College Street Baptist Church, Walhalla, will celebrate 100 years of existence on Nov. 8 with a special service beginning at 10 a.m. George Tichenor, former pastor (1972-89) will be guest speaker.
The church began on Nov. 7, 1909, when it was constituted with 25 members. Originally named Second Baptist Church, the congregation met in a building owned by the Chicopee Manufacturing Company. After several failed attempts to merge with another church, the members built their first house of worship on Lucas Street at a cost of $1,060.
On July 11, 1965, the church relocated to College Street with a new sanctuary and educational building and changed its name to College Street Baptist Church. Three years later, the buildings were destroyed by fire attributed to an electrical failure. The church met in an elementary school until the dedication of a rebuilt structure in 1970.
The church’s vision statement describes a “compassionate family of God who prayerfully commit to go and bring people to Jesus Christ, teach people to be like Christ, show God’s love by helping people, and enjoy God in worship.”
All former members, staff and friends are invited to attend the centennial celebration, which will include a baptism service and the licensing of a ministerial student. Ken Reid is pastor.