Spencer Baptist Church 90

th Anniversary Worship

April 17, 2016 - 10:55 AM

This service is being broadcast over WCAB 590 AM. Radio Hearing Assistance Devices are available from the Sound Technician.

Please take a moment prior to the service to silence all cell

phones and other electronic devices.

Welcome of Members and Guests Bruce Caldwell Sharing Opportunities for Fellowship and Growth Prelude All Creatures of Our God and King Les Downs arr. Chung Worship in Song Majesty and Glory Adult Choir arr. Fettke O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of Your name transcends the earth and fills the heavens! O Lord, our God, little children praise you perfectly, and so would we. Alleluia!!

Hymn No. 74 O God, Our Help in Ages Past Congregation Worship in Song I Believe Young Musicians Choir Elizabeth Bray, soloist

Children’s Sermon Bruce Caldwell Hymn No. 335 Standing on the Promises Congregation (verses 1 & 4) Hymn No. 335 The Church’s One Foundation Congregation Introduction of our Pulpit Guest Cindy Morris Reflections Michael Wilson, Heidi Crowe Jennifer Spearman, Peggy Wells Worship in Song He Never Failed Me Yet Adult Choir arr. Ray Jim Robbins, soloist I will sing of God’s mercy! Every day, every hour, He gives me power. I will sing and give thanks to Thee for all the dangers, toils, and snares that He has brought me out. He is my God and I’ll serve Him no matter what the test. Trust and never doubt. Jesus will surely bring you out. He never failed me yet!

Sharing of Prayer Concerns Bruce Caldwell Prayer

Offertory I Am His, and He Is Mine Les Downs arr. Dean Message Fathered By God Bill Perry Hymn of Invitation 579 Shine, Jesus, Shine Congregation Presentation of Decisions Bruce Caldwell Benediction / Blessing Church Picture

You are all welcome to join us in the Family Life Center for a covered dish luncheon

Special thanks to Les Downs, Spencer’s pianist and Jeff Brooks, former Spencer member for providing music for our worship service this morning.

Spencer Baptist Church began in the spring of 1926, after a group of believers in Jesus Christ felt the need to start a new Baptist Church. A letter requesting a council to organize this new church was sent to members of several area churches. On April 25, 1926 the council convened in the Spindale Company Store, and the new church began. The approximately 140 believers in Christ continued to meet in the Spindale Company Store for two years. A Sunday School was organized with Mr. J.C. England as superintendent and a Women’s Missionary Union and Training Union was formed. During this time, the current property on Oak Street was secured from Sam E. Elmore. Mr. Elmore had been a friend of a young man named Spencer Tanner who had been killed in an automobile accident. This was a special young man, and as an act of appreciation to Mr. Elmore, the members decided to call the church Spencer Baptist Church. In May of 1928, Spencer Baptist Church moved into its first church building. The value of the building was $15,000 and seated three hundred people. Today, in 2016, the physical plant of Spencer consists of several structures housing worship, education, music, recreation, youth, fellowship and administrative facilities. The value of the property is in excess of $5 million dollars. Spencer had had many full time staff members in addition to the pastors. These individuals, by working together, have helped Spencer lead the way in sharing God’s word in the community, as well as around the world. Since 1926 Spencer Baptist Church has been a lighthouse in the community. Its ministries have served to help lead countless numbers to Jesus Christ. Many details involving activities and organizations with Spencer Baptist Church are recorded by Church Year on our website at www.spencerbaptist.com. Realizing that not everyone has access to these documents, here are some historical highlights:

In 1936, an eight room parsonage was built adjacent to the church.

Miss Bertie Lee Kendrick dedicated her life to serve in the foreign field in 1940. She would later be appointed by the Foreign Mission Board as a missionary.

In 1942, the church auditorium was enlarged to have a seating capacity of 700. There was also the addition of twenty new Sunday School classrooms,

A new (Grand) Chickering Piano was purchased in 1943.

During the early 1940s, Mr. Rector Robbins was added to the church staff to serve as Musical Director.

Mr. J.A. Leslie was called to be the Musical Director after Mr. Robbins’ resignation.

