Worcester Centenery Celebrations 1910-2010

Doris J. Lack

The Worcester Church celebrated its 100th Anniversary on 27th March 2010 and all those present, members and friends alike had a joyous day of Fellowship and thanksgiving. The Day of Fellowship was an opportunity to remember, with gratitude, all those who were our “Spiritual Ancestors”, especially those who founded and organized as a “Church” in Worcester.

Twelve precious souls were baptized on the evening of Friday 25th March 1910, in the local “baths”, after a series of tent meetings which were conducted by Brother A. S. Rodd, (later “Pastor”), during the summer of 1909, assisted by J. B. West and Clara Sanders. It was reported that, “The attendance at the meetings was small but a few were deeply interested”. After some months of house-to-house visitations there was a better attendance and interest at the follow up meetings held in a local Hall. Several visits supporting the project were made by the BUC and NEC Presidents at that time.

On the following day, Sabbath the 26th March 1910, the 12 newly baptized members, along with six others, (by Transfer) were officially organised as a Church in the North England Conference. That first Sabbath-day was a wonderful and exciting day for all those eighteen - plus souls becoming part of the great family of God! Six months later in September 1910, another ten people were also baptised and their names were added to the Membership List on the growing congregation.

For the Worcester Centenary Anniversary in 2010, invitations were sent far and wide to former members and “friends” of the church to the celebration at the Worcester church. The attendance was excellent at the service of commemoration on Sabbath March 27th - a very “Special Birthday” celebration. At the end of the Sabbath School, every one present was given gifts of a Rose and a Book-mark, by the children, as a reminder of the very special occasion. The Motto “LEST WE FORGET” was chosen for this Centenary year, as well as for the recent Sabbath service. In the “message” for the day, (given by a “senior” member, the writer), the congregation were encouraged to remember, at this particular time, the Goodness and Love of GOD for His people down through the centuries, and also to be thankful for those who, one hundred years ago, responded to the”Three Angels Message”, and then faithfully lived and preached God’s Truth. They, like us, were not only part of God’s Family, but also part of God’s ”History”, the history of all God’s saints and martyrs in times past. Today we their spiritual descendants should no less courageously hold high the torch of truth and be counted as we stand on the verge of the kingdom. The congregation were reminded that there are many Scriptures that exhort us to: “Remember”; and” Not to Forget” - God’s leadings and blessings. God wants us to Remember HIM, and His Saints, as He remembers US. But the devil would love us to Forget our God, and His constant Love for everyone. So much has changed since the year 1910, but our God never changes!

After a luscious and generous “lunch”, the afternoon was a time of “Praise and Thanks-giving”, by the use of Music, arranged by the Young People. Various groups sang lovely “Songs”, and there were also duets and solos. The congregation also lustily sang some wonderful “Hymns of Praise”, and by their singing them, they remembered that Jesus is coming soon, and God is waiting to welcome His people into His everlasting Kingdom. And that will be a wonderful time of reunion, when we shall meet all those, amongst others, who established the Church in Worcester, for us today who are part of their legacy.

Another Celebration Day is planned: for 12th June, when we shall have the NEC President (Pastor Ian Sweeney); previous Pastors; Lay-Preachers and “Friends “with us for the Day, to continue with our Celebrations during this anniversary year. If there is anyone who would like to visit us on that Special occasion of “Thanksgiving”, you will be very welcome!