by Emily Buss

The Apostolic Faith Church in Chehalis, Washington, celebrated its 100th anniversary the weekend of September 19-21. The greatly anticipated weekend began with an evangelistic service on Friday evening. Following an inspiring piano and organ duet, Reverend Randy Macomber invited all current and former choir members to participate in a medley of songs, including “Jesus Loves Me,” “The Love of God,” and “Think About His Love.”  Following the announcements, the DeBusk family sang “Little Is Much When God Is in It.”

Before the sermon, a men’s quartet sang a beautiful arrangement of “He Touched Me.” Reverend Rob Wakefield, a former Chehalis pastor and the current pastor in Grants Pass, Oregon, took his text from John 10:27-30, which talks about the sheep knowing the voice of their shepherd. Reverend Wakefield offered an equation for obtaining results and blessings in one’s Christian walk—knowing the voice of the Lord plus following the voice of the Lord will bring results.

The Saturday activities included a “Walk Down Memory Lane.” Each former pastor, as well as the current pastor, had the opportunity to reminisce about their time in Chehalis. Reverend Bob Hanlin (1952-1956) talked regarding the extensive project of tearing down the old church building, and replacing it with the current one. Reverend Earl Phillips (1976-1980) spoke about the renovations to the floors, and the installation of the pews. Reverend Dwight Baltzell (1980-1988) referred to driving his family to Chehalis for their first Sunday on May 18, the day that Mount St. Helens erupted. ReverendJoe Bishop (1988-1993) made reference to the musical talent in Chehalis, and putting together the octet group known as “Called Out.” Reverend Rob Wakefield (1993-1996) shared the heartache following the death of Robbie King, the 19-year-old son of Chet and Verna King, who was tragically killed in a skiing accident in 1994, as well as the influence Robbie’s life had on many people. Reverend Al Friesen (1996-1999) reminisced about the friendly raccoon he used to feed at the parsonage, as well as the major project of renovating the stained glass windows at the church. Reverend Tim DeBusk (1999-2005) recalled the tragic accident when Reg Macomber lost his arm, and the inspiration Reg was to the congregation and local community during his time of recovery. The current pastor in Chehalis, Reverend Tom Pricskett, offered his gratitude to the congregation for making his time in Chehalis wonderful thus far.

The Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith work, Reverend Darrel Lee, followed up with some encouraging words. He made reference to the key families that make up the Chehalis church, and to the many faithful souls who have passed on and are perhaps forgotten, but had a key role in carrying on the Gospel. Reverend Lee stated that we are thankful for the heritage that has been passed down to us, and the fact that it has been upheld in Chehalis for the past 100 years. At the conclusion of the “Walk Down Memory Lane,” the  pastors’ wives were each presented with a beautiful flower bouquet in a teacup, while the pastors received an oil-painted portrait, each carefully crafted by Iudita Trotter.

Afterwards, approximately 185 locals and visitors made their way to the beautifully decorated fellowship area for a delicious meal prepared by Valerie Pricskett and her assistants. This was a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy good food and fellowship with friends and family.

On Saturday evening, a musical “Walk Down Memory Lane” was presented. Former Chehalis soloist, Erma Lambert, sang “The Love of God,” and Shirley Mueller sang her rendition of “The Brush,” accompanied by Gloria Igney on the piano. After several other numbers were presented, the second half of the concert was turned over to Reverend Joe Bishop and the original “Called Out” octet. Reverend Bishop concluded the evening with a short message and an invitation for all to come and pray.

Sunday began with combined Sunday school in the church sanctuary. In addition to group singing and special presentations, a “mysterious hobo” played out the object lesson that God is no respecter of persons, by responding to an invitation to pray. The morning worship service started with the orchestra playing two numbers, “Here I Am to Worship” and a medley of “Shout to the Lord/My Jesus I Love You,” followed by the choir singing a powerful arrangement of “Oh, Worship the King!” A men’s trio sang the medley, “First Day in Heaven/Until Then,” and before the sermon, a vocal duet from days gone by, Randy Macomber and Susan Baltzell, sang “There Is Someone.” Reverend Darrel Lee used Acts 5:38-39 for his text, and he encouraged the Chehalis congregation to press on for another 100 years. He stated, “If thisbe of God, 1) Let it thrive in your heart; 2) Be a witness of the Gospel; 3) Demonstrate an appreciation and commitment to the Gospel.”

In the Sunday evening youth service, a combined youth choir started the meeting with an upbeat favorite, “He Is the Rock.” Ryan Trotter got the testimony service off to a good start, followed by several other inspiring accounts from Chehalis and visiting young people. A young ladies’ trio sang a lively song about when Heaven’s roll is called, and the Chehalis youth choir sang the last special before the sermon. Reverend Tim DeBusk, the youngest of the former Chehalis pastors, and the current pastor in Tacoma, Washington, took his sermon text from 2 Corinthians 3:12-17, which states that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Heprovided hope and encouragement to the young people that there is liberty in serving Christ.

Truly God has blessed the work in Chehalis over the past 100 years, and we trust that His blessings will not cease in the years to come!