In 1945, a church bus was purchased to assist in the transportation of people to and from the church services. A station wagon was also purchased to transport the large number of ministerial students to and from Gardner-Webb College during the years of critical gasoline and tire shortages.

Rev. Elliott Ackerly was called to the church on July 21, 1946 to serve as Educational and Musical Director.

A second parsonage was built on the church grounds.

A new auditorium cost $85,000 and seated about nine hundred, and a new Wurlitzer Electric Organ was added to the church auditorium as a memorial to those who fought and gave their lives in World War II. The auditorium was dedicated in 1954.

In 1951, Miss Suthell Walker was called by the church as Director of Religious Education.

Mr. Thomas Westmoreland of the Department of Music of Limestone College, served as Minister of Music from May, 1952 till December, 1953.

Mrs. Ray Pegram (Madge) accepted the position of church secretary in 1953

Rev. Milton P. Snyder began serving as Minister of Music and Education on June 11, 1954.

The church sponsored Boy Scout Troop No. 1.

The Social Hall (now the Youth Building) was completed and equipped in 1953 at a cost of $14,000.

Construction of a new church steeple was completed in 1955 at a cost of $2,700.

A Junior and Intermediate Building was constructed. The building cost approximately $35,000.

Mr. Malone Thomason became the Minister of Music in April 1960.

Miss Sarah Perry became the Educational Director in 1961.

First Pastor – M.M. Huntley

On February 7, 1962, it was recommended by the deacons that the church write and adopt a church constitution.

In August, 1964, Miss Marjorie Bridges, who was the church clerk became the Director of Religious Education.

In 1964, part of the sanctuary had been torn down due to construction of a new education building. On December 9, 1964, Rev. A.B. Bumgarner, Malone Thomason, Marjorie Bridges and Kathleen Tomblin were having a staff meeting when suddenly an explosion was heard. The explosion destroyed the remaining portion of the old sanctuary. Jake Martin, the church custodian was the last one out of the building – minutes before the explosion. No one was injured in any way.

In May, 1966, Spencer Baptist began to take the necessary steps to start a kindergarten in the fall of 1966. On June 26, 1966, the Kindergarten Committee, which consists of Mrs. Lee Prince, Mrs. Joe Hill, Mrs. Hoyt Jones, and Mr. Cameron Barnes, recommended that Mrs. Malone Thomason (Betty) be elected to serve as the Director of the kindergarten and that a fee of $16 per month, per child, be charged.

A visitation program began on November 23, 1966 and continued every other Wednesday evening, alternating with the prayer service.

The 11:00 AM worship service started to be broadcast on the radio.

On July 16, 1967, the church extended a call to Mr. Malone Thomason to return as Minister of Music and Youth.

On August 6, 1967, Mrs. Malone Thomason was elected as Kindergarten Director.

On December 6, 1970, the deacons recommended we have a Christmas Eve Service, at 7:30 PM, at which time the Lord’s Supper would be observed. The recommendation was amended after Mrs. Judy Perry made the motion to change the time of the service to 9:00 PM.

In 1982, the church built a ramp and a covered walkway to access the sanctuary.

On June 15, 1986, Bruce Caldwell began serving as Minister of Youth and Education

In January, 1987, Marlene Hooper Coffey became the church secretary.

In 1988, the church voted to move its affiliation from the Sandy Run Baptist Association to the Green River Baptist Association.

Rev. Malone Thomason drew a set of building plans, and in July, 1989 the voted to build a Family Life Center as part of a larger building program that also included the renovation of an old education building and the building of a new chapel. The Family Life Center was completed in time for the Spencer Homecoming Celebration on September 27. 1992.

In November of 1998, Kelly Tobias (Settlemyre) was called as Minister of Music & Senior Adults

In January 2000, the Super Buddies Ministry began for the children of Spindale Elementary. Pat Spearman was hired as the 1

st director of the program.

A children’s playground was added adjacent to the Family Life Center in August 2000.

In May 2002, Spencer initiated and helped to lead the community of Spindale and surrounding churches in a Community Fundraising BBQ for the children in our community. Enough funds were raised to keep the Spindale Pool Open, the Spindale House fully functioning, and the library open.

