Alex Floyd, correspondent.

History was celebrated and continued to be made at the Pembroke Christian Church as the congregation celebrated its 125th birthday Sunday, Sept 20. A large crowd, including many 4th and 5th generation descendants of the founding congregation, were in attendance for the church service and lunch. The church choir led by narrator Eli Foxworth performed a musical program with hymns from the early 20th century to today.

Kelly Morrison and I gave brief remarks on the church’s history and impact on this community since Rev Victor P. Bowers arrived on a train in 1901 and decided that the rough and tumble railroad town needed a church. Morrison and I agreed that the defining moment for the congregation came on December 10, 1944 when the church burned during Sunday service. No one was injured and even the piano and the day’s offering was saved but the church was a total loss. Sisters Rachel Stewart and Rose Mock remember the fire. They said they weren’t in attendance that Sunday but their father Julian Buckner, a Fort Stewart fireman, “saw the smoke from their home and ran across town to put the fire out.” Morrison has curated a collection of old programs, articles and bulletins from the church’s history and had them displayed after the service. “I loved seeing everyone looking through the church memorabilia during the luncheon, recognizing themselves in old photos, and asking questions about our church’s history.”

Other churches in the community stepped up offering the use of their buildings and contributions while a new building was built. When the congregation entered the new building on December 9, 1945 they were $1,075 in debt and new pews and furniture was $1,100. Frank Miller, then editor of the Pembroke Journal, stood up and offered a $200 check if four people would match it. Quickly $1,000 was raised for the debt. Then the offering plates were passed and $1,200 was raised for the pews. Remember that this was 1945, less than a decade from the lowest depths of the Great Depression. That building built from the love and hard work of so many still stands today. The Pembroke Christian Church has never forgotten the fellowship of the other North Bryan churches and their people.

The Pembroke Christian Church’s mission continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in Pembroke and the community. It is a longstanding member of the Camp Kicklighter Foundation which over 75 years has sent thousands of young people to summer camp. The church was a leader in the Bryan County ‘Relay for Life’ for many years. Its Vacation Bible School, Fall Revival and Homecoming services are always well-attended.

In 1901, Pembroke was a rough and dusty place that desperately needed a church. But while the world has changed over the past 125 years, the need for Christian love and fellowship remains stronger than ever.

Alex Floyd is part of the Bryan County Commissioners, representing District 1.