Thirteenth Article in 90 Days of Praise Series

As we approach our 50th Anniversary I must mention a man that is very special to me as well as to the ministry of this dear church, Reverend Barney Rickman.   Brother Barney served faithfully and effectively from 1982-1988 as pastor of Stones River Baptist.   I'm eterneally thankful for his leadership during those years.   Due to his Bible centered ministry it has been possible for me to enjoy 14 wonderful years of spirit filled ministry with you dear people.   Brother Barney has served 54 years as a faithful and devoted minister of the gospel.   I thank God for the example and friendship of this great man of God and his dear wife, Arlene, and I am honored to call them both my friends.

Last week, in the list of ministries that we've had the joy of beginning together, I failed to mention our Prayer Commitment team, one of the most powerful of all the ministries God had led us to begin.   We've seen the awesome movement of the Holy Spirit ever since the inception of this God annointed ministry.

Now just a few words about our building program.   In March 1998, we began the demolition of our original sanctuary, which had become known as our youth building.   It was a time of mixed emotion for a part of our history was being dismantled.   Yet, we managed to save some special redwood from the original building.   In fact, the container in which our time capsule will be placed on October 6, was built from that original wood of the first sanctuary.   Our new construction consisted of joining the Kagy building to the existing A-frame sanctuary, by creating a spacious back foyer.   The existing sanctuary, which was built in 1963, was extended forward towards Sam Ridley Parkway---adding a large foyer which contains a ladie's and a men's restrooms.   A balcony was added above the foyer and this extension increased our seating capacity to 465.   In addition, we added 2 dressing rooms and a state of the art baptistry to the rear of the sanctuary.   Our new two story educational building has, on the first floor, the Pastor's study, church office, choir room, conference room, plus two large children's classrooms, a toddlers class and a spacious nursery, custodians closet, and an elevator.   The second floor has a large pantry in back of a spacious kitchen, adjacent to a huge fellowship hall which seats 275 comfortably.   Also, there's a brides dressing room, plus 5 young adult classrooms and large ladie's restroom and men's restroom, both on the first and second floors.

At the penning of this article, we are quickly approaching the need for more teaching space.   Through God's wonderful grace and provision we have already filled most of the rooms.   To God be the glory!   On October 3, 1999, we dedicated this building to the glory and increase of the kingdom of God.   On this week, prior to the celebration of our 50th Anniversary, I once more ask you to join me in dedicating ourselves anew to the furtherance of His kingdom's work until we see Jesus face to face.
~ Brother Ross ~