In 2003, the sanctuary went through a major renovation. New paint, fresh carpet, new lighting, and an extended baptismal pool opening was created during this project.

In September 2005, Spencer Baptist led in the efforts to get supplies to the area of our nations affected by Hurricane Katrina. Spencer Baptist was the drop off point for supplies and Spencer members Jim and Debbie Bennett drove the loaded eighteen wheeler to Biloxi, Mississippi to deliver the collected materials and supplies.

In May 2006, the order for a new church bus was placed. The bus arrived on the first day of Vacation Bible School in June 2006 and the first trip it made was to pick up children for the Bible School activities. To pay for the bus,

members generously donated items to be sold at a church auction, which raised over $11,000. When the bus arrived on site, all of the funds were available to pay for it in full!

Beginning in January 2007 and continuing for three months, the youth sponsored a “coat drive” to collect new and gently used coats for the people living in Kentucky who work in the coal mines. In March 2007 a group of twelve from Spencer went on a one-day mission trip to deliver the coats, as well as medical supplies, clothing and appliances to this area. Today this is still an ongoing mission project.

In September 2008, a workgroup was formally organized to do repairs and light construction for members of our church and community. The workgroup participated in many projects throughout the tear and remains active today.

In August 2010, Spencer “re-launched” the children’s mission groups. We began GA’s and RA’s for the first time in many years.

On October 15, 2012, a new WMU group, Caring Hearts, was launched. The make dresses, shorts, dolls, blankets, hair bows, and more-all with a message of salvation attached.

In October 2012, money was raised for a new playground by the RA’s holding a breakfast and the church hosting the “The Sound of Singing Men”, preceded by a BBQ supper. In August 2014, the new playground area was installed.

In September 2013, the Youth “SideKicks” program began – offering each youth an adult who could mentor and encourage him/her.

In May 2014, Spencer hosted the Associational GA 100 Year Celebration.

In December 2014, Spencer kicked off a “Build the Wall” Campaign to repair several items in the church, most specifically being the wall on the side of the Education Building.

In 2016, the Family Life Center was renovated with new chairs, new carpet, and new paint.

There is not enough space to record all of the other events and opportunities brought by our congregation and to our congregation. But all of our people know and understand that it is all done for God, to share the love of Jesus with others

near and far. Thanks be to God.

Spencer Baptist Pastors

M.M. Huntley .................................................... April 25, 1926 – June 24, 1934 J.A. Brock .......................................................... April 10, 1935 – May 31, 1941 Joe Parson ................................................ June 5, 1941 – December 25, 1944 C.C. Matheny .................................... February 15, 1945 – December 23, 1945 Felix R. Wagner ...................................... February 15, 1946 – August 19, 1951 J.C. Canipe ..................................... September 9, 1951 – September 16, 1951 W.F. Woodall .................................................... January 6, 1952 – May 8, 1960 A. B. Bumgarner ........................................ November 6, 1960 – June 22, 1980 Charles C. Penley ....................................... October 1, 1981 – March 22, 1988 Roger H. Aycock ....................................September 3, 1989 – August 14, 1993 Billy E. Vaughn .................................................... April 9, 1995 – April 27, 2014 Bruce R. Caldwell ................................................ September 1, 2015 - present

Other Ministers

Mr. Rector Robbins ................................................................................... Music Rev. J.A. Leslie ......................................................................................... Music Rev. Elliott Ackerly ............................................................ Music and Education Mr. Tom Westmoreland ............................................................................ Music Dr. Milton Snyder .............................................................. Music and Education Rev. Deck Taylor .............................................................. Music and Education Dr. Bob Foster .................................................................. Music and Education Mr. Charles Fenner ................................................................................... Music Rev. Malone Thomason ......................................................... Music and Youth Miss Suthell Walker ........................................................................... Education Miss Sarah Perry ............................................................................... Education Mrs. Marjorie Bridges Lancaster ........................................................ Education Rev. Herman Hicks ............................................................................ Education Rev. Bruce Caldwell ................................................... Youth and Senior Adults Rev. Kelly Settlemyre ....................................................... Music and Education

A special tribute is given here to the wives and husbands of the staff who have so faithfully stood with their

spouses in the ministry of the church. Although seldom given public acclaim, they will share with their

spouses when they are rewarded for their labors. May God graciously bless them, each one, as they

continue to serve with their spouses.

