Third Baptist Church celebrating 125th anniversary; Moody returning for sermon

August 5, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated August 4, 2021 | 11:30 pm

Third Baptist Church

Third Baptist Church will celebrate its 125 anniversary this Sunday, with several events planned throughout the day. Dwight Moody, who was the pastor at the church from 1991-1997 and when they celebrated their centennial, will deliver the morning sermon. 

The event features a pastor fireside chat at 9:30 a.m. followed by morning worship at 10:45 and lunch catered by Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn at noon, accompanied by historical displays and a building tour. Afternoon festivities include music in the sanctuary at 1:30 p.m. followed by the 125th celebration at 2 and reception at 3:15. 

Current pastor Micah Spicer shared that the church is elated to have been an integral part of the community’s history for so long.

“It is a humbling experience to think about the legacy that Third Baptist Church has had on the community of Owensboro,” Spicer said. “It’s surreal that the legacy of mission and ministry in the town has withstood the test of time. To recognize what’s happening now and to be a part of the story, that’s humbling.”

During Moody’s tenure at the church, they published a history book and dedicated a new facility called the Christian Life Center. He eventually left the church to become dean of chapel and professor of religion at Georgetown College.

“It is a wonderful church with a rich history,” Moody said. “I am eager to worship with the good people of Third. I’m eager to preach also.”

Moody’s son Ike is a renowned artist that will accompany him at the ceremony, bringing with him prints of the original drawing of the Third Baptist Sanctuary. Ike was arrested three days before the 100-year celebration — a memory etched vividly in both of their minds. 

“The most memorable element of that centennial 25 years ago was the arrest of my son Ike just three days before the celebration,” Moody said. “Fortunately, I did not have to preach that anniversary.”

The Owensboro Times covered Ike Moody’s story last summer here. In his book, Heaven for a Dime: Memoir of a Small Town Preacher, the reverend Moody wrote about the arrest and the centennial. 

Those interested in attending Sunday can RSVP to the event here. For contributions and memorials, access the church’s giving website here. For more information, contact the church at 270-683-0269.

August 5, 2021 | 12:07 am

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