August 13 was a day to mark the growth and diversity of First Baptist Church, Russellville, over the past 150 years, and it was a day marked by “enthusiastic worship,” according to Lonette Berg.
The Hispanic congregation of First, Russellville, joined its parent church for the 10:30 a.m. service and worshipped in Spanish and in English before hearing a message from Gene Balding, pastor emeritus of First, Russellville, who served as its pastor from 1993 to 2007. Balding based the message on Joshua 4, urging participants to remember both the trials and victories the Lord has brought them through.
Commemorative certificates were presented to the church by Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, and Larry Dover, director of missions for Franklin Baptist Association. Minister of music and senior adults Bert Fowler sang special music for the occasion.
Longtime member Floyd Tirey recognized Charlotte Herston, a member since 1946, and Doris Woodruff, a member since 1940, as being among nine of the longest-tenured church members. Patrick Martin is pastor.
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