|
Several people may still remember the fellowship dinners that took place
in the church's basement, where everyone would get their food and go
into Sunday school rooms to eat. After many dinners such as this
and the population of the church billowing until the rooms were
overfilled, the need for a fellowship hall was realized. Pastor
Noah W. "Noon" Kiser was instrumental in the building of the fellowship
hall--church dinner, bible school activities and activities for the
young and old alike could be held there. In July 1990, the work
was complete, and on July 15th the church celebrated its first
homecoming service in the new Fellowship Hall. In July 1995, Brother "Noon" was forced to retire--due to his health problems, but Wayne Perry stepped in and took over the leadership. The church had looked almost the same since it had been built in 1980, so in 1997 it was decided to renovate the sanctuary, add handicap restrooms upstairs, add a foyer and a sound room. The construction was a lot of hard work, but with the blessings of God and the help of the men of the church, it was quickly finished and services didn't have to be held in the Fellowship Hall for too long. On July 2, 2003 Brother Noon went home to be with the Savior that he preached and witnessed about. One can very easily imagine him walking hand in hand with Jesus, or making funny faces for the angels. As the spirit of the Lord flows through the little white church, those who knew Brother Noon can still hear him praising the Lord, shouting "GLORY!" 2004 was a bittersweet year for the little white church, while we had grown in the Lord and seen many saved and baptized, there had been tears as dear loved ones had gone home. In the quiet moments, Arnell Greear's voice can still be heard ringing through the rafters, as her calm, sweet spirit lives on in each of us that knew and loved her. Community Freewill Baptist Church currently has 49 members. Our heavenly father has truly blessed us with people who not only love him, but love each other. The friendship and laughter shared has always surpassed the angry and bitter world and there has always been joy in knowledge that one day soon we will all be together in Heaven.
|
