MOUNT CARMEL - The New Life Church Of God, Mount Carmel, 129 W. Second St., will celebrate its 129th anniversary Sunday with a special service at 10:30 a.m.
Interim Pastor John David Ashbaugh will officiate the service. Ashley Donn, New Life Church music director, will sing several spiritual songs. The New Life Church Of God Praising Team Trio, consisting of Ashley Donn, music director, Barbara Donn, youth center director, and the Rev. Rodger Young, maintenance supervisor, will perform several praise and worship songs in harmony.
There will be a luncheon following the service in the church basement entertainment hall. Everyone present is invited to attend the service and the luncheon.
The New Life Church of God originated in 1883 at the east side of town on North Chestnut Street, and later relocated to its present location at 129 W. Second St. in 1897. From 1923 to 1925, an exquisitely crafted, large extension was added to the church building to facilitate the church's rapid growth over the years.
During the church building's Second Street construction, and later extension addition, extreme care was given to architectural design and detailed craftsmanship, making their church building one of the most beautiful centers for prayer, worship and music in the area. The church also has a large, fully equipped cooking and dining fellowship hall in the basement, including classrooms/offices, complete separate rest rooms and an elegant raised stage for formal presentations and entertainment.
By far, the most outstanding quality of the New Life Church of God has always been the spirit of its intensely dedicated and hard-working staff. The current staff, though small in number, is massively large in giving. And in times of need they are there for the needy, even when and where others are not.
The church's history is one of ardent and continuous service to the community. During World War II, the church basement was a designated safe air raid shelter, complete with well-planned periodic air raid practice drills. The Girl Scouts and other international, national, and local well-known organizations have been and are currently using the basement and church facility rooms for their meetings and functions.
The church members and staff look forward to meeting and greeting the public who will visit and attend the special anniversary celebration and luncheon Sunday morning.