The First Baptist Church of Canadian celebrated 125 years of ministry by “Counting Every Blessing,” the theme of the congregation’s observance of the church’s milestone held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8.

The event began on Saturday with a meal catered by Tammy Meek of the Gageby Store, with 79 people in attendance. A share-time with testimonies and music followed. Those participating included Ben Mathers; Dr. Clyde Cain of Edmond, Oklahoma; Tom Hobdy of Victoria; Bill Hobdy, Evelyn Noland Freeman of Dallas; and Jody Hobdy Purser of Amarillo.

On Sunday, the worship service had 237 worshippers in attendance, including many former members. The prelude music was provided by trumpeter Abi Black and flutist Mollie Baker, accompanied by Paula Forrest.

The opening prayer was given by Matthew McCurley, senior pastor from 2012-19. The benediction prayer was given by Dr. Clyde Caine, a former FBC member, who is a retired pastor, professor, and evangelism director of the Oklahoma Baptist General Convention.

The Reunion Choir was composed of Dale and Gracie Langehenning; Jannet Williams; Mike Leonard; Hiram Reyes; Randy Bowerman; Mike and Kathy Jackson; Les and Jamie Lovvorn; George Cook; Tom and Sue Hobdy; Bill Hobdy; Alex Phenix; Judy Davis; Linda Cox; Alan and Laurie Hale; Evelyn Noland Freeman; Vonda Robbins; Katie Hathaway; Pat Howe; Lana Graham; Summer Ancira; Jeanie Belcher; Jan Noland Noredo; Sally Dillman Eaves; Beverly Baker; Mollie Baker; Matt Phenix; and Paula Forrest.

Other special music was provided by Ralph Chapman, senior pastor, 1980-83; Amy Woodside; Presley Harper; George Cook; Jerry Davis; Bill Hobdy; Tom Hobdy; Mike Leonard; Hiram Reyes; Paula Forrest; Katie Hathaway; Kathie Jackson; Alex and Matt Phenix, who is the interim pastor; Vonda Robbins; and Dale and Gracie Langehenning, music minister, 2002-06.

Testimonies were given by Jody Purser and Jacob Reed, who, with his wife Georgia, are former missionaries to Uganda. Rev. Jerry Don Davis, senior pastor of Collinsville First Baptist Church, gave the sermon.

The service was followed by a brisket, fried-chicken meal in the Fellowship Hall, provided by church members. During the meal, a video created by FBC member Chara Brown was shown, featuring the history of the First Baptist Church and former pastors, highlighting the ministries of the past 25 years.

A tour was offered in mid-afternoon of The Citadelle Mansion, which was once the First Baptist Church.

“It was a joy,” said Vonda Robbins, the chairman of the 125th Celebration Committee, of the event. “It was everything you wanted it to be.”

Her committee members were Paula Forrest, Laurie Hale, Chara Brown, Angela Black, Dixie Cook, Bill Hobdy, Ron Shrader, Chris Evans, Joe Wagoner, Matt Phenix, and Matthew McCurley.

photo taken at the sunday celebration worship service

by Alan Hale