Miriam Bearden has sweet memories of walking to her church — Central Baptist in Selma — with her grandmother and other friends. Back in the 1920s, it had changed its name from Second Baptist Church to Central. And then after much prayer in the 1990s, the church moved out of downtown Selma and changed its name to Valley Grande Baptist.
The congregation, led by interim pastor Bill Garner, celebrated 125 years of ministry Nov. 14.
Ray Wuerzer, who served as pastor from 1995 to 2000, was the guest speaker for the day. Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the church with a certificate.
“It was good to think about how the church started, where we came from and where we are today,” Bearden said. “We were overwhelmed by the people who came back for the celebration. It meant a lot to see everyone there.”
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