Sunday, December 6, Fairview Missionary Baptist Church culminated its year-long centennial celebration with a mountain top experience. Since January 1, every event at Fairview has had a common theme: “Celebrating 100 years of implementing the Great Commission.” This was also the theme for Sunday, when Fairview concluded its year-long celebration by commemorating its 100th Anniversary and Homecoming service. 

Though this was a special day, church began, as usual, at 8:30 with Sunday School. The 10:00 worship celebration was festive and high-energy, beginning with a rousing praise and worship. The occasion of the event was appropriately delivered by Janelle Jenkins-Taylor whose grandfather, C. Nelson Moran, was one of the founders of the Fairview Baptist Church. Also during the service, Pastor Reed was presented with a souvenir journal that chronicled the history of  Fairview and its people. The moment overwhelmed him.

Songs of Zion were lifted by a combined choir consisting of Fairview and special guests, Tabitha Baptist Church. Fairview and Tabitha have enjoyed a long relationship. For many years, Fairview has been Tabitha’s special guest for their Homecoming in November, and then in December Tabitha always returns the favor. The centennial message was brilliantly brought by Pastor J.L. Mitchell, the pastor of Tabitha.

Along with Tabitha, there were many other special guests for this momentous occasion. Government officials such as Lt. Governor Jeri Askins, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, Representative Mike Shelton and City Councilman Skip Kelly were in attendance. Also, many former members came home to help celebrate Fairview’s legacy of service in the community. Many people who weren’t members of Fairview or Tabitha, or special guests, or government officials, but whose lives were somehow touched by this body of believers, were there to join in with the celebration.

The day ended with the opening of a time capsule that was buried 10 years ago, and a big, “old fashioned,” fellowship dinner. As people left satisfied, spiritually and physically, they had the opportunity to walk through Fairview’s history. A museum was set up with many artifacts and pictures and videos for everyone to enjoy.

Fairview now closes the book on 100 years of service. Entering into a new century, she will continue to serve her community, and heed her Master’s charge: to implement “The Great Commission.”

(Photos of the day's events will be available at http://levisphotoz.smugmug.com/Religion/Fairview-M-Baptist-Church/ )