From Former and Current Staff & Staff Families:

What a privilege it has been to be a part of Spencer Baptist Church for nearly 30 years. When I came to this place after finishing seminary in 1986, I had no clue that Spencer Church and Rutherford County would become home. I surely did not imagine this would be the place where I would get married and raise two

daughters. That is testimony that God has a plan and knows what is best for each of us. During the time I have been a part of this body of believers, I have been blessed to work with some of the most wonderful people in the world. The pastors and interim pastors I served with had no clue they were serving as teachers and mentors for me. I learned much from each of them, and am forever grateful. Having the opportunity to work with Malone Thomason has been one of God’s greatest gifts to me in my call to ministry. I hope I have learned how to “Love God and Love Others” the way Malone did. If so, God would be pleased! Kelly (almost 18 years), Marlene (almost 30 years), and Jennifer (forever) and I will continue to minister as best we can. We all get along greatly and will hopefully have many more years serving together. It is reassuring to know our church family will continue to lift us up in prayer. Hopefully, we can remember the wise words of Monroe Holland, “It’s not you. It’s not me. It’s God!” Thanks for your love and affection for Ann, Julie, Olivia and me . I cannot think of a better place to serve and raise a family. We love all of you! Bruce Caldwell, Pastor As I reflect on what Spencer Baptist Church means to me, I find it hard to contain all my thoughts into a few simple sentences. For the past 17½ years, I have served as your Minister of Music/Education. You have loved me, guided me, celebrated with me, and followed me as I have tried to lead as the Lord directs. I am grateful for the ways that you allow me to intersect with your lives through joy and sorrow. You are such a blessing to me and Greg and Josh and Connor as we have become family together. It is a joy to worship with you through music and I pray that God will continue to lead us as we work together in the years to come. Kelly Settlemyre, Minister of Music/Education I have been your church secretary for 29 years. During that time I have made many precious lifelong friends. I remember also the many friends that I have lost through death during my time at Spencer. I enjoy my job as your church secretary. I make plenty of mistakes which all of

you so kindly and willingly overlook. It makes me realize what a wonderful group of people that I have had the privilege of working with for almost 30 years. You are there for me during the good times…but also the bad times, such as the death of my husband, Don. I will never forget the warm surrounding of church family with your wonderful Christian love. I will always have wonderful thoughts of my days at Spencer Baptist Church. Thank you so much for allowing me to be included in your church family. Marlene Coffey, Church Secretary I’ve thought a lot over the years about growing up at Spencer Baptist Church. As the child of a former Minister of Music, Malone Thomason, I feel that I have a unique perspective, and one for which I am SO very grateful! For the first eight years of my life, we lived right beside the church, so I was there literally every day. I played (usually with my brother) in every nook and cranny of the place. The church playground was our personal playground, the classrooms and sanctuary were ours to roam and explore. We ‘bugged’ the secretary daily, the youth were our babysitters, and so many of the members were our ‘other’ moms and dads. I can’t imagine a child being more loved, nurtured and cared for than I was while at Spencer, nor a teen given more affirmation and confidence. Also, I could not have asked for a more caring, present and thoughtful pastor than ‘Mr. B’, better known as A. B. Bumgarner. He not only was my pastor, he was my Dad’s friend and colleague, and he and his family were family to us. Because of those early years at Spencer, I’ve always felt at home in churches. For me, the church is a place of familiarity and comfort. As I grew older, I began to understand how much my mom and dad has loved this church, and how much I love it, too. Thank you, Spencer Baptist Church, for giving me this extraordinary gift!

