Gilbertown Baptist Church had a full weekend celebrating a century of existence. On Sept. 8–9 the Choctaw Baptist Association church filled its pews and activities building with guests.
The church saw more than 120 people come through the doors Sept. 8 for a fish fry and gospel concert by Heart’s Desire of Meridian, Miss. Gilbertown Baptist also purchased a red maple tree and had a tree planting ceremony that evening.
The Sunday morning service started with two boys’ baptisms performed by Gilbertown Pastor Brad Bakane. Representative John Reid of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission gave Gilbertown a commemorative plaque. A slideshow of old church photos, presentations from former pastors, and words of encouragement from Bobby DuBois, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions associate executive director, comprised the morning celebration. To end the celebration each attendee was given a golden balloon and asked to gather at the newly planted red maple tree to release the balloons together.
Myra Abston, Gilbertown member for 17 years and anniversary committee member, said the weekend was “just great.”
Bakane encouraged the church to remember, “The memories we have of the last 100 years are not the end. (Looking forward) we’re trying to reach families in our community. … Hopefully the best
years of our church are ahead of us.”
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