Pastor R. L. Stevenson Jr, Leads celebrants into church for Oct. 19 Reopening Celebration. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
By Pauline Masson –
A mixed audience filled the pews in the restored Historic First Baptist Church last Sunday to celebrate reopening the church following a seven-year restoration, slowed by the Covid pandemic and funded by a widespread community effort.
The long-awaited ceremony was held to celebrate the small frame church that has served the Black community for 140 years and was closed in 2017 after being flooded for the eighth time. As guest vocalists Virginia Welch and Timothy Travis stepped to the front to sing a favorite Gospel song, God Is, Ms. Welch introduced the song, saying it was thrilling to sing looking out on the blended community that was there for the happy event.
It was a lovely thing to say, but, I have to tell you, our mayor topped the collective sentiments of the event. With her trademark, oversized smile, Mayor Heather Filley offered a a stellar essay on the place this small frame church holds in the heart and history of the community of Pacific.
“What a joy it is to gather here in this sacred space, a cornerstone of faith, hope, and history for our community.,” she said. “Today, we celebrate not just a reopening, but a rebirth of a cherished beacon that has stood tall through the years—our Historic First Baptist Community Church in Pacific.”
“First,”she added, “I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to new neighbors and longtime friends alike. To the families who have just moved into our town and are joining us today — you are now part of a story that began many generations ago. And to those who have walked these halls, lit these lamps, and offered countless prayers here — your footsteps remain a guiding light for us all.”
“This church has weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, “ she said.”It has echoed with hymn notes that carried far beyond these walls, and it has provided shelter, guidance, and a sense of community to so many. The reopening is a testament to the enduring power of faith, fellowship, and service.”
The entire community came forward, she said, to assist with the recovery from flood as a testament to the value of the little church in the history of our community.
“I would like to express deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this restoration—pastors and staff, volunteers, builders, and visionaries. Your dedication has made this moment possible, and your faith inspires us to continue the work with humility and joy.”
Celebrants filled the church for Historic First Baptist Oct. 19 reopening celebration. ________________________________________________________________________________
The mayor was not the only standout surprise at the celebration. Donald Cummings, who grew up in Pacific and attended Historic First Baptist as a child made the trip for the celebration from his home in Peoria. He is the grandson of the late Rev. Charles Peter Cummings, pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at Second and Pacific street. and the son of the late Chris Cummings who operated a landmark barbecue stand on South First Street. Mr. Cummings said he was “thrilled by the restoration of his old church,” and presented the pastor a check for $1,000 for the new life of Historic First Baptist.
State Representative Brad Banderman presented a framed proclamation from the state legislature depicting the reopening of the historic church and its role in the community.
Phillip Brooks wows celebrants at Historic First Baptist reopening ceremony as the first convert of the renewed church. _______________________________________________________________________________
When Pastor Stevenson invited anyone who wanted to, take the opportunity of the occasion to accept Jesus as their savior to come forward, Phillip Brooks stepped forward. Pardon another cliche, it was the icing on the cake when the large young man in a bright orange tee shirt stepped forward. Ten ordained ministers who were seated on the Dias came forward to touch him and welcome him into the congregation of Historic First Baptist.
Norbert Gildehaus, Bob Masson and Brad Reed, who led the restoration effort were asked to come forward. One by one they said credit for the renewed church belonged to the entire community.
“I mean everybody,” Mr. Gildehaus said. “Churches, laborers, citizen and civic leaders. Everybody helped.”
Residents and officials attended Historic First Baptist Oct. 9 reopening celebration. ________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for this great article. Having a platform that is not ashamed to put the truth of Jesus out to so many is amazing!
This was a historic occasion. The vibe was overwhelming. I am honored to have been a part of this history.