175th Anniversary
“Church Mission Intact after 175 Years” was the headline in the Westfield Evening News after Central Baptist Church celebrated their anniversary in grand style. It was fitting to place emphasis upon mission as the purpose and identity of the church, because they were one of the first churches to support the Judson’s mission to Burma, even before they were formally organized into Central Baptist Church. Today mission to Myanmar, local and global outreach is still the church’s first priority, as Jesus Christ commanded.
Central Baptist Church held a day-long, high profile event calling attention to God’s faithfulness to His people for 175 years, on May 25, 2008. The event began with carriage rides and picture-taking on the main thorough- fare in Westfield. Many people came in period dress and enjoyed the attention of city dignitaries and passers-by.
The Reverend Linda
Shaw, Pastor officiated at A Service of Dedication, during which, many speakers and
certificates presented congratulations. Following the service, lunch and entertainment was
topped off by awards for a beard-growing contest. Musical talent and teacher, Mrs. Merian
Rogers then presented a splendid classical music concert, which was visited by Edgar Allan
Poe reading “The Raven.” 
At 3:00pm the church was still at maximum capacity as a live
band accompanied old fashioned singing and
dancing. Finally, the cake was brought out and
everyone sang “Happy Birthday.”
The Grand Finale and the highest moment for this church family celebration was when approximately 30 doves were released into the clear blue sunny sky. The congregation was invited to remember Jesus’ Baptism, when God’s voice came to him in the form of a dove and said, “This is my Beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased.” In those moments, everyone felt that God found pleasure in His sons and daughters at Central Baptist Church. As the doves soared and circled above, a spontaneous inspiration caused the church bells to ring out over the land in gratitude and Benediction.
Click to see more pictures of the anniversary!