Samantha Nelson – Farmington, New Mexico … The Piñon Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, celebrated its 125th anniversary, November 22.
It all started when Steve Nelson, pastor for the Farmington District, and his wife Samantha were reorganizing the pastor’s office after their recent transfer from Wyoming. As they put up new pictures, Samantha noticed that one painting was of the old church and was dated November 1900. Realizing that this year was the 125th anniversary, the idea of a celebration was brought to the board and approved.
It took a team of volunteers, including Jennifer Halphen, Brenna Kincaid, Wanda O’Nan, Ana Foley, and many others, to pull off the celebration—gathering historical information to be shared with the congregation, planning special music, a fellowship meal, decorating the sanctuary and fellowship hall, etc.—but all their hard work paid off! Everyone was blessed by the celebration of God’s faithfulness in keeping the church operating for so many years.
Shirley Stewart has held her membership at the church for 75 years, the longest of anyone. “It’s such a good church. It’s always been a good church because we won’t allow it to be anything else,” she says.
Cora and Tony Goldtooth were also present, and Cora shared that she started attending the church school here in 1957.
Church youth Ryker Watson shared special music while his grandmother and church member, DeAnn Weber, as well as members Bruce and Karen Bowen, shared some of the church history. The choir gave a moving performance, and the pastor shared an encouraging message about “Going Home.”
Afterward everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and an opportunity to take a photo in front of the decorations.
—Samantha Nelson writes from the Piñon Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church where her husband is lead pastor. Photos supplied.
