Mexia Baptist Church in Bethlehem Baptist Association commemorated its 100th anniversary last fall with a weekend celebration that included a Saturday cookout and a special Sunday service.
“It was just a wonderful weekend. … It was a huge undertaking,” said Susan Loftin, chairwoman of the centennial anniversary planning committee. “It was better than we ever envisioned it would be.”
Approximately 200 attendees enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings, and the microphone was open to anyone who wished to share a few words. Each former pastor in attendance spoke and reminisced.
In addition, deacon Charles Wiggins brought his horse and buggy for everyone to enjoy and others brought antique cars.
The following morning during the service, a representative from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented a plaque and a family in the church donated 100 long-stemmed red roses to commemorate the church’s 100 years.
The choir sang special hymns, and a men’s quartet — comprised of both current and former church members — sang old gospel songs. Former Mexia Baptist Pastor Reuben Grimes presented a 15-minute concert.
Q.T. Curtis, retired Mexia Baptist pastor, brought a sermon and sang his signature song, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”
A 55-page anniversary book full of memories and photographs was created for the occasion and passed out to the estimated 300–400 people in attendance. “It was really a treasure and everybody loved it,” Loftin said.
The book ends with photos of the church’s “future” — current Mexia Baptist children pictured in Bible school.
Pastor Wayne McMillian said the vision for the church is “to reach out to the community with our lives.”
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