NEWS RELEASE

ALMA CELEBRATES 140 YEARS

One year after the American Civil War ended. A small group of Alma residents decided to organize a church. Today, 140 later, the First Baptist Church is planning an anniversary celebration.

Everyone is invited to this weekend event along with former pastors and members. The celebration will take place on May 18-20 at the church, location at 534 N. State St. in Alma.

Friday evening will begin simply with Chili Dogs and Chips at 5:30 p.m. with a Celebration Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. Saturday, visitors may tour the oldest church building in Alma at an open house from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., and view some very interesting historical records. Immediately at 4:00 p.m., a Celebration Dinner (free-will offering) will be shared in the fellowship hall. CALL 989-463-1254 FOR RESERVATIONS (or email thisbearsrepeating@cmsinter.net)! REQUESTED BY MAY 12!

Honoring members and pastors who have served in the past, the church invites the Alma community and churches to join with some from the American Baptist Churches of Michigan on Saturday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. A time of Celebration will include Praise and Testimony of the accomplishments and the impact of their lives on others.

Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. Michael Williams, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches - Michigan, will bring words of encouragement and challenge. Our own FBC Celebration Choir will present a moving and timely musical of hope and courage for the future. A special honor, Member Emeritus, will be given our longest serving member, Majorie Penner. All of this will follow the regular Sunday School hour at 9:30 a.m., during which everyone has someplace to belong.

Ron Widgren, secretary, and current historian, for the First Baptist Church has compiled a history which should be available for purchase during the weekend. He has sifted through records back to 1866 when it idea of establishing a church first came up. Some things of interest includes the following:

the first services were held every two weeks in an old log school house at the corner of Superior and State Streets
the first ordained minister to hold services was Rev. Lafayette Church from the American Baptist Home Mission Society
the first building erected was in 1873 for $1800. It was sold in 1899 when the congregation bought the current building from the Presbyterian Church for $1500, which was built in 1884, and is the oldest church building in Alma

Lightning struck the current structure three times: 1908, 1940, and in 1987, and this last one causing a fire resulting in $75,000 damage.

Thirty-five pastors have serve the church since it's beginning, including Pastor Jim Bear who has served here since June, 2003.