Historic Church of God Congregation Celebrates 50 Years
Fifty years ago a church was founded on the campus of the Church of God Home for Children. That church, what is today the Parkway Church of God in Sevierville, Tennessee, held its JUBILEE 2012 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 26, 2012.
The theme for the 10:30 a.m. worship service was “To God Be the Glory,” and as the opening hymn resounded with “To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done” the congregation entered into worship. A capacity crowd filled the building as many former congregants traveled from a great distances to be part of the celebration. A number of public dignitaries also joined the Parkway congregation for the special commemoration.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters greeted the congregation and commended them for a history of taking a public stand for Christ. State Senator Doug Overbey was also in attendance and encouraged the congregation to continue uniting with other Christians for the sake of their community. Senator Overbey also presented the congregation with a proclamation from the Tennessee State Senate giving congratulations for their 50th anniversary.
Pastor Philip Morris made a presentation to the widow of Parkway’s first pastor in honor of their service as Parkway’s first pastoral couple. JoAnn Squires of Cleveland, Tennessee is the widow of Robert Humbertson, who founded the Parkway congregation on August 7, 1962 at the Church of God Smoky Mountain Children’s Home with 107 members. He also led the church in constructing their first facility, which was formerly located on the Children’s Home campus.
Greetings were also shared with the congregation from Rev. E. K. Waldrop, Parkway’s second pastor, who traveled with his family from Knoxville, Tennessee, to be part of the celebration. Another former pastoral couple was also recognized: Dr. Coleman and Bonnie Peacock pastored the Parkway congregation for two separate tenures at different times. Dr. Peacock serves as director of the Iris B. Vest Widows Ministry Center located next to the Children’s Home. The Peacocks are still active members of the Parkway congregation.
Paul and Tannis Duncan also traveled from Cleveland to be part of the celebration. Duncan is a former Director of the Children’s Home. The Duncans were active members of the Parkway congregation during their tenure. The newly-appointed director of the Children’s Home, Rev. Dan Boling, was also introduced with his wife, Ina. Rev. Bob and Wanda Maggard also represented the Children’s Home during the celebration. The Maggards are regular Parkway attenders.
The Parkway Children’s Ministry performed an inspiring song and dance to “Every Move I Make” as the offertory and the Parkway Sanctuary Choir shared “You Are Amazing” with Jerri Williams as soloist. Congregational singing included “My Tribute” and “Overcome.” A beautiful move of the Holy Spirit was sensed by the congregation during its time of worship.
Special guest speaker for the morning service was Bishop David Griffis, who was recently elected First Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God. When Parkway faced the need for an unexpected relocation in 2008, Bishop Griffis was then the Tennessee Church of God State Overseer who intervened and helped the Parkway congregation purchase the former Evergreen Church property which is Parkway’s current location. Bishop Griffis is also the brother of Parkway’s treasurer, John Griffis.
The message from Bishop Griffis was titled “Why The Church Is Here” and was taken from the Book of Acts, chapter 3. Parkway was reminded of the importance of togetherness, prayer, and meeting the needs of others. Bishop Griffis led the congregation in a covenant of prayer to commit themselves to these biblical principles as Parkway moves into the future. Rev. Dan Boling prayed the benediction.
Following the morning service, historic memory-books filled with pictures, documents, and other information which had been compiled for the 50th anniversary were distributed. A historical display by Beverly Wilson was viewed in the church lobby which traced Parkway’s history from 1962 to the present.
The Jubilee Celebration continued at 6 p.m. with a Celebration Meal. The theme for the evening was “Music and Memories” and the Master of Ceremonies was gospel singer J. P. Miller, who is also Parkway’s youth pastor. State Representative Richard Montgomery and his wife, Ann, were also in attendance and Representative Montgomery gave his congratulations to the congregation.
Special instrumental music was provided by Dale Workman. Memories were shared by Paul and Tannis Duncan, Sheila Barton, Edna Shults, and Annie Loyd Elliott. Pastor Morris, his wife Denise, and son John closed the evening with the songs “Redeemed” and “Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb.” Dr. Coleman Peacock prayed the benediction. A wonderful time of fellowship concluded the day’s celebration.
