Feature Article October 24
Feature Article
October 24, 2001
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Letting
their light shine for 75 yearsby
Jule Brison
On
Friday night the Oso Community Hall was packed with members, friends,
and well-wishers, as the Sharbot Lake Pentecostal Church kicked off a
weekend of 75th anniversary celebrations with a gospel
sing.
The churchs own band - the popular Country
Church, opened the evening
with their unique, lively blend of bluegrass and country gospel music.
As they sang of Gods faithfulness, the audience tapped their toes,
clapped, and sang along on every song. Two former members of the band
Rev. Ron Clark, pastor of the church from 1991 to 1999, and Jim
Heney returned to play and sing with their friends.
The
Revelations, a
quartet who sing Southern gospel music, added their harmonies to the
evening. The audience was visibly moved by their songs, and they
received a standing ovation at the end.
The celebrations continued on Saturday evening with a banquet.
Mayor Bill MacDonald brought congratulations from Central
Frontenac Township. MP Larry McCormick was unable to be there, but had
attended a service at the church the previous Sunday.
On Sunday, the church overflowed with visitors during the worship
services. Rev. Bill Morrow, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada, spoke in the morning, and PAOC District
Superintendent Rick Hilsden preached in the evening. Of special joy
was the dedication in the morning service of Augusta Rowsome, a little
girl who had been seriously ill, and for whom the congregation had
prayed.
The weekend celebrations were a joyful time of fellowship, renewing
old friendships, reminiscing, remembering brothers and sisters who
have gone on, and above all, thanking the Lord for blessings. Many
have found SLPC..[to be] a place of security where the warmth of a
friendly smile seemed to make the cares of life less pressing, or
called them to be faithful to God and serve Him only, said present
pastor Rob Morris.
The anniversary theme A lighthouse in the community reflects
SLPCs commitment to service a commitment carried out through
many programs such as: a 24-hour prayer chain; gospel sings at the
beach on Sunday evenings; summer Vacation Bible School (now in its 10th
year); a youth group; and a Wednesday night Boys and Girls BG Club.
The
church was built in 1926, largely with donated materials and labour,
on land donated by Jim and Carrie Fair for $1. Seventy-five years
later, the congregation is considering building a new church on
property they own on Highway # 7. Whether they are in the heart of
Sharbot Lake, or on Hwy. 7, SLPC will continue to: ..Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16.
