Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community in Laurens celebrated its 25th anniversary Feb. 4.
The theme for the day was “A Blessed Journey of Faith, Hope and Love.”
Martha Franks “Pioneers,” those who have worked or resided at the Baptist retirement community since it opened in 1985, include (from left): Neta Durrett, Jean Cann, Margaret Quattlebaum, Dina Hair, and Edith “Lady” Gardner (seated).Featured speakers were Jim Austin, executive director-treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention; Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union; Sadie Franks, great-niece of Martha Franks; Dina Hair, executive director of Martha Franks; and Tom Turner, president of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging.
Other program participants were Russell Dean, chaplain at Martha Franks; Bev Kennedy, pastor of First Baptist Church, Laurens; Lisa Yarber, marketing director at Martha Franks; Jean Cann, organist; Adair Rogers, pianist; and Carol Roosevelt, violinist.
Guests enjoyed music and slides about the life and ministry of Martha Franks and the Christ-centered retirement community she founded. Speakers noted her vision and labors to raise money as well as her partnership with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. They also spoke about milestones over the past 25 years, the current financial soundness of the facility, and future plans for improvements and a continuation of reaching out with God’s love to seniors and the community.
Four of the “Pioneers” in the ministry were recognized during the service, including one resident who moved in on opening day back in 1985, Edith “Lady” Gardner. Also recognized were three employees who celebrated 25 years of service at Martha Franks, one of whom is the executive director, Dina Hair.
Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community is one of two retirement communities supported by South Carolina Baptists through South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging. The other facility, Bethea Baptist Retirement Community, is located in Darlington.
– Yarber is director of marketing at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community.