“Unveiling the Past, Enlightening the Present and Illumining the Future” was the theme for Hope Baptist Church, Sweet Water, as it marked its 25th anniversary Aug. 29.
The service began by “unveiling the past” with videos and shared stories of the Bethel Baptist Association church’s history. Pam Jordan, a charter member, gave a testimony about how the church has affected her life.
A representative of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the church with a plaque for its work.
Pastor Randall Smith spoke on “enlightening the present” in the message he presented to the more than 70 people in attendance.
Before the anniversary meal, church members Tom Sessions, Nancy Tolbert, Fred Sakon, Lisa Sakon and Amy Smith discussed “illumining the future” through Bible study and missions ministries.
Sessions’ wife, Barbara, said her wish for Hope Baptist is simply for it “to continue to grow.”
“(We are) looking forward to the future and building a new sanctuary,” she noted.
Hope Baptist began as a mission of Myrtlewood Baptist Church on Aug. 25, 1985. Warren Huggins, pastor of Myrtlewood Baptist, led a service for the five charter members meeting in Sessionses’ home. The mission was constituted as Hope Baptist Church on Aug. 31, 1986, with Chris Foster as pastor. Construction of its building took place in 1987.
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