Celebrating 150 years cannot be rushed. It takes time to properly recognize the years, events, ministries, missions, and people who came together to start a church, sustain it through difficult times, and grow it through dedicated service to Jesus Christ. That’s why we began six months early!
Our first 150th Celebration event was a rousing success despite the oppressive heat! More than 100 Beulah Anners and friends gathered in the Family Center to feast on hamburgers, hotdogs, fixin’s, and homemade ice cream and treats! Sandwiched in the middle of eating and snacking were sermonettes and recollections delivered by four young men who experienced the mentorship of Pastor Paul Meadows, and are now pastoring churches in our nearby communities.
Pastor Jacob Marshall from Antioch Baptist Church prepared our hearts for the Word as he ministered to us in song before Pastor Tracy Mills opened with a Word from the Lord and recollections of his time at Beulah Ann. He noted the connection he has to our church through his son’s wife, who is a granddaughter of Pat and the late Dick Grass. He was also here when the church celebrated its 125th Birthday and was instrumental in putting together the time capsule we will open on December 29, 2024. He will return for the opening of the capsule!
Pastor Jeff Fetty followed. He reminisced about coming to Beulah Ann as a baby in 1977. He recalled Mrs. Morrison in the nursery and Mrs. Sharon Hayes in the kindergarten classroom. He remembered Dick Grass stopping him at the door one Easter when he was a little man dressed in his Easter Suit. “Are you preaching today,” Dick questioned? “No,” Jeff replied. “We’ll you’re dressed like a preacher.” Jeff said he never forgot that!
After Pastor Jacob led us to sing another song, Pastor Jason Salmons regaled us with his precious memories. “I said, ‘This church is too big, Gene. There’s too many people that go to this church. How could you know everybody’s name? … but it didn’t take too long to realize that everybody’s kin at Beulah Ann, so if you know one of them you know them all!” We are family, many by common human blood, many others by the precious blood of Jesus Christ!
Pastor Tim Messinger wrapped up the preaching. He recalled how his mother-in-law, Aillene Caldwell squeezed a promise out of him that he would get his daughter, Sarah, to church while she went on vacation. He fulfilled his promise, and while listening to Pastor Paul preach the gospel, he responded to the call and gave his life to the Lord.
Ice Creme was served and many hung out to fellowship for some time. It was a wonderful night of food, fellowship, and recollection, one of many more to come!
Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church 