Caryl Thomason Price, adult daughter of the late Malone Thomason, Minister of Music

Dear Friends in Christ, I will always be grateful for my time as pastor of Spencer Baptist Church (1981-1988). When I recall those years of service, I remember a loving and supportive congregation and cherish the friendships that were made. We grew together on our journey of faith as we faced challenges and celebrated victories. As you celebrate 90 years of ministry, may God richly bless each of you with His grace and peace. Charles Penley, former Pastor Wow, I love Spencer Church and I cannot begin to explain how much everyone means to me and my family. Growing up with Dad always being at church, it never failed that I was there every time the church doors were open. If the senior adults were going somewhere, especially Strawberry Hill, I would beg Dad to let me skip school to go, and most of the time I would talk him into it. Being at church all the time never really phased me, because I enjoyed being there, in that great environment and around great people. Growing up around the church and around the youth and senior adults shaped me into the person I am today, which has led me to still be involved with Church and Bible Study even though I am not at Spencer every Sunday. I love everything about Spencer and thank you again for the love and support continuously given to me and my family, we love you all.

Olivia Caldwell, age 18, daughter of Pastor Bruce Caldwell

Spencer is the place where I grew up. It’s just where I’m used to going. The youth group is a fun and friendly place where I can go be myself. It is a place that I can express my beliefs without being criticized. This is a family-friendly place. The people of the church are my friends. They’re my church family.

Connor Settlemyre, age 12, son of Kelly Settlemyre, Minister of Music/Education

Recently Brenda and I sat in the sanctuary of one of the first churches my great grandfather started. It seats probably 1500 people. As I sat there, I could not help but wonder what he would think, if he walked into that large building today? He and his beloved wife lie buried directly in front of that beautiful facility. I think he would not be thinking as much about the building, as he would be reflecting on the people who were being ministered to by that same body of Christ he had a part in forming. In similar fashion as Spencer celebrated 90 years of ministry on this corner, Brenda and I marvel at the fact that we had the privilege to serve for nineteen years this body of Christ. As I look back over those years, I see the myriad of faces of those who crossed our path. When I arrived as your pastor, there were still some who were charter members. I loved to hear their stories of those early years. But as our years progressed many new faces became a part of the family and changes were evident all around. But the thing I remember the most are the faces of little children coming

on Wednesday nights to be fed both physically and spiritually, the Outreach to the community through events and Lenten Services and candlelight walks at Christmas, the Love Feasts and Christmas Eve Services, and you the people. I remember the times spent in counseling, visiting with the homebound and in hospitals, ministering to the grieving, seeing people of all ages pass through the baptismal waters, going with the youth to Caswell, and working on building projects in the community. And I remember my staff. I was privileged to work with some amazing people. Spencer will always hold a special place in our hearts. We love you and pray for you as you go forward in Christ’s name. Billy E. Vaughn, former pastor I think the thing I remember most about growing up at Spencer is the way that my Spencer friends became my family. Part of that was because Mom & Dad wanted to adopt all the Spencer kids! Not just at church – I remember spending all day Sunday with the Spencer group: we had morning SS & church, and evening choir practice, youth group, and service. In between we’d go somewhere for lunch, or shoot basketball at my house, or go to Sliding Rock, or the Hargetts’ pool, etc., etc. All were family!

Marshall Thomason, adult son of the late Malone Thomason, former Minister of Music

When I think about Spencer Baptist Church, I think of our group of believers as my second FAMILY! Having fallen in love and marrying Bruce, we have had the opportunity to team together to minister and pray for you and our church for 23 years (since we have been married). We have even had you to help us raise our children. It has been such a pleasure growing older and loving you. We have shared many joys, births of babies, watching children grow into teenagers, teenagers grow into adults, marriages, struggles with some of your children, changes that have occurred in your lives, struggles with life in general and even deaths. We have shared as a family through thick and thin. The song “Family of God” comes to mind, because “I’m so glad, I’m a part of the (Spencer) family of God,” It has truly been a blessing to have been adopted into the family of the Spencer family! I love you all! Ann Caldwell, wife of Bruce Caldwell, Pastor Thanks for the invitation to share Spencer’s 90

th

Anniversary Celebration. Unfortunately, my new responsibilities as Statesville First Baptist will prevent my ability to be with our friends at Spencer. Peggy and I have wonderful memories of our time there and I particularly value the positive working relationship Bruce and I share. Best wishes for the future. Larry Gregg, former interim pastor

I used to spend EVERY SINGLE afternoon after school at church because dad was the one driving us around at that point. Now that I'm grown and can make my own choices (my parents let me think that), I still choose to be back at my church any time I can. I drive home every Sunday because no other church is as welcoming, friendly nor feels like more of a family as Spencer Baptist Church. I count down to summer so I can be at church on Wednesday nights with everyone. We are a family. Not just a church. I am so blessed to be surrounded by amazing people who are constantly uplifting me and praying for me no matter what day, time, or place I am.

