The West Virginia Baptist Convention was held Thursday and Friday at Simpson Creek Baptist.

 

“I would say our average attendance was about 500 for each of the sessions,” said SCBC’s Susan Paugh, who served as organizer. “Two hundred seventy-nine were delegates from various churches all over the state and the rest were visitors.”

 

Based on Romans 15:13, the theme was “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory.” Serving as keynote speaker was Lauran Bethel, global consultant with International Ministries American Baptist Churches USA.

 

Her presentation on human trafficking was very informative and eye-opening, Paugh said.

 

The two-day convention featured a variety of workshops. Included was a program presented Donald Matolyak, coordinator for “My Hope with Billy Graham” of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He traveled from Columbus, Ohio to host the workshop, which is being presented worldwide.

 

Other workshops included “Celebrate Recovery” by Lou Ortenzio, “Hope and Adaptive Changes” by Ed Rogers, “Adult Discipleship” by Lisa Simmons and a workshop for church employees, led by Sara Day.

 

The church’s activities building hosted an exhibit hall, with 32 different groups hosting. Some featured work being done by missionaries to foreign lands.

 

Local and regional musicians/vocalists provided music before each session. Pamela McClain, director of Parkersburg High School Choral Department – and niece of SCBC Pastor, Dr. Mike Hopkins - served as song leader.

 

“She did a fantastic job,” Paugh said.

 

Also lending talents were choirs from Philippi Baptist Church and Alderson-Broaddus University.

 

Simpson Creek Baptist Church was well represented regarding musical effort.

 

“Nancy Cleghorn was in charge of all the music and our praise team sang,” Paugh said. “John Woodson, a member of Coon’s Run who attends our 8:30 service, did gathering music. There was also gathering music provided by our own Master’s Blend and church choir.”

 

Several dinners were held in conjunction with the convention.

 

“The Ministerial Council met at Bridgeport Presbyterian Church and the West Virginia Baptist Historical Society met at Bridgeport Baptist Church,” Paugh said. “The ministers’ spouses’ luncheon was held at Oliverio’s Ristorante and the Palmer Theological Seminary met in our church fellowship hall for a luncheon.”

 

Leading into the conference was a Wednesday night dinner for executive councils of West Virginia Baptist and American Baptist Women. Those dinners were hosted by Simpson Creek Baptist Church’s ABW group.

 

“Women’s Day” started off Thursday’s activities and was attended by about 300, Paugh said.

 

The last time SCBC hosted the annual West Virginia Baptist Convention was in 2002.

 

“It is held all over the state,” Paugh said. “Last year, it was held in Huntington and this year, we were asked to host it.”

 

It’s been quite an undertaking.

 

“We’ve been working on it for about 14 months and have had some great committees with great chairmen,” Paugh said. “We had about 162 people involved in working on the convention from our church.”

 

Those efforts included parking, cross guards, greeters, hospitality, flower committee, music committee, transportation and first aid, among others.

 

Bridgeport Police Department assisted with security, Paugh said.

 

It also could not have come together without support and input from Dr. Hopkins and assistance from area churches. In addition to those mentioned above, Bridgeport United Methodist Church provided the use of its fellowship hall for activities.

 

“I love that all the churches can work together,” she said. “They were all so good and gracious. It’s nice to have that relationship.”