Sharon Baptist Church, located at 7916 Pedigo Road, is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Sharon was organized on March 25, 1871, with 43 charter members. The members came from Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Third Creek Baptist Church and Adair’s Creek Baptist Church (now Smithwood). The congregation met in the Oakdale School building for the first 10 years before a church building was erected on Pedigo Road.
Sharon Baptist circa 1950
The anniversary celebration is delayed one year because of Covid. For the first three months of this year, the church is hosting ministers who were ordained by Sharon.
The Rev. Chris Francis and the Rev. Noah Case have returned to deliver sermons. Dr. Terry Kirby, former ministerial intern, delivered a greeting via video. Dr. Ray Jones Jr. is scheduled for March 6.
On March 14, Dr. Phil Young, director of missions for the Knox County Association of Baptists, will speak.
March 20 is the focus day of the anniversary celebration with a special worship service. Dr. James Robertson, pastor emeritus, will deliver the anniversary sermon. Former music director, Luke Lindsay, will lead the choir and congregational worship.
Dr. Matthew McCurry, Dora Love and Amy Swabe will be guest instrumentalists. Former associate pastors, the Rev. Perry Austin and the Rev. Dennis Blazier, will lead prayers. The morning celebration will include viewing of historical displays and a lunch. The anniversary celebration will conclude on March 27 with Pastor Mark McCoig preaching.
The campus of Sharon Baptist Church 2022
In addition to the guest ministers, former staff, children and grandchildren of former staff are sharing memories and greetings.
Diana Nixon and her sister, Sally Simmone, daughters of the Rev. Dan Dunkel, shared memories. Dr. David Tullock, son of former music director Robert Tullock, also spoke of his time at Sharon. Mitch Lister, son of former music director Bill Lister, shared his memories. David Rule, grandson of the Rev. Stuart Rule, will speak on March 6.
Former music director Tom Jacobs will lead the choir and congregational singing on March 27.
Several long-time members will be sharing anniversary remembrances. Allen Edmondson, Brenda Cate Edmondson, Rick Thompson and John Crawford have already spoken. Steve Hall will share on March 6. Other guests and speakers are to be scheduled.
The church has prepared a 150th edition of the church history and it will be available for sale.
Information provided by Sharon Baptist Church through associate pastor Nick Cancemi.