A test of time

I have several thoughts when I think of a test of time:

* My lovely bride Fran buried her father (Truman Moore) this past June following a marriage of 72 years with her mom Bonnie.

* Our King James Bible was 400 years old this past May.

* Bethany Baptist Church will celebrate their 50 years as a Southern Baptist Church on Aug. 14.

I am proud of all the past leaders of Bethany. Donny Ford immediately comes to mind as a great man of God, serving Bethany from 1991 through 2002. And I am proud of the present Christian leadership displayed by Dr. Shawn Wasson, who has led Bethany since October 2003.

Bethany Mission began in 1952 meeting in the home of Harry and Mildred McClard. It later moved to the space over Abel's Grocery where it became Bethany Baptist Chapel. In 1954 the first services were held at the Koch Street location, and Bethany was constituted as a church August 1961. Since December of 1996 the church has been located on Randol Avenue and Lynwood Drive.

Bethany Baptist Church has served God and the Cape Girardeau area for 50 years, providing insight and leadership to the Cape Girardeau Baptist Association, the Missouri Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention, all while believing that God gave us two hands, one created to receive and the other created to give.

On Aug. 14 at 9:30 a.m., Bethany will mark its 50-year anniversary, and a fellowship lunch will follow. We invite you to join us for this celebration.

DOUG AUSTIN, member,

Bethany Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau