Bridgeport Baptist Church will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary.
That’s important to note, said Church Clerk Adrienne Leach.
“We want to give honor to God for the grace he has given and for allowing us to be here 100 years,” she said. “We also want to honor the community, which has been part of our church and of which we have been involved – helping with various efforts, such as Shepherd’s Corner and local food banks. We celebrate and open our arms and let people know we are still here and still worshipping our Lord and Savior.”
Presently located on Worthington Drive, Bridgeport Baptist Church was established in 1913 with 28 charter members.
“Bridgeport Baptist Church was formally organized on April 3, 1913, a division of Simpson Creek Baptist Church,” said Carol Edgell of the anniversary committee.
Dividing from Simpson Creek Baptist, the members initially met at the home of AC Williams before purchasing the building at 103 West Main Street, presently occupied by Bloom’s Florist and previously by Petroleum Development Corporation. The first service there was held Oct. 12, 1913, Edgell said.
A parsonage was located nearby on East Main Street. Documented church history notes that the structure was sided with aluminum and had a large front yard, plentiful with foliage.
Early progress of the church was slow, but within a couple of decades, built up to the point when a number of capital improvements were necessary to accommodate the growing congregation. Noted improvements included the purchase of new chairs, carpeting and a balcony addition.
“Then in 1963, entering into the second half of our first century, the church purchased a new building site at 556 Worthington Drive in order to accommodate growth,” Edgell said.
The first service in the new church wasn’t held until October of 1973.
Presently, Bridgeport Baptist Church has 50 very faithful members, which spans three generations. Included in that demographic is June Douglas, her daughter Louise Douglas Harvey and her granddaughter Brooke Harvey Cunningham.
The family tradition of worship is very important to Cunningham, who just this summer was married at Bridgeport Baptist Church. She and her husband Andrew are active in the church, including the planning committee for the 100th anniversary celebration. Cunningham is also spearheading a new children’s church program, with the hopes of adding more young people to the congregation.
“I figure if I build it, they will come,” Cunningham said.
Douglas is still quite active in the church, heading up the love gift program, Cunningham said.
Leach became a member 17 years ago, when she relocated from Annandale, Va. with her work at the FBI CJIS Division.
“I knew I wanted a church where I could worship that was specific to my beliefs,” she said, “somewhere where I could grow in my faith and be of some assistance.”
After attending a service at BBC, it all just clicked, she said.
“I enjoyed the people there and I knew this was the place where I should be – at least for the time being,” she said.
As time went on, that became even more evident.
“We had a bigger membership when I first came here, but we’ve had people move out of state and unfortunately, many have passed on,” Leach said. “But as the membership began to decline, I saw it as an opportunity to be more active in the church – to give back with all of that love that had been poured out to me.”
For several years, the church has been under the pastorship of Tom Edgell and his wife Carol.
“They have an excellent ministry and are wonderful people. Tom preaches the word of God and Carol helps make sure all the needs are met,” Leach said. “Their philosophy in life is to love God and your life. God is always first and central, but he gave us life to enjoy.”
Leach’s volunteer position of church clerk involves many traditional duties, as well as some newer, technological ones.
“We’ve started up a Facebook page and we use different types of social media,” she said. “Our pastor is more than willing to allow us to try different types of things to make sure our members are informed. Those things take up a lot of time, but I enjoy it.”
The church was actually established in April of 1913, but the celebration will be held on Sunday, Sept. 1. It will all begin with a 9 a.m. meet and greet breakfast, open to all members of the community. At 10:45 a.m., regular worship service will be held. Providing special music for the service will be “Kayce, Jeremy and Saran.” Jeremy Bumgardner is the son of church member, Jeri Booher.
“The talented singers will be performing a concert service for us,” Leach said. “They do worship music that is southern gospel, but with a very modern spin to it.”
At noon, a luncheon will be held. Once again, the community is invited to join church members. Church tours and the sharing of church history will be shared during that time. There will also be children’s games and activities.
Following lunch, an old-fashioned sing will take place. A pianist and hymnals will be provided. Participants need only bring their singing voices and attitude of worship.
A century is quite a milestone, certainly worthy of note, Leach said.
And the celebration would not be complete without mention of former longtime member, Paul Lovell Sr., who just a few years ago celebrated his 100th birthday in the church fellowship hall.
“We determined at the time that Mr. Lovell was the second oldest living World War II prisoner of war,” Leach said. “We would like to note what a blessing that was for us to have a member over 100 years of age. And now, we ourselves are going into our next century.”
Providing special music for the service will be “Kayce, Jeremy and Saran.” Jeremy is the son of church member, Jeri Booher.
Posted by Jeri Booher
Aug. 19, 2013 at 11:50 AM EST
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