Extra seating was brought in to accommodate the large crowd expected Oct. 24 for the 100th anniversary celebration of Chandler Mountain Baptist Church, Steele, and former members did not disappoint.
More than 325 people — almost five times the attendance average of 75 — gathered at the St. Clair Baptist Association church to celebrate.
Lee Gilliland, who organized the anniversary service with his wife, Mary, presented a brief history, beginning in 1910 with the six men who began the congregation, and Ben Chandler, director of missions for St. Clair Association, spoke.
Special presentations also were made.
Linda Rodgers, a representative of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the church with a plaque, and State Rep. Blaine Galliher presented a plaque on behalf of the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries to Nancy Burton, Woman’s Missionary Union director for the church. Other awards were presented to Pastor Phillip Ellen and chairman of deacons Charlie Hunsucker.
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