Church begins second century of service
Published 7:49 pm Friday, November 4, 2016
Rock Island Baptist Church in Port Arthur has been around almost as long as it took the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series 108 years later.
The Cubs last world championship was in 1908 before winning it all this year. Rock Island started in 1911.
The church, moreover, celebrated their 105th anniversary with events starting in October culminating in an anniversary service at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13 at the church, 549 E. 11th St.
The guest speaker will be the Rev. Jearon Chew, pastor of Gill Baptist Church in Beaumont. Rock Island is inviting all of their current members, former members and friends to attend. The Rev. Kevin R. McGlory Sr. is interim pastor of Rock Island.
“It’s like a homecoming. We’re looking forward to it,” said Artemus Hancock, deacon anniversary publicity committee chairman.
He added that though some former members are all over the country, they hope some will be able to attend. Members from Gill Baptist Church will also be guests.
The theme for the Sunday service is “Let the Holy Spirit Activate our Fellowship,” base on 1 John 1:3-4.
“Know this, that Rock Island, which has stood for 105 years, will continue to stand with the help of the Holy Spirit, guiding and interceding on our behalf,” McGlory wrote in a service program.
Chew grew up in Alexandria, La. and he accepted the call to ministry while a student at the University of Houston. He attended United Theological Seminary and later became associate minister at the Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church before pastoring.
In addition to being a pastor, he is also an evangelist and a motivational keynote speaker and lecturer.
In addition to the sermon, the Mass Voices of Praise Choir and praise dancers are scheduled.
There will also be a church picnic on the grounds at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. The church needs donations of sodas, links, wieners, buns, plates, eating utensils, cups, chips, water, desserts and napkins.
A News article on their 102nd anniversary read the church boasts strong Vacation Bible School and Sunday school programs as well as ministries for married couples, singles and young adults.
They have also renovated the youth facility and added computers screens in each room to create the Rock Island Youth Empowerment Center.
David Ball: 409-721-2427