Julie Caldwell, age 20, daughter of Pastor Bruce Caldwell

From members: I began attending Spencer Baptist as a young girl of seventeen in 1946. I’ve seen a lot of things happen in the past seventy years. One thing that comes to mind was when Spencer blew up in 1964. No one was hurt and we came together and survived. Some of the children met in the social hall with curtains drawn to separate classes. We made do, because that’s what Spencer folks do. We’ve been very fortunate through the years and even now to have had great leadership from our pastors. So you see we’ve not only been a sanctuary for all people, but we‘re a large loving family that teaches what the Bible says. To God be the glory, and that is what Spencer means to me. Bertha Hill, adult member To me, Spencer Baptist means home. Home, in a sense of family, love, happiness, and often a good home cooked meal! Our youth group provides so many opportunities as well as friends for life. Also, in my personal experience, since I am so close with the Caldwell family, I know I have people I can trust. If I am ever in trouble or need help, I know I can call one of the girls and they will do their best to help. That is an experience not everyone gets! I love Spencer and everyone in it! Molly Giles, age 14 To me, Spencer Baptist is: HOME! Where I can come and really worship and really grow. HOME! Where I’m accepted and find good mentors. HOME! Where I don’t feel alone away from my family! Lillian Toro, adult member Spencer is family is me. I have been here all of my life. Spencer is very special to me. I love being able to come learn about Jesus and see all my teachers who show me about Jesus. Addison Lane, age 9

What does Spencer Baptist mean to me? …I celebrate as I look back at our church family history at Spencer Baptist Church. I am excited at keeping our church family growing. May God bless each and every one. Amen. Glenn West, adult member Spencer means the world to me. This is the only church I have ever been to. Spencer Baptist is my second family. They have been with me through the good times and bad. I love my church and church family. I have lots of great memories but one great time for me was when Malone took our youth choir to present a cantata all over. Our youth choir had such a great time. Made lots of memories! Barbara D. Callahan, adult member As a pre-teen, I remember hearing the sound of the church organ at Spencer Baptist Church being played by Zonnie Wilson. I dreamed of being able to play an organ someday. That desire guided my life into the music ministry. We never know how the things we do, or provide, will influence others. Bob Hollifield, adult member Spencer Church has been my church home since I was 5 years old. I am now 70. It took me in, loved me, and mentored me with caring and Godly people from the first time I can through the doors. I can remember Sunbeams with teachers Ruth and Ruby Bradley and Thelma Goode. Part of the time I was a bus ministry kid, riding the bus with Me. John Keller. Then, my parents became members of the church. I always had great Sunday School teachers who taught us the love of God from the Bible and also by the love and actions of their lives. I am still inspired and guided by the principles and love they taught me every day of my life. Just to remember a few – Grant and Joyce Banks, Maw Martin, Polly Hill, and Ray Pegram. As a young person you looked forward to getting into classes taught by these and others. In training union we were taught how to teach by dividing into groups and preparing programs to be shared with other members. Training Union was a great fun place to be, to learn, train, and share. Choir was a big part of my life with directors like Bob Foster and Malone Thomason. Malone came to Spencer when I was in the youth choir. He taught us so much about music and how to share God’s love through music. I am so thankful that he was still here and my three children were privileged to be in his graded choir program from the beginners thru the youth choir. Because of my parents work schedule, I was not able to be a part of the GA’s growing up but God gave me the privilege of getting to be a part of GA’s as a leader. WMU became dear to my heart and still is. Spencer has always been there for me, loved me, and prayed for me especially during my young adult years when I thought I did not have time for church.

