By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
There will be 50 candles on the cake at West Hartselle Baptist Church this Sunday, as members ready to celebrate a milestone.
Over the last 50 years, West Hartselle Baptist Church has grown from 29 charter members to a membership of 904.
To celebrate the church's growth and longevity, a 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held Sunday, Nov. 9.
Worship begins at 10 a.m. with special music by former minister of music Jeff Stith, the WHBC choir along with the Highest Praise ensemble, and special accompaniment by Kathy Stark Griffin, Deanna Anderson, Nora Smith and WHBC members.
Former minister of education Louise Hanks will be the special guest speaker.
Immediately following worship, everyone is invited for lunch in the multi-purpose facility.
Lunch will be provided by the church. Afterwards, there will be a "Gaither" type homecoming singing. All former members and anyone who likes to sing are encouraged to join in for this time of fellowship.
There will be no services that evening. All current, former and prospective members are invited to attend. The event will also serve as the annual Thanksgiving meal for the church.
Since the formation of the church in 1953 under the leadership of Bro. Harold Wright, to this year's New Building Dedication service Sept. 7 under the leadership of Bro. Jack Redfearn, Jr., West Hartselle Baptist Church has seen God work mightily through many usable servants.
The church has had 1,251 baptisms and seen more than $3.5 million in improvements, additions, and amenities over the last half-century.