Trinity Baptist Church, Roanoke, celebrated its 100th anniversary April 28 with special services and fellowship. The day focused on the church’s role in Baptist and community life in the past, its ministries and projects in the present and what it will be in the future.
“It was an awesome day with about 240 there,” said Richard Richie, pastor of Trinity, which has 450 members with about 288 active. “It was a day of celebration and excitement, one where old friends and loved ones could come back and be part of the service.”
Those in attendance received a 100th anniversary keepsake booklet with a brief history, letter from the pastor, list of pastors and pictures.
Helping the choir out with music were: the youth, church friends and the Langleys, a church family that sings southern gospel music.
Former pastors, including former interim pastor Jack Womack and former pastor Barry Cosper, had parts in the services, which took place both before and after a covered-dish luncheon.
“Our small town’s mayor issued a proclamation about the importance our church has had in the community,” said Richie.
The 26th pastor in a line of 30, Frank Sledge brought the morning message.
“Before he spoke, his grandson Adam went up to sing a song, and Pastor Sledge sang, too,” said Richie. “He spoke on the greatest homecoming we will have, when we go to meet Jesus in the air.”
The after-lunch gathering included music specials, prayer, speakers, presentations and readings of special letters.
Richie spoke three times, each about a different part of the church’s timetable — past, present and future.
“Our past included when J.M. Yates broke away to begin this church to reach the working class here,” said Richie. “This reminds us to be willing to get out of our comfort zones to reach others.”
The current state of the church includes a Web site and a new video system piped to the nursery and other rooms.
“These are things larger churches are doing, but we can use these as an effective part of our ministry,” Richie said.
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