Your prayers and love and with the help of a dear saint, Lois Owens, who was the nursery director when my first child was born got me back into church where I still am. Just to share about Lois, she came to visit and invite me to bring my newborn to church. As a young mother, I told her I would come when she got older and would not be exposed to so many germs. Her comment was “Lucille, you know God can take away our excuses.” The next Sunday, my baby and I were in church. Spencer was there during the sickness and death of my brother, mother and father. Spencer is like our Heavenly Father, it loves you unconditionally and it supports and walks with you through the good times and the bad times in your life. Thank you God for Spencer Church and the Lighthouse it has been and still is for my life. Lucille Moore, adult member Spencer Baptist means to me that I have a place to worship God and not be criticized about what I believe in. It’s also a place where I can come be with God when I need to hear His voice. I like Spencer Church because it’s a place where I can be with friends and not be insulted and cast down by non-believers. Jack Wallace, age 15 Spencer Baptist Church means a lifetime of spiritual influence of family and church members. It’s a haven for refuge from storms of live and fellowship with friends.

Kay Hollifield, adult member

Home – I was born into the Spencer Baptist family, baptized at the age of 8. God blessed me with 2 husbands from this church and 2 wonderful sons who were also baptized here as children. The family of Spencer has stood by me during the death of both of my spouses. There is no way I could have done this without you! I served as treasurer for 25 years and I am thankful to have been a member for my entire life. Jennifer Tomblin Spearman, adult member Spencer is where I’ve grown up. People here are a second family to me. They also speak to me and pray for me when I need them to. Spencer is where my dad grew up and I plan to continue the tradition with my family. This is a very good group of believers. The messages that Bruce preaches are some of the best I’ve ever heard. I’m so lucky to have grown up here. When I went to Caswell, the people there took care of me like I was their child. Thank you for being so good to me. Ethan Rector, age 14

When I think of Spencer Baptist Church, 1 Corinthians 13:13 comes to mind. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Because of the loving and spiritual pastors, music directors, and teachers at Spencer Baptist, my faith in God has totally grown. I did not attend church regularly during college.

When I graduated, the faith instilled in me by these leaders told me I needed to get back to church. I did and have attended regularly since then. Also, because of these special leaders and members of Spencer Baptist, I have hope for a better today and tomorrow. But most of all I have felt the love of this church through good and bad times. This love was shown to me as a little girl when Mrs. Ozelle Greene and Mrs. Lillian Thorne brought food to my family when my Daddy had eye surgery and could not work for several months. But most of all, this love was shown and is still showing when my husband, Dan, passed away last August. Yes, Spencer Baptist Church is definitely faith, hope, and love.

Connie Mills, adult member

I am glad to come to Spencer Baptist Church so I can learn about Jesus. I really love R.A.’s on Wednesday nights. Sawyer Bray, age 9

The floral arrangements located throughout the building today were given in memory of those who served the Lord to the best of their abilities in the 90 years of Spencer Baptist Church.

In Memory of Broma J. Harrigan by the Hannah Sunday School Class

In Memory of Rev. John B. Hodge & Mrs. John (Vera) Hodge by Bill & Linda Hodge

In Memory of Mary Davis & Eugene Davis by Barbara Callahan, Chris & Nicole LaNeve, Michael & Paige Callahan

In Memory of Alvin & Louise Lowdermilk by Van & Susan Shehan

In Memory of Luis Lopez & Marcolina Lopez by Lillian Toro

In Memory of Joyce McCluney by Roger, Justin & Jeremiah McCluney

In Memory of Ruth Hensley & Annie & Robert Ruppe by Bob Hensley

In Memory of Joe E. Hill by “Bub” Hill

In Memory of Haley Lauren Hardin by her grandmother, Freda Moore

In Memory of Malone Thomason by John & Sarah Horne

In Memory of Donald Ward by Joe Ward

In Memory of Owen & Elsie Price by Patricia Price

In Memory of Vollie & Margaret Dalton by Don & Diane Dalton

In Memory of Carol Jones by Perry & Joyce Jones

In Memory of Grant & Joyce Banks by Kelly & Lesa Banks

In Memory of Malone Thomason, by Betty Thomason

In Memory of Malone Thomason, by Wayne & Caryl Price

In Memory of Malone Thomason, by Marshall & Roberta Thomason

In Memory of John & Hattie Keller, by Peggy & Bill Lovelace

In Memory of John Keller & Hattie Keller by Lori Hankinson & Lisa Adkins

In Memory of Mary Crawley by Jan Pegram Ballard

In Memory of Madge Pegram, Earl & Bertha Hardin by Stanley Pegram

In Memory of Madge Pegram, by Ray Pegram

In Memory of Carol Jones, by Bruce & Ann Caldwell, Julie & Olivia

In Memory of Wilma Morris, by Erica, Bill, Luke & James Bohnsack & Tommy & Dana Haire

