The weekend of March 9-10, Second Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC) celebrated its 157th Church Anniversary. The theme of the anniversary was The Solid Rock. The anniversary scripture was found in St. Matthew 16:18. 

This year’s anniversary opened on Sat., March 9th with adult Bible Study taught by Reverend T. L. Garner, Jr., Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. Sister Diane Garner, First Lady of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, taught the youth Bible study class. Following Bible Study, attendees transitioned into an evening worship service, moderated by Reverend Penny Weston, pastor of Second Christian, Disciples of Christ Church of Jefferson City.

A sermonette was given by Reverend Garner. Songs of praise and worship were ministered by praise dancers and singers from Second Christian, Disciples of Christ Church. The evening culminated in a Battle of the Musicians. The winners were Torino Baker, drummer of Second Christian, Disciples of Christ Church, and Matthew Lockhart, keyboardist of Second Christian, Disciples of Christ Church. 

On Sunday, March 10, members of Second Missionary Baptist Church and the community celebrated the church’s 157th anniversary in an 11 a.m. morning worship service. Highlights of the service included a proclamation presented to Deacon Terry Fry, chairman of the SMBC deacon board, from City of Mexico Mayor Vickie Briggs. On behalf of the SMBC church body, Collette Kemp gave a greeting and words of welcome. Nyla Pasley and Lauryn Thompson, led by Vickie Pasley, gave the youth welcome. 

A moment of remembrance and honor were held for SMBC members who have died in the last seven years. Reverend Weston spoke about her father, Deacon James Henderson, and his legacy in the church. A special candle was lit in remembrance of JoAnn Thomas, church secretary. Jaxon Garner, member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, shared a reflection about Mrs. Thomas and her influence on his life. Jaxon made a presentation to Jocelyn Thomas, Mrs. Thomas’ daughter. 

Under the direction of Reverend Garner, a song of praise was sung by the Men’s Chorus. Matthew Lockhart, one of the winners of the Battle of the Musicians, sang a song. Reverend Garner gave the anniversary message. Praise dances were ministered by Second Christian, Disciples of Christ Church praise dancers. 

After the benediction, an anniversary dinner was served in the Second Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center. The weekend’s celebration was well attended and enjoyed by all.