Wed, Oct 15 2008
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Published August 01, 2008 11:55 am - When First Baptist Church of Diamond marks its 100th anniversary on Aug. 10, members can take pride in how far their church has come and feel confident that they have lived up to their motto: “Serving God, Loving People.” Rich Brown: Church marks 100 years of accomplishments When First Baptist Church of Diamond marks its 100th anniversary on Aug. 10, members can take pride in how far their church has come and feel confident that they have lived up to their motto: “Serving God, Loving People.” The FBC Anniversary Committee recently completed a history book outlining the progress of the church from its roots to the present. And although it is always interesting to read of a church’s progression through a century of existence, I must admit that in this case the last four years of achievement under the Rev. Ron Crow is nothing short of remarkable ... even compared to such a rich past. In November, 2004, Ron and family (wife, Lisa, and two daughters) decided to make the move to the Diamond church from North Main Street Baptist in Joplin and about a month later the church implemented a program that would become just one of many annual events in the next four years. A new Christmas Eve service was introduced. The 11 p.m. service, with a performance by the Silver Bells, special music and a devotional, has now become a regular on the church calendar. Following an exciting vacation Bible school in July, 2005, complete with a classic car show before registration and a motorcycle show at the close, the church gained immediate areawide attention by establishing a new concept in reaching out to people. On Aug. 20, First Baptist introduced, as well as sponsored, the horse whisperer at the Doc Haskins farm near Diamond. This stirring program, perhaps more than ever, followed the church theme of service and love to a T. The action centered around a horse whisperer who, while trying to tame a horse, shared Scriptures and the Gospel. In addition, the church provided food, drinks and entertainment before the horse whisperer took center stage. From that initial attendance of approximately 1,200 people, this annual event has grown to even bigger crowds today. Then came Oct. 31 and a Halloween alternative for area children. The church began sponsoring an annual Trunk or Treat on its parking lot in which car trunks were decorated, with many adults dressing up for the event. In case you haven’t noticed by now, the pastor and congregation of First Baptist Church of Diamond are a progressive group of people who use their talents to willfully serve God and their hearts to overwhelmingly love people. And they do it through actions that go beyond their church walls. Next up ... in the spring of 2006, the church decided to make and dedicate its east parsonage as a Missionary House. It is a place reserved for missionaries from around the world through 2012. There’s more. Next came another unique way of reaching out to people. Members voted to sponsor the Risen Ranch Cowboy Church, which is in Carthage. Last year a Young at Heart group, led by Carolyn Lawson, was established. The group, meeting each Monday, plans activities and takes care of the Benevolence Food Pantry. Youth and adult missions have become commonplace. 
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