clark, public relations coordinator for Coffee Association, identified two reasons for having multiple events spread out over several months — variety and scheduling.
“We’ve tried to have special events that involved everyone in the association,” she said, noting that the association comprises 50 churches representing a membership of about 17,000.
“We tried to schedule it so everybody would have a chance to come to something,” she explained.
Churches were also encouraged to discuss their individual histories during an old-fashioned day July 29. On that day, church members were asked to dress as they would have in the past with women in bonnets and aprons and men in overalls.
Steve Bruce, pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Enterprise, said celebrating the association’s heritage is important to assure that younger generations realize its significance.
“So many of our young people, specifically our young adults, are not as familiar with the work of a local association as some of the older members of our congregations,” he said. “I can see where celebrating our heritage gives people a better understanding of what our association is all about.”
Bruce said associations are invaluable to member churches in a number of ways. He pointed to Granger as a “pastor to the pastors” from whom they can seek counsel and help with programs like Vacation Bible School and planning new ministries.
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