A lot has changed since what is now called First Baptist Church of Riverview held its first service in 1893, but one thing that has not changed over the years is the church’s commitment to influence others to become followers of Christ.
On September 8 and 9, First Baptist Riverview – located at the corner of U.S. Highway 301 South and Balm Riverview Road – will celebrate its 125th anniversary. There will be a barbecue on Saturday evening, followed by a celebration on Sunday looking back at the rich history of the church and looking forward to campus improvements so that more people can be reached with the good news of the gospel.
Earlier this year, First Baptist approved a four-phase master plan for its campus. Phase 1 will remodel the current worship center that was built in 1979 and expand the lobby and restrooms. Phase 2 will add a children’s ministry building and administrative offices. Phase 3 will build a fellowship hall/gymnasium, kitchen and student ministry loft. The final phase will add an educational building for adult LifeGroups and provide additional parking.
“We will help people discover and live out their life mission in Christ,” said SeniorPastor Jeff Knight. “We see the intentional development of our church campus as a means to this very important end.”
Tisha Hudson, whose father, Ben L. Earnest Jr., pastored the church from 1956 to 1987, said First Baptist has seen good and difficult times, but the “sweet, sweet spirit” (the title of the song that closed each service for many years) always endured.
“As we plan for the next generation of Christ followers, we are thankful for the blessing that has been ours serving this community,” said Hudson, who serves as First Baptist’s leadership development director.
First Baptist invites you to join them September 8 and 9 to celebrate what God has done and is still doing and to look forward to what is in store for the next century.
For more information about the 125th anniversary celebration, go to www.fbcriverview.org or call 677-6377.
