Eagle Church Marks 100 Years

On July 25 and 26 the Eagle Church celebrated their 100th anniversary. The following pastors were present: Don and Janece Kindig from Pasco, Wash., who pastored during the 1970s; Keith and Linda Hanson, also from Pasco, who pastored during the 1990s; Dennis and Geri Parks, from Eagle, Idaho, who pastored in the 1960s and again in the 2000s; and Tim and Karen Roosenberg, current pastoral family. Besides these former pastors, there were former and current teachers in attendance.

On Sabbath morning, Phil Bandy, Eagle City mayor, presented a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol to Tim Roosenberg, Steve McPherson, Idaho Conference president, and Don Hutchison, head elder. His comments included: "Congratulations to you on your first 100 years and best wishes for the next 100 as you and your church continue to: promote health and education, provide humanitarian aid, protect the environment, and advocate for religious freedom, both in our community and throughout the world."

A letter was also read from George W. Bush, president, congratulating the church on its many years of service to the community.

One highlight of the service was when Gene States was baptized. States is an 86-year-old former attendee of Eagle Adventist Christian School who wanted to come back to his home church to be baptized. Many members from throughout the Northwest attended. Newton and Esther States, State's younger brother and his wife, along with their boys, sang during evening vespers.

Lincoln Steed, Liberty magazine editor from Hagerstown, Md., was the main speaker.

Another highlight of the weekend was the Eagle Christian School Choir, which began in the 1960s directed by Alvin Kurtz. Fran Venable continued with the choir for many years, then Arlene Garner lead out. Currently, Jaunita Pitcher leads the school choir. Pitcher directed the choir, which was made up of current and past school students, as well as others. Jodi Giem assisted on the piano.

Other former and current members provided special music and stories from the past.

Featured in: December 2008

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