by Chris Steele

On the first Sunday in May, 48 years ago, the River Road congregation met for the first time. The actual date was May 3, 1959. With a spiritual vision for the future of the church, Christians forged a new path in this community. How grateful we are for the dedication and commitment of our River Road ancestors. Because of these brothers and sisters we now have a church home here in our fair town of New Port Richey.

There is no question that the God of heaven truly has blessed the work of this congregation. We have grown spiritually and physically over the years. We count it a privilege to be able to be a part of this family and its heritage. We follow in the footsteps of dedicated and courageous fellow workers. As Paul said, we are laborers together with God. One plants, another waters, and God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-9).

It has been a custom of ours to celebrate our anniversary every 5 years by having a guest speaker to come and conduct a gospel meeting. Among those in recent years was Earnest Clevenger (30th) in 1989, Flavil Nichols (35th) in 1994, and Jack Stearsman (40th) in 1999 and (45th) in 2004. This next time we celebrate in this way it will be our 50th in 2009! No matter what the number of the year may be, our anniversary still remains the same and it is still worthy of mention and celebration. As we contemplate the years that have gone by, the many Christian friends that have passed through these doors, and the great love we have shared together in the kingdom of God, we cannot help but to celebrate each and every year!

In all of our rejoicing we must never forget that it is to the honor and glory of our God that we now celebrate 48 years. It will be because of His good will and blessed hand upon us that we will continue to shine as a light in this community for yet another year. Today is a day to reflect on the past, as well as the present, and to look forward to the future. It is in gratitude to our wonderful Father in heaven for blessing His kingdom in this part of the world, that we say...

Happy Anniversary River Road!