For First Baptist Church, Rainsville, Aug. 17 was a day to reconnect and reminisce on 100 years of ministry.
More than 300 members and former members gathered at the DeKalb Baptist Association church at 10:15 a.m. to commemorate the anniversary. The service began with a mix of old hymns and praise songs and featured special music by First, Rainsville’s children’s choir. Wendell Dutton, Alabama Baptist Historical Commission representative, presented a plaque and then-DeKalb Association director of missions Kenneth Clement, who died unexpectedly a few days later, was the guest speaker. Longtime members Arlon Clifton, Joe Burke and D.L. Stiefel provided testimonies about their experiences with First, Rainsville.
A cake and punch reception followed at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Historic memorabilia were displayed throughout the hall, which was decorated in purple. Items included a 1967 handmade pulpit, a silver Lord’s supper set, old choir robes and a picture album that held 22 of the 26 former pastors’ pictures.
The most striking piece of memorabilia was a 1920s quilt that had area businesses of the time stitched into it, said history committee member Patricia Cagle.
“It was a very special time,” Cagle said. (Maggie Walsh)
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