Church celebrates 122 years in county
For 20 years, the Rev. Robert L. Ramsey has led the congregation of Gospel Water Branch Church in worship.
Upcoming Events at Gospel Water Branch Church
- Appreciation Celebration for ministers of music
Saturday, July 27 at 6 p.m.
- Annual Summer Revival with Dr. R. L. White of Mount Ephriam Baptist Church in Atlanta
Monday, July 29 through Thursday, August 1 at 7 p.m.
Last week he led the week-long celebration of the 122nd anniversary of the church's establishment in Columbia County.
"The the celebration was well-attended and we had a lot of new people join our congregation," the Rev. Ramsey said. "We had several people accept the Lord into their lives for the first time."
The church invited other churches and members of the community to enjoy the singing, preaching and eating. The theme of the week was "Extending our Ministry Beyond the Walls of Comfort."
On Wednesday, the church held prayer and praise and on Thursday evening, held a banquet recognizing senior citizens. Gospel music filled the church with sound on Friday night and picnic was held on Saturday, leading up to the anniversary on Sunday.
"It was well attended, with more people than I expected," the Rev. Ramsey said. "We had nice music and great fellowship and it was a very moving experience."
While people are sitting in front of the television, flipping through the different channels, they may catch a 30-minute program featuring Gospel Water Branch Church.
"It has been a tremendous asset to our church ministry," the Rev. Ramsey said. "The documentary introduces the church to the community (and) and also to seek the unchurched and the unsaved."
The Rev. Ramsey is planning to do more community outreach before the church celebrates its 123rd anniversary on the original church grounds next year.
"It has been a tremendous challenge," he said. "(This church) has great potential in this community and I like challenges. So we came in and God pointed us in the right direction and it has been very rewarding."