Saturday, October 02, 1999
Church celebrates 75th anniversary
Baptists plan 4 days of events
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MITCHELL — A church that once sold chicken dinners to keep the bank from foreclosing on its building will mark its 75th anniversary next weekend with a celebration capped off by a community chicken dinner.
Founded in 1924 with 34 charter members, Fort Mitchell Baptist Church now boasts a membership of 907. During the four-day anniversary celebration Oct. 7-10, organizers say they hope to offer something for current and former members, as well as the community at large.
“We want to open our doors to the community, and those who are curious about God,” Dr. French B. Harmon, the church's two-year pastor, said of the anniversary celebration. “We have been here a long time, and have tried to minister to the spiritual needs of the community.”
The church's community involvement dates to the Great Depression.
Each week, a prayer breakfast draws about 25 men from a core group of 75 to 85 participants from various denominations, Rev. Harmon said.
One of the anniversary weekend's highlights will be visits from eight former pastors, as well as the daughter of the church's second minister, said Nancy Kinman, chairwoman of the 75th anniversary committee.
The former pastors will be honored at an open house at the church at 7 p.m. Oct. 8.
Other activities include:
• Tony Elenburg, a contemporary Christian musician, will perform a concert at the church at 7 p.m. Oct. 7. The Northern Kentucky Children's Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Melanie Williams, also will perform.
• After the concert, youths from grade 7 through college can take part in an Ohio River cruise. Prepaid reservations are required at $15 a person. Reservations can be made by calling 331-2160 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• For the Sunday service Oct. 10, Dr. William Marshall, former executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, will be the guest speaker. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m., and morning worship is at 10:45 a.m.
After the service, there will be a catered fried chicken dinner on the grounds. Reservations are required.
“Donations are accepted, as they are with all other activities, but we don't want to turn anyone away,” Rev. Harmon said.
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