WADDY—Graefenburg Baptist Church in Waddy celebrated their 150th anniversary with a weekend full of festivities on Aug. 11-12. Nearly 600 people attended.

On Saturday, the church gathered for a day of celebration, including homemade ice cream, horseback riding, children’s mini-train rides, music, testimonies, “19th century, Charles Spurgeon-style preaching,” and special music. They opened a time capsule, enjoyed a potluck meal, and worshiped together on Sunday.

The church also dedicated a new playground, which they intend to use to “share the gospel with our community and love on folks around here,” Phillip Meade, lead pastor of Graefenburg Baptist since December 2011, said.

Saturday included a special service in which the church heard testimonies from former pastors, at least one from each decade since the 1950s. “It was just an emotional time of thanksgiving to God for what he had done,” he said.

In addition, former members gave testimonies, including a man who was called to ministry during his time at Graefenburg. “He was able to discuss how the church had been a factor in his spiritual formation as he understood what God was doing in his life in calling him to ministry, and that was exciting to hear from him,” Meade shared.

In Meade’s opinion, Graefenburg’s rich history propels Meade’s vision for the church’s future.

“The vision for the future is what the church has been standing on for 150 years,” Meade shared. “And that is the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ all for the glory of God.”

“Our identity statement is we glorify God alone by transforming lives in Jesus in order to love more and serve more. That one simple statement covers every ministry of our church,” he said.

Meaded added, “And that’s what we intend to continue to do. Preach the Bible verse by verse, exegetically, love on people in our community in the name of Christ and win people for the Lord.” (WR)