CLARKS SUMMIT — First, a property. Then, a pastor. And thirdly, a building. That’s the order of how Heritage Baptist Church became a place of worship within the half century it has existed. During the past weekend, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary with outdoor fun, a special service, and a float designed like a birthday cake in the Memorial Day Parade. The celebratory events were planned by the 50th anniversary committee eight months ago.

“Our goal was to celebrate our past, our history and to look forward to our future,” said Lisa Konzelman, chair of the committee.

A block party took place outside the church May 25. People enjoyed s’mores, ice cream from Mannings truck and watched “The Incredibles” movie on the lawn. During his opening remarks at the special celebration service May 26, lead pastor Glenn Amos acknowledged the committee and the 50 volunteers who participated in the block party.

Former church members were shown on video sharing their testimonials. Richard Rudolph, who currently lives in Germany, attended the church for 21 years. His best memories are being with friends he grew up with.

“A huge impact in fun memories was snow camps that we had together as well as many mission trips whether locally, overseas or places like that,” he said. “That was a huge part of my life. I remember just having a blast with my friends but also hearing the Word of God preached and insist on knowing and serving God.”

Reverend David Culver, who was Heritage’s pastor from 2000-2010, shared a speech honoring the church’s past. He shared the fact that the church was founded the same year as the Woodstock music festival and the first moon landing.He explained something worth celebrating is worth continuing in the future.

“Let me put it to you this way,” he said to the church members. “What had impact will have impact, such as the ministry of the Word of God.”

Culver said the preaching ministry is part of its past, which makes it something to celebrate.

Dr. Tony Beckett, pastor from 1991-1999, spoke a message about how the church impacts the future. He mentioned that even though no one knows what the future of the church will be like, the one certain thing is there will be changes.

“What I want us to do is to recognize that the future of this church depends on the changes it makes and the willingness to change,” he said.

Using the book of Joshua in the Bible, Beckett explained the changes the Israelites went through from being slaves to wanderers to settlers.

David McClain, who currently resides in Xenia, Ohio with his wife Janet, was one of the first 50 members of Heritage Baptist Church when he joined in May 1969, back when it was called Regular Baptist Fellowship. He remembered when the church didn’t have a building. He said members met at Clarks Summit University, back when the university was known as Baptist Bible Seminary. He also recalls when the church didn’t have a pastor and he and the other members took turns preaching the message. He noticed the changes the church has made throughout its five decades.

“At first, most everybody was connected to the college (Baptist Bible Seminary),” he said. “They weren’t living in the community and suddenly decided to join the church. We came as a group, moved here to work at the college, and started the church. Today, we have lots more people that are not connected to the college than are. So, there is more community membership now than there was back then.”

McClain said a lot has changed in 50 years like styles of buildings and types of music.

“Something that hasn’t changed is our commitment to the Bible,” he said. “To teach the Bible. Preach the Bible. That is the same 50 years ago and today. We believe the Bible is God’s Word. We still believe the only way to Heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. That is true then and is true now.”

McClain is a retired librarian of Baptist Bible Seminary, was a deacon and a member of the church’s membership committee. His wife Janet taught children at Sunday school. They both returned to the area for the church’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“We enjoyed very much people who are members here still and other people who have come back just for the occasion like we did,” McClain said. “We got to see a lot of friends.”

Members of the worship band of Heritage Baptist Church are, from left, Dawn Jacobs, Makaela Johnson, John Amos, Joanna Wyman, Rob Gagliardi, and Tyler Johnson.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_20190526_101010.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the worship band of Heritage Baptist Church are, from left, Dawn Jacobs, Makaela Johnson, John Amos, Joanna Wyman, Rob Gagliardi, and Tyler Johnson. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Local dignitaries came to the special service on Sunday. From left, are Paul Osborn, pastor of Heritage Baptist Church; Diane Osborn, Patty Lawler, mayor of Clarks Green; Sean Connolly, chief of Chinchilla Hose Co.; Robert Gerrity, chief of South Abington Police Dept.; Dr. Miriam O’Malley, Dr. Michael Mahon, superintendent of Abington Heights School District; Jim Mirabelli, business administrator of Abington Heights School District; Chris Yarns, chief of Clarks Summit Police Department; Sinea Yetkowskas, Kevin Yetkowskas, first assistant chief of Clarks Summit Fire Co.; Jane Amos, and Glenn Amos, lead pastor of Heritage Baptist Church.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_20190526_120038.jpg.optimal.jpgLocal dignitaries came to the special service on Sunday. From left, are Paul Osborn, pastor of Heritage Baptist Church; Diane Osborn, Patty Lawler, mayor of Clarks Green; Sean Connolly, chief of Chinchilla Hose Co.; Robert Gerrity, chief of South Abington Police Dept.; Dr. Miriam O’Malley, Dr. Michael Mahon, superintendent of Abington Heights School District; Jim Mirabelli, business administrator of Abington Heights School District; Chris Yarns, chief of Clarks Summit Police Department; Sinea Yetkowskas, Kevin Yetkowskas, first assistant chief of Clarks Summit Fire Co.; Jane Amos, and Glenn Amos, lead pastor of Heritage Baptist Church. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Pastors and former pastors attend the special service. From left, first row, are Margorie and Ben McGrew. Second row, Glen and Jane Amos, David and Carolyn Culver, Beckie Loescher and Friedie Loescher, David and Janet McClain, and Joan and Tony Beckett.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_20190526_120716-1.jpg.optimal.jpgPastors and former pastors attend the special service. From left, first row, are Margorie and Ben McGrew. Second row, Glen and Jane Amos, David and Carolyn Culver, Beckie Loescher and Friedie Loescher, David and Janet McClain, and Joan and Tony Beckett. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Friends hang out in the backyard of Heritage Baptist Church after service. From left, are Jack Tora, of Wallenpaupack; Emily Scarfo, of Clarks Summit; Stephanie Earle, of Clarks Summit; and Julieanne Poissant, 6, of Vermont.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_20190526_124555.jpg.optimal.jpgFriends hang out in the backyard of Heritage Baptist Church after service. From left, are Jack Tora, of Wallenpaupack; Emily Scarfo, of Clarks Summit; Stephanie Earle, of Clarks Summit; and Julieanne Poissant, 6, of Vermont. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal

Members of the worship band of Heritage Baptist Church are, from left, Dawn Jacobs, Makaela Johnson, John Amos, Joanna Wyman, Rob Gagliardi, and Tyler Johnson. Josh Schneider, of Clarks Summit, tosses a bean bag during a game of cornhole.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_20190526_125038.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the worship band of Heritage Baptist Church are, from left, Dawn Jacobs, Makaela Johnson, John Amos, Joanna Wyman, Rob Gagliardi, and Tyler Johnson. Josh Schneider, of Clarks Summit, tosses a bean bag during a game of cornhole. Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Heritage Baptist Church notes 50th anniversary

By Ben Freda

For Abington Journal

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