BRUNSWICK — East Brunswick Baptist Church is turning 60 and its members invite the community to celebrate.

The church, located at 74 Farley Road, will celebrate the milestone on Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15.

“Homecoming weekend” will begin on Saturday night with a musical concert and gospel sing at 6 p.m., followed by coffee and desserts. Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. will be an open house and Bible study.

Members hope people will join them for a time of sharing and “remembering when!” The 11 a.m. service will be led by the Rev. Keith Garwick, who recently retired as pastor of the church.

Anyone with pictures from the last 60 years is encouraged to bring them along. Following the service there will be an old fashioned barbecue and church picnic on the grounds.

Remembering its roots

The congregation that would become the East Brunswick Baptist Church began meeting in a small church on the Old Bath Road 60 years ago. After three years the congregation had outgrown the building and wanted to build its own facility.

Construction on the current building began in 1953 on Farley Road. Some of the congregation at that time included Clifford and Emma Dolloff, Bill Brown, Bill Joy and Marion and Ernest Washburn.

The lumber for the construction of East Brunswick Baptist Church was donated by the Hardings of West Bath. The trees were cut and then hauled to Washburn Lumber where they were sawed into the wood that was used to build the church.

The first pastor of East Brunswick Baptist was Bob Ader, followed by Pastor Bill Bradley. Pastor Donald Woodman would serve for four years before Pastor Earl Colson was called. Colson was pastor for 26 years and retired in 1999. At that time, the church chose a new pastor, Keith Garwick, who served until he retired earlier this year.

At present, the church is looking for a new pastor.

The church building was built by the members of the congregation and the land on which it was built was bought with money donated by members.

The steeple that adorns the church was put on by Clifford Dolloff and Paul Murray. The name East Brunswick Baptist Church was chosen as the name for the new building and the doors have been open ever since.

The love that was shown for the Lord and the dedication of all involved in the building and formation of the East Brunswick Baptist Church have been an inspiration to the congregation as its continues to serve the Lord.