Saturday, February 25, 2012

Tallowood's 50th Anniversary


Tallowood Baptist Church was chartered as a church on February 18, 1962.  We celebrated the 50th anniversary of that momentous day on Sunday, February 19, 2012.  It was an incredible day of remembering, thanksgiving, worship, and fellowship.  So many people from out of town were able to be there which made it even more special.  There was a reunion choir and orchestra, a special anthem “To Thy Name Give Praise” commissioned for Tallowood’s 50th Anniversary, former pastors and ministers of music who participated in the worship services, and previous staff members who shared the day.   

 Between services, they unveiled a slab of marble with the names of the charter members engraved on it.  Then they had a brunch and time to visit with friends in the gym.  It was fascinating to see the exhibits of historical memorabilia, along with the displays of mission involvement at Tallowood. 




 The Director of Properties had taken the cross from the original chapel, polished it, and made a stand for permanent display. 

On Saturday night, Larry and I had dinner with friends, some who are still at Tallowood as well as several that came from out of town for the weekend.  When we came home, I had a phone message from Donna at Celltex.  Dr. Ra, the stem cell doctor, was in town from Seoul, South Korea, and wanted to worship with us on Sunday.  There were 9 of the team that came.  Five of the lab technicians were with them.  I had seen one of the women working in the lab at the ribbon cutting, but had never met any of them.  Donna explained that they did not know me by name but by my patient number.  When I told them my number, they smiled and nodded their heads.  It was extra special to be able to express my thanks to them.  What an incredible day of worship!

Larry, Debbie, and Dr. Ra
Lab technicians, Debbie, and Dr. Ra

On the way home, I wondered what it would be like if we came to worship every Sunday as excited, joyful, thankful, and prepared as we did on this anniversary morning.  I know God would like that.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 122:1
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
     “Let us go to the house of the LORD
.”

2 comments:

  1. NOT surprised that your team smiles just at the mention of your name! How special they came to worship with you. Awesome.

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  2. That is so sweet that they came to worship with you! We so wanted to come down and celebrate Tallowood's 50th with everyone. I heard it was a wonderful celebrations! Tallowood always will hold a special place in my heart. It began my foundation of my faith and for that I'm forever grateful!

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