What an amazing Celebration God provided our church family this past weekend for our 50th Anniversary of serving as a lighthouse here on Route 9W. We were all blessed by the food, fellowship, music, and speakers. The amazing Anniversary Offering exceeded the goal and stands at $174,000. The planning and work by the Anniversary Committee was evident—in the decorations, program, memorabilia room, and videos. A Timeline on the wall featured IBC pastors and building programs from the last 50 years:
The Combined ABEs on Sunday morning featured testimonies remembering each decade of our history. IBC started 69 years ago in 1955 on Moler Avenue in Martinsburg and moved to the present property in 1974, fifty years ago.
We have benefited from twenty-seven pastors who have served during these 50 years, counting full-time and part-time. Pastor Charles Hanshew led the congregation in the relocation to the present site and went home to be with the Lord in September, 1982. His wife Grace stayed at IBC and continued to serve in music ministry and teaching Ladies Bible Studies. She entered glory just last year. I have been privileged to lead in building on the foundation that Pastor Hanshew left—a legacy of expository Bible preaching, missions, and evangelism and discipleship.
Since 1974, IBC has seen building programs in 1988, 3rd Floor Youth Area Expansion (1993), Discipleship Wing/Outreach Center in 2006, and Sanctuary remodel in 2019. In the Fall of 2023, IBC voted to purchase 44 acres and to make plans for a much-needed new driveway and entrance. Buildings are not the Church, but they are wonderful tools for reaching and making disciples.
Gerri and I were so blessed by the recognition that took place on Sunday morning for our years of service. To God be the glory for anything accomplished. Only “by the grace of God I am what I am.” It has been a team effort—with dear servants like Curt and Robyn Lowry (here longer than us), the many pastors, and the members of this Body using their gifts. Thanks to all who gave to the generous love offering for us. We were touched and encouraged.
We are excited about the planned baton pass to Pastor Phillip Macdonald at year’s end. This Sunday, November 24 at 10:15 AM, the congregation votes on the Elders recommendation of Pastor Phillip as the next Pastor-Teacher. The two and a half year mentoring and sharing process is almost complete. It is a joy to work with Pastor Phillip.
Gerri and I look forward to our sabbatical for January—June, but also to returning in July 2025 to serve as part-time Pastor of Discipleship. Pray that our sabbatical will provide: 1. Rest 2. Intentional praise for God’s sustaining us through the years and 3. Pondering and preparing for our next chapter. We are thankful for our church family and that the Elders have invited me back to serve in a half-time role still using my gifts of teaching and discipling, while cheering for Pastor Phillip and pastoral team.
Happy Anniversary, IBC!