Salvisa Baptist Church celebrated 175 years of ministry June 12.
The celebration included morning worship, a sermon by Pastor Jonathan Jones, catered luncheon and an afternoon service with special presentations and recognitions. Approximately 220 people celebrated with the church.
Jones, Salvisa Baptist’s pastor since May 2015, presented a sermon on Joshua 4 and the memorial stones from the Jordan River and the camp at Gilgal. Jones encouraged the congregation to not focus on the finite details of how, when and what things would happen in the church’s future, but to have faith that God is always in control and present in whatever challenges come.
Referencing how God had dried up the Jordan so the Israelites could cross, Jones said today many people are “living on the wrong side of the river.”
“I believe they’re waiting for God to stop the water before they step in,” he said. “God is waiting to see if you are willing to trust Him and take His word.”
Former pastors Larry Duke, James Craigmile, Larry Koch and James Hensley, former association pastor Jonathan Bennett, and past youth and music ministers were recognized during the afternoon service.
Nick Sandefur, North Central regional consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention, presented a certificate to the church in honor of its 175 years of ministry and contribution to the life and ministry of Baptists in Kentucky. District Representative Kim King also presented a citation on behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives,
The program ended with a reading of the church’s history by Mary Warford and a special concert by Made New, a gospel band from Harrodsburg.
Salvisa Baptist was organized in the spring of 1841 and has had 57 pastors and been through five building programs.
Throughout its history, the church has sought to preach the gospel, provide Christian training and education and to serve Salvisa and the surrounding community. Church members of all ages live out the purpose statement, “We exist to know Christ, to grow in Christ, and to sow the word of Christ for His glory,” by taking part in local, state, national, and international missions, including an upcoming youth mission trip to Puerto Rico.
“As we begin the next leg of our journey, we must prepare ourselves spiritually for what God is preparing to do in the life of this church,” Jones said sharing that he is looking forward to the church’s next 175 years. “God is still in the business of doing amazing things.” (WR)