Former NAMB, HLG president serving
as 1st Centralia’s interim
CENTRALIA – Larry Lewis, former president of the North American Mission Board and Hannibal-LaGrange College, began serving as interim pastor of First Baptist Church Centralia June 28. He will continue until a permanent pastor is called. A native of Centralia, Lewis is a graduate of Centralia High School and has degrees from Hannibal-LaGrange and the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is also a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Ft. Worth Texas and has the Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. He was also awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Hannibal-LaGrange. He has been an ordained Southern Baptist minister for more than 50 years. He is the author of many published articles and several books including Organize to Evangelize, The Church Planters Handbook, Proclaiming Life and a devotional book, Walking with God.
First Bethany holds reception for Parker
BETHANY – First Baptist Church, Bethany, held a reception for Karen Parker on July 14. Parker is moving to Tipton in July. She has been a member since October 1965, church clerk since 1976, and church secretary since 2001. Ned Nugent is pastor.
Victory Celebration at FBC Clarksville
CLARKSVILLE – Frank Welch, Director of Missions for the Salt River Baptist Association, spoke briefly at First Baptist Church Clarksville during a celebration in May. Those present admired the renovations to the classrooms and fellowship hall following the destruction caused by the flood of 2008.
Slated as a victory celebration, the crowd enjoyed their first meal together since June of 2008. Heaven Bound, a gospel group, provided entertainment following the dinner.
As is the case in many hardships, the process of reconstruction cemented faith and friendships and a great many hands were involved in the work, said Gene Spies, interim pastor, who took the opportunity to thank members from the Salt River Association for their help. He also thanked Pastor Philip Brown and family, Nancy Colbert, Dale Key, Derek and Margaret Blackwell and the Missouri National Guard.
Recognition was given to the various VBS programs throughout the state who designated their offerings to First Baptist Clarksville for repairs. The crowd cheered as “Golden Awards” were presented to many who participated in the year-long renovations.
Sunday Worship services are held at 9:30 a.m. with Wednesday Bible Study at 7 p.m. at the Southern Baptist church located on Highway 79 in Clarksville.
July 4th celebration at Brumley Music in Powell
POWELL –The Powell Historical Preservation Society (PHPS) is planning the Second Annual July 4th Celebration at the Brumley Music Company in Powell on July 4 at 6 p.m. Live music will be provided by Baled Tight & Put Up Green and Canaan Bound. Hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels and watermelon will be served. Come and join the family games: horseshoes, volleyball, badminton and more, and a special children’s play section. Be sure to sign up for prizes. Last year’s hit, the hayrides to see the historic bridge at Powell, will be provided again this year. The fireworks extravaganza will begin at twilight. Don’t miss out on this evening of fun!
Admission and parking are free. Please bring your lawn chairs or blankets. All proceeds go toward the rehab of the Historic Powell Bridge, soon to be a Walking Bridge for McDonald County. Work on the old bridge will begin as soon as the new county bridge is completed. The PHPS is a nonprofit and tax exempt organization. For more information call 417-435-2394 or 417-435-2214.
Fairview Baptist prepares for 125th anniversary
SPARTA – Fairview Baptist Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary this year.
An anniversary planning committee is looking for old pictures and stories of the church and congregation. Anyone having such items to share should contact Carrie Brown, event chairman, at 262 Crystal Ave., Sparta, Mo. 65753, or phone 634-3838, or Dorothy Haase, publicity, 505 Stargrass Rd., Ozark, Mo. 65721, call. 581-9322.
Fairview Baptist Church, Pastor Ron Long, is located on Highway PP, about two miles south of Sparta.
More information will be available as plans are confirmed.
New Salem to celebrate
180th anniversary
OWENSVILLE – New Salem Baptist Church will celebrate its 180th anniversary Sept. 20 with special services, lunch and an afternoon of singing and testimonies. Kyle Mason, a former pastor, will be the 10:30 morning worship service speaker. For more information call New Salem Pastor Terry Knight at 913-948-6513.
