By JACK PALMER

palmer@crescent-news.com

ARTHUR -- Bethel Christian Church in Arthur will celebrate its 150th anniversary Sunday.

By the grace of God.

"I'm grew up in Continental and I've driven by this little church many times," said Pastor Chris Baker, who has served the congregation for the past four years. "I never thought I would end up here, but God had a plan. He had it all worked out."

The church closed for a short period of time after former pastor Gary Beamer left in 2003. At that point there were only six members left: Walter and Helen Andrews, William and Esther Mae Homan, and Rich and Cindy Skiver.

After much prayerful consideration, Baker was approached about becoming pastor. Following more prayer on his part, he accepted.

"The first Sunday morning we had 11 people here, and that included me, my wife and three kids," said Baker. "From that first Sunday our main focus was sharing God's word and knowing and sharing Christ's love -- not just on Sunday, but every day of the week."

From those mustard seed beginnings, membership has grown to over 100 in four short years. Sunday worship attendance ranges from 80-120.

"God has shown his goodness and faithfulness over and over again in innumerable ways," said Baker. "So often in life we try to have all the right answers and do all the right things on our own. What has happened here at Bethel, however, has little to do with us. It has everything to do with God."

The church was organized in 1858 by elders John Bushong and John Gillespy, with Gillespy serving as the first pastor. Charter members also included John and Rachel Rickner, Susanna Gillespy, Andrew and Elizabeth Frederick, Ichabod Gillespy, D.P.W. Raner, Thomas and Gemima Graham, William and Nancy Smith, and Jacob and Rosana Eitnear.

The present church building was constructed in 1874. By that time, there were 164 names on the membership roll. In 1922, a basement was installed under the original building, a furnace installed and a wing built on the west side. The building committee was comprised of E.L. Andrews, Ray Hornish, Clyde Morris, George Bodenbender and W.E. Bauer.

More remodeling was completed in 1950, when the basement was extended under the west wing and a kitchen was added. The building committee at that time consisted of Mary Andrews, Ethel Belau, LaVerne Dunham, Cecil Mansfield, John Andrews and John Kinner.

The remodeling of the church entry and installation of restrooms was completed in 1965.

Bethel Congregational Christian Church merged with the United Church of Christ in 1961, but withdrew from that association in 1979. It is currently known as Bethel Christian Church.

Many well-known area clergy have served as pastor through the years, including Victor Roebuck (1933-34), Fremont McCague (1934-36), Edwin Griswold (1946-47). Gerald Mallott (1950-51) and Harvey Ward (1956-74).

The most recent pastors were Ken Christiansen (1974-75), Marlene Hitchcock Reineck (1975-77), Gary Crites (1977-79), Daniel Eichenauer (1979-85), Harold Trzynka (1985-93), Jerry Burt (1994), Gloria Trzynka (1995), Gary Beamer (1996-2003) and Baker (2004-present).

The church, located at 14988 Road 209 (just off State Route 66) in Arthur, holds Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30.

This Sunday's sesquicentennial event includes the regular Sunday school and worship, followed by a free outdoor hog roast and kids' games for kids under a big tent. The celebration concludes with a 2 p.m. outdoor service featuring recognition of former pastors, special music and sharing of memories.

"We hope to have a lot of folks here and everyone is welcome," said Baker. "I can't tell you how many people have told me they once went to church, Sunday school or VBS here. This church has affected a lot of people's lives through the years."

Baker said the vision and future of the church is unknown, yet remains in God's hands.

"Our prayer is that we are faithful and obedient as we are used by our Lord to create a masterpiece. We praise God for what he has done and what he will continue to do."