CREATIVE CELEBRATION

 

One hundred and thirty-five years ago a group of believers in the town of Lake Benton, Minnesota organized a Baptist church. Forty-nine years ago that church called me to my first pastorate, a position which had been held by my father-in-law some twenty five years earlier.

Carmen and I moved to Lake Benton directly from seminary. The Valley Journal welcomed her as “a local girl coming home,” although she had lived there less than a year.

The church had four deacons at that time, all of whom had been deacons longer than I had been alive. They and the church welcomed us with open arms and made our ministry there a treasured time.

Last weekend the First Baptist Church of Lake Benton celebrated its one hundred and thirty-fifth anniversary. Pastor Richard Riley, along with former pastor Mark Fish and the rest of the congregation had prepared a wonderful two days of fellowship, memories, greetings from former pastors, and since we are Baptists – feasting.

Carmen and I enjoyed the celebration along with long-time members we had not seen for many years. But most of all we rejoiced in the goodness of God who has built His church in that community these many years. “To God be the glory, great things He has done.”