The Sistersville Church of Christ held a special
Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, May 29th to commemorate the
90th Anniversary of the congregation. Former members and friends
from all over the country gathered with present members to share
in a time of worship, fellowship, and reminiscing.
Speaker for the day was Phillip Black, who currently
resides near Montgomery, AL. Brother Black, a graduate of David
Lipscomb University, served as minister for the Sistersville church
from 1955-1958. The theme chosen for the Homecoming celebration
was "Reflections," with brother Black focusing on reflections
on the heritage, the mission, and the future of the church. The
singing was led by Sistersville resident John Knowlton, who has
led part or all of the singing at each of the four previous Homecomings
held by the Sistersville church.
Others who returned to take part in the three
services held throughout the day were Larry Ice and Jim Kelley,
both Sistersville natives who now reside in Vienna, WV; Denver
Haught, who preached at Sistersville from 1978-82 and now preaches
in Romney, WV; Tom Menges, Sistersville native who preaches for
the church in Norwood, OH; Denver Cooper, Director of the WV School
of Preaching, who is married to the former Florence Smith, a native
of Sistersville; Albert Farley, editor of WV Christian, who is
the father of Sistersville member Clista Heintzman; and Charles
Aebi, who preached at Sistersville from 1961-64 and now preaches
for the congregation at Barlow, OH.
Members and guests enjoyed a fellowship luncheon
in the church annex at 12:30. This afforded all those present
the opportunity to visit and reminisce, as well as enjoy the abundant
meal together.
The 90th Anniversary celebration was a joyous
one for the Sistersville church. A large crowd of nearly 200 met
to rejoice together over the rich heritage afforded them by their
ties to this steadfast old congregation of the Lord's church in
Sistersville.