by Chris Steele

May 4, 2008

On the first Sunday in May 49 years ago, the River Road congregation met for the first time. 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 in New Port Richey.

There is no question in our mind that our God truly has blessed the work of the River Road congregation. We have grown spiritually and physically over the past 49 years. And Lord willing, we will continue to thrive as we press forward.

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 during the first week in May. Among those in recent years has been Earnest Clevenger (30th in 1989), Flavil Nichols (35th in 1994), and Jackie Stearsman (40th in1999 and 45th in 2004). In view of our 50th anniversary next year, we have invited brother Dub McClish to help us celebrate by conducting a gospel meeting May 3rd – 6th, 2008.

No matter what year it may be, our anniversary still remains the same (officially May 3rd), 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 as we labored together in the kingdom of God, we cannot help but to rejoice and celebrate!

Even though we may see growth physically and spiritually, we must never forget that it is to the honor and glory of our great God in heaven that we celebrate 49 years, today. Keeping in mind Paul’s words in Philippians 3:12-14 and 4:13, it will be because of God’s good will and blessed hand upon us that we will continue to shine as a light in this community for yet another year and be able to reach that 50th mark.