Independent Bible Baptist Church will celebrate its 38th anniversary as part of Pittsburg’s faith community on Sunday.
Church founder Al Lowe was pastoring in Opolis, then resigned his church there and began a radio broadcast with KOAM Radio, now KKOW. During the broadcast he would ask if anyone would consider having a Bible study started in their home, and received a reply from a single mother, Margaret Hardesty.
Through this beginning, they rented space at Schlanger Park Community Center for church services, and met there for two years, until the church outgrew that location. The congregation then purchased the former Laidler’s Nursing Home on the corner of 22nd Street and Michigan and transformed it into a suitable church facility.
“The church, like many others, went through its times of growth and times of decline, but the faithful core of believers kept the doors open and the ministry going,” said Pastor Jim Fryer.
Previous pastors of the church, listed in their order of service, were Al Lowe, founder, Wayne Richardson, Jim Lidburg, Paul Page, Rick Fincher and Bill Hill.
Fryer is concluding his fifth year of service to the church. Since his arrival the church as seen a consistent growth in all phases of the ministry.
“We have added a growing bus and van ministry, teen ministry, single adult ministry, two children’s church services and a nursery, as well as adult ministry,” the pastor said.
The public is invited to help the church remember the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the service. Special activities will begin at 10 a.m. and continue at 11 a.m.
The Majerus family from Conway, Mo., will perform during both services and present a full concert at 1:30 p.m. The family, which blends southern gospel and blue grass gospel, has performed in Branson, Mo., and throughout south central Missouri.
A nursery will be provided, and a free will offering will be accepted. Anyone needing additional information may contact the church at 232-2022.
PITTSBURG —
