Dothan Baptist Church Celebrates 50th Homecoming

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By Betsy Finklea
Dothan Baptist Church celebrated their 50th Homecoming on Sunday, November 1st.
The homecoming service opened with a welcome and a prayer.  The hymn, “To God Be The Glory,” was sung.
This was followed by the announcements.  The Hallelujah night and hayride provided a safe and fun Hallowe’en for those who attended.  The church is planning a “Prayer Walk,” where they will visit a community and visit homes spreading the word.  Also on the fifth Sunday of the month, the men of the church will prepare the meal for the ladies.
Prayer requests were asked for, and Pastor Johnny Corbett led prayer.  The hymn, “Are You Washed In The Blood,” was sung.  The offering was then taken.
The choir then performed three selections – Victory In Jesus, There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood, and How Great Thou Art.  The greeting of neighbors then took place.
This was followed by a solo by Jimmie Faye Townsend called “Precious Memories.”
After the solo, there was a duet of “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).”
At the request of Rev. Corbett, a church member gave some information about the church history.  It started in the old Dothan School.  It was about a year when they started building.  Some of the past preachers included J.B. Harn’s, Rev. Brown, Jay Lewellen, Preacher Britt, Billy Wayne Odom, Preacher Starnes, and Pastor Johnny Corbett.  Pastor Corbett said the church had passed a lot of hurdles that others wondered if they would jump.  He said it speaks to the congregation and character here at the church.
Rev. Ron Taylor was then introduced.  Rev. Taylor said it was an honor to speak at their 50th year homecoming.  He said his topic, “Homecoming and Grace.”
Rev. Taylor said he had been in Cuba the past week, and there were 231 salvations – more than in past weeks they had been down there.  Rev. Taylor said the gospel was spreading like wildfire in Cuba and the communist government cannot stop it.  He said they are meeting in houses because they are not allowed to build buildings.
Rev. Taylor then spoke from the 15th chapter of Luke – the story of the prodigal son.  He said it was one of the greatest homecoming messages in the Bible.
The hymn of invitation, “Lord I’m Coming Home,” was sung after his remarks.
The service was concluded, and everyone who attended was given a small gift.  Then they went to the fellowship hall for a delicious lunch.  After lunch, they had a gospel singing, where they were joined by Christ Community Church.