In celebration of an epic milestone of 175 years service, First Baptist Church of Salem is holding a special church service beginning 9 a.m. Sunday and running throughout the day.
Events will be held during the day, including an old-fashioned lunch, games and music during the event.
An Anniversary Pool Party Celebration will also be held from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool.
“I’m just looking forward to a time where we can thank God for what He has done and to rededicate ourselves to moving forward,” said Michael York, pastor of First Baptist Church. “It’s been an honor to pastor a church that has such a track record of faithfulness and gospel witness, and one that has made such an impact in Salem and in Dent County.”
“It’s a privilege to be here,” said Associate Pastor Chuck Henderson. “Statistics say that at least 100 churches are closing their doors every day in this country. To be a part of a church that has such a rich tradition of history and a bright future… it’s such a privilege to come along side that.”
Guest speakers will also be present, including Dr. John Yeats, executive director for the Missouri Baptist Convention and recording secretary for the Southern Baptist Convention, who will be making a presentation on behalf of the Missouri Baptist Historical Commission honoring the anniversary.
“A community that still has the local church as an important component and fabric of community life is a community that prospers in relationships and care for one another,” Yeats said. “We are just delighted that First Baptist Church of Salem is that kind of church. We as Baptists believe in the authority of God’s word and that God has something to say about everything in life, including celebrating this anniversary and recognizing that God has been at work for decades through this wonderful congregation.”
The church, first organized in August of 1843, was named the Pleasant Grove Church, according to a collection of church records compiled by church member Brandon Welch. At the time, the congregation met on the second floor of what was the Dye and Buckner Feed Store. A new facility was constructed in 1855, a 24-foot by 24-foot building near the corner of Front (now MacArthur) and Third streets and was then renamed First Baptist Church of Salem.
A fire took the church twice, once in 1876 and once on Dec. 22, 1912. During the 1912 fire only the piano and organ were saved, with all church records being destroyed. Until the new facility was built in 1914, created on the site of the old building, the congregation met at the courthouse. Throughout the years the facility has undergone positive changes with multiple expansions and renovations, but some disasters did befall the nearly two-century old church. Most recently in 2017 the gym facility, built in 1984, was destroyed by a strong downdraft wind. Construction plans for a new gym are underway and are expected to begin this fall.
“It just speaks to the goodness of God who has been faithful, and it has been His protection on the church and His word and His guidance that have steered us and brought us where we are,” York said. “There have been challenges to the church’s faith structurally and physically and in the membership from time-to-time, but 175 years is a real testament to God’s faithfulness.”
Edith Pickering, the oldest living member of First Baptist at 102 years old, first joined Oct. 17, 1947. Now living at Salem Residential Care, Pickering attends services when she can and plans to be present at the 175th anniversary special service.
“I love going (to church). I just love the people,” Pickering said.
Pickering explained that one of her favorite memories of going to church was waiting for her friends up the road to pass her house on the way to sermons so they could all walk together as a group. Oftentimes they would sing hymns on the way there.
In the past, Pickering has taught Sunday School classes, played the piano and organ for the church, worked in the nursery and participated in organizations like the Woman’s Missionary Union.
Pickering’s late husband, Ray Pickering, was also active in the church as a deacon.
“I grew up in a pastor’s home and around churches,” York said. “I’ve seen a lot of churches over the years close their doors; they’ve ebbed, they’ve flowed and to see a church that has been consistent for 175 years is testament to the God we serve and the people of the church.”
