Partners in the Mission: Celebration at Eaton Memorial 07/01/2008 a message from Dr. Bill Mackey, executive director Eaton Memorial Baptist Church in Owensboro recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with guest musicians, worship, testimonies and celebrations. It was a privilege for Kay and me to participate in the Sunday morning worship service and to catch the exciting spirit of the celebration. A teenage girl, accompanied down the aisle by her grandmother, professed her faith in Jesus Christ. Former pastors and staff persons were recognized. Among them were Phillip Basinger, the director of missions for the Green Valley Association and Wallace Miller, who is retired from the Kentucky Baptist Convention Sunday School Department. Pastor Dennis McFadden extended a warm welcome to everyone, especially former members and guests. The adult choir, directed by Pam Howell, provided excellent music for the services. Pam has served her home church with her wonderful voice and directing for more than 20 years while teaching public school music. Eaton Memorial is a church that has ministered faithfully in its location through many transitions in the community. It traces its origins to 1907, when after surveying the west end of Owensboro, Rev. W. D. Nowlin and W. W. Williams conducted a revival meeting in the area, assisted by members from Third Baptist Church. Then in July of 1908, with Williams as pastor, 27 charter members constituted the mission into a church. The church has overcome many barriers throughout its history, including a fire. It dedicated its current building on May 30, 1920. Today, there are housing units across the side street from the church building that are largely occupied by individuals with alcohol and other substance abuse issues. The neighborhoods to the west of the church are known for drug activity. Despite these obstacles, the church, which has an average attendance of 178 in worship, strives to meet the needs of members and the community. It has a mission to bring people to Jesus, equip believers for spiritual maturity, celebrate God’s presence, provide a sense of belonging, and demonstrate God’s love through service. It is a joy to see a pastor and people reach out with love, courage, and hope in the name of Jesus. The church’s signature ministry is a meal that is provided at the church every Monday night for people in the community who are in need. More than half of those who attend are children with difficult home lives. More than half of the church’s vacation Bible school students this year came from the local community. Several made commitments to Jesus Christ. The pastor and church are active in the Daviess-McLean Baptist Association and recently reached the $1 million dollar milestone for faithful support of missions through the Cooperative Program. Please pray for Rev. McFadden, the church staff, the members, and others like them who have been called to minister in transitional communities. Dr. Mackey's column appears weekly in the Western Recorder. To subscribe to the Western Recorder, call (502) 489-3535.