May 13, 2006 was a very special Sabbath, celebrating the establishment of the Spencer Seventh-day Adventist Church. Officially organized on May 1, 1976 by 15 members meeting in a converted house at 327 E. Franklin St., the Spencer Church has grown to 108 members, a recently expanded sanctuary in our current location, and a church school.

(I encourage members to read the history of Adventism in Owen County compiled by Katye Marlette in 1979, located in the front of the church scrapbook).

After Sabbath School a special worship service was observed. Sacred music was provided by the Children’s Bell Choir and “ The Quartet” - Pastor David Fish, Greg Huffman, Lynn Miller, Jeff Miller, and Steve Pickett. Students from our church school read selections on Adventist history. Pastor Fish’s sermon “ Thirty Years of Blessings,” highlighted how God has so abundantly bestowed His Grace upon the Spencer Church, and took its thoughts from Isaiah 41: 8-10, “But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand.” This was one of Pastor and Debbie Fish’s last Sabbaths with the Spencer congregation before their move to Minnesota. It was fitting and good to celebrate the day with them.

A pitch-in dinner followed the worship service, with many members, former members and friends and family in attendance. Former Spencer Pastor Miled Modad, currently the Pastor at Glendale, and his wife Patricia were among the visitors. Joining us from Bloomington were Doc and Marzell Busé, Dorothy Sowder, Dave and Edna Roberts, and Richard and Carol Kinser. Bob and Margie Huffman from Chrisney, (Tell City Church), were also in attendance. The Scroll, or charter signed by the original members, was on display in the social hall, along with photo albums and scrapbooks. A slide show of photos from our beginnings to the present was shown in the Sanctuary.

Later that afternoon an inspirational music program was held in the Sanctuary. Dean Whitlow, Cindi Culp and Greg Huffman each performed two vocal solos. The Pickett family, Steve, his wife Donna Jo, and their son Daniel and his wife Julie sang beautifully. A quartet consisting of Ron Slough on sax, Lylyn Slough, piano, Pastor Fish, clarinet and Steve Pickett on bass played two instrumental numbers. Oliver Nelson was spectacular on flute. The program ended with the harmonic sounds of “The Quartet”- Pastor Fish, Steve Pickett, Greg Huffman, Lynn Miller and Jeff Miller.

On Mar. 2 1899 Ellen white wrote: I saw workmen building humble houses of worship. Those newly come to the faith were helping with willing hands, and those who had means were assisting with their means. In the basement of the church, above ground, a schoolroom was prepared for the children. Teachers were selected to go to this place. The numbers in the school were not large, but it was a happy beginning. I heard the songs of children and of parents: ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.’ Praise ye the Lord; praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live will I praise the Lord. I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” While Mrs. White was not speaking specifically of the Spencer Church, her words have meaning to all who have prayed, believed, hoped and worked to establish a place for God’s people to worship. Take a moment to remember and give thanks for the sacrifices and efforts of those who came before. May we faithfully carry on proclaiming God’s love and His message of hope to a dying world. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor 5: 20