Story by Colleen Driscoll

 

Bridgeport Presbyterian Church celebrated its 50th anniversary during the weekend of May 4-5 with food, refreshments, entertainment, and a deep gratitude to a loving and providing God.

 

On Saturday, May 4, the anniversary committee organized a picnic on the church grounds. The special service on Sunday, May 5, led by current pastor Rev. Steve Elderbrock, brought generations of past and current families to Bridgeport. Former pastors, Rev. Gary McGrew and Rev. Robin Palmer-Burton, joined Elderbrock in the celebration.

 

The adult choir, supported by former members and the church’s youth, sang "We Have Come to the Table," a song specifically composed for the event by Brooke Driscoll. The younger children sang Kumbaya, a song used 50 years ago in their first children’s choir. Joseph Timms, one of the remaining founding members, spoke during the service. Other founding members, Annabel Timms and Ruth Allen, were also present with their families for the events.

 

Chairpersons of the anniversary committee Emily Jougras and Jacy Woods began planning last fall for this Golden Jubilee. Adding to the festivities, Nicole Hebb-Burner and daughters Ella and Jessa created games for the picnic and worked with Jougras and Colleen Driscoll to make memory booklets and recipe books as gifts for the attendees. Custom-designed ornaments were also available. Maradith Gray designed an elegant dinner décor for the Sunday formal dinner.

 

At the end of the reception, the contents of the time capsule buried 25 years ago were revealed and displayed for the guests. Among the contents were a letter from Merlin and Sarah Jane Withrow, the church's first pastor, information on Operation Shoebox and other ministries, and a church picture directory showing the congregation at the 25th anniversary. Committee members Brad Tate and Gary Lhotsky assisted with digging up the time capsule prior to the festivities and managed the tent and table setups for the busy weekend.

 

Anna Winans's grandfather E. Merlin Withrow was installed as the first pastor at the church 50 years ago. She summed up the emotions of many others in the congregation.

 

“So many memories. I cried so many happy tears! I don’t know what I would do in my life without my church family. God has truly blessed this congregation! I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years holds," said Winans.

 

The Bridgeport Presbyterian Church holds worship services each Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows current Bridgeport Presbyterian Rev. Steve Elderbrock, center, surrounded by former reverends Rev. Robin Palmer-Burton, left, and Rev. Gary McGrew. Founding member Joseph Timms addresses the gathering, while the adult choir is joined by former members and children as part of the festitivites in hte bottom image. Below is a link to a gallery of images from the picnic. All photos were supplied by Colleen Driscoll.

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Bridgeport Presbyterian Church 50th Anniversary Celebration Picnic