In Memory of Ed & Mamie Bailey by Herman Bailey & Norris & Betty Bailey

In Memory of Troy & Dot Davis by Billy Davis, Faye Ford & Connie Mills

In Memory of Miles Cooper, Sr. & Bill & Minnie Hartman by Raymond & Jody Hartman

In Memory of Dink & Mary Flynn & Charles & Juanita Freeman by Truman & Linda Harris

In Memory of the C.C. Tomblin Family by Jennifer Spearman

In Memory of Vance Perry by Jennifer Spearman, Josh & Aaron Perry

In Memory of Clint Spearman by Jennifer Spearman

In Memory of Briscoe & Bessie Epley by Linda Bryant

In Memory of Rev. A.B. & Mrs. Ellen Bumgarner by David & Faith Abercrombie

In Memory of Violet & Jake Martin (Ma Martin & Pa Pa Jake), J.B. & Kate Robertson, by Zelda Roberson King

In Memory of Malone Thomason Clyde Tomblin Alfred & Annie Towery

by Bob Hollifield

In Memory of Burgin & Zona Cooper Dink & Mary Flynn Norris & Juanita Freeman Charles & Hassie Guffey Howard & Pearl Hudgins Zelma Hudgins John & Hattie Keller Ted & Leona Mode Earl & Thelma Bland

by Kay Hollifield

In Memory of : Ruth & Ruby Bradley Frances Scoggins Shorty & Ibera Corbett Dan Mills

by Connie Mills In Memory of Earl Hardin & Bertha G. Hardin Grant Banks, Jr., & Joyce H. Banks Madge Pegram

by Dewey & Susan Burdine In Memory of: Doug Hunnicutt Jonah & Lucille Hunnicutt Broma Jean Harrigan Pearl Copeland Norris & Georgia Hamrick Carl & Daliah Poteat Gertrude Garrett

by Pat Hunnicutt In Memory of: Madge Pegram Earl & Bertha Hardin Grant & Joyce Banks

by Jan Pegram Ballard & Larry Ballard.

In Memory of A.B. & Ellen Bumgarner Malone Thomason Ted Tomblin Granny Crawford Monroe Holland Pat Spearman Carl Poteat Robert Huskey Bobby Culbreth

by Mark and Charles Horne In Memory of Dean & Marguerite Davis Jonah & Lucille Hunnicutt Doug Hunnicutt Rev. J.E. Brock Rev. Felix & Betty Wagner Rev. W.F. Woodall Malone Thomason Elsie McArthur Gertrude Garrett Mintie Crawford Roger & Ruth Ward Suthell Walker Zonnie Wilson J.M. & Peggy Gilbert Alvin & Louise Lowdermilk Monroe & Helen Holland Sam & Polly Hill Grant & Joyce Banks Ruth & Ruby Bradley Pearl Copeland Bessie Epley Laview Sparks Clyde & Janet Tomblin Ruth Wright J.D. & Lillian Thorne

by Dolly Cordell

90th Anniversary Task Force Members

Barbara Callahan Jimmy Crowe Kerry Giles

Anne Guffey Connie Mills

Betty Thomason The History Committee

The Hospitality Committee The Decorating Committee

187 N. Oak Street, Spindale, NC 28160

828.286.2355 (office) – 828.286.4496 (fax) www.spencerbaptist.com - spencerbaptist@bellsouth.net

Our Church Staff Bruce Caldwell .......................................................... Pastor Kelly Settlemyre ................... Minister of Music & Education Marlene Coffey ........................................ Church Secretary Larry Frazier ........................................................ Custodian Jennifer Spearman .............................................. Treasurer Les Downs ............................................................... Pianist