After the sanctuary of Providence No. 1 Baptist Church, Montevallo, burned down at the hands of an arsonist in 2008, church members grieved. But through their grief, they rebuilt. And because of that determination to move forward the church celebrated its 175th anniversary July 24.
The morning celebration services were filled with special guests, performances and additional special features. Sid Sample, an 83-year-old Arkansas pastor who grew up attending Providence No. 1 Baptist, brought the message and Alabama Baptist Historical Commission representative Mavis Gates presented a commemorative plaque.
Solos were sung by Yvonne Johnson and minister of music Mark Tilley. The choir also sang special music.
Additional special guests included Jim Swedenburg, director of the office of Cooperative Program and stewardship development for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and Larry Felkins, director of missions for Chilton Baptist Association. The service also featured a video presentation of historic photos and a quilt sewn by women of the church.
Lunch concluded the celebration. Pastor Allen Foster said it was “an outstanding celebration of God’s faithfulness through the years.” (Compiled by the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission and TAB)
Share with others: