Church observing 50th
Published 12:46 am Thursday, June 30, 2005
By Staff
Dowagiac Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this Sunday, July 3.
Dowagiac Missionary Baptist Church organized on July 4, 1955.
Bro. Martin Andrews was the Missionary pastor.
Charter members of the church were: Martin Andrews (pastor), William, Minnie (Mickey) and Bonnie Garrett; James and Lillie Stevens; and Clifton (Sam), Leona and Norma Greenway.
Following organization, those uniting in 1955 were: Brenda Andrews; Reba, Joyce and Nellie Stevens; Mary Jane, Esther, Donna, Freddie Lou, Judy and Gladys Greenway; Lyndell and Ellen Shaw; Billy Garrett, Glenn Justice, Jo Ann Powell; Sherman, Opel and CaSandra Harmon; Richard Ofpher; and Margie, Linda and Eula Mae Wilson.
On Dec. 11, 1955, Howard, Tillie, Gary and Rose Mary Gilpin came forward to unite with the church by baptism.
They were baptized on Dec. 25, 1955.
On Sept. 3, 1955, the church ordained Bros. William Garrett and James Stevens as deacons.
The church first met at 504 Chestnut St. Later, the church met at 716 N. Front St. Then the church purchased the old German Lutheran Church building at 112 N. Mill St.
On Sept. 16, 1998, the church purchased eight acres at its present location, 54970 M-51 North (behind Lake X-ray and Creative Vinyl).
The church began construction of its present building July 14, 1999.
Pastors of the church from July 4, 1955-present:
Bro. Martin Andrews - July 1955-January 1956.
Bro. J.F. Lawson - June 1956-October 1957.
Bro. Jurl Mitchell - October 1957-October 1958.
Bro. Stedman Simmons - December 1958-March 1964.
Bro. Rocky Goodwin - May 1964-May 1965.
Bro. Tillman Earwood - January 1966-January 1969.
Bro. Stedman Simmons - May 1969-October 1991.
Bro. Ronald Dorton - August 1992-present.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary Sunday, July 3.
Former pastor Rocky Goodwin will be bringing the message.
There will be testimonies, special singing, dinner and fellowship after the morning service.
Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. The worship service is at 11 a.m.