Shady Grove Baptist Church, Leesburg, celebrated its 175th anniversary Nov. 3.
Former pastors were recognized by Jeff Barber, current pastor, and several shared memories from their time at the church. Mac Coley, the oldest living member, and Janis McCleskey, the longest continuous member, were recognized by Gary DeBerry, a former pastor.
Special music was provided by Mary Leigh Gibson Hill, who grew up in the church; Emma and Sara Myrick; and the youth and children’s choir. Wendell Dutton, Cherokee’s associational missionary and a commissioner for the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the church with two plaques. Following the service everyone was invited to attend a tree planting ceremony to commemorate this milestone led by Johnny Pruitt, Emma Myrick, Barber and Hill.
This is the third tree planted by the church to celebrate special events, the first tree was planted at the 150th anniversary and the second planting celebrated the 50th anniversary of the church building.
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