By Shasta Kalin
By Shasta Kalin
BIG SANDY, Texas--Bernard W. Schnippert, church treasurer, gave the Big Sandy congregation a plaque of appreciation and commendation Dec. 12 and described the legacy that the brethren have contributed to and created during the past 45 years.
The congregation, which met on the former campus of Ambassador University, could use buildings, lakes, woods, a golf course and many other amenities.
However, because of the impending sale of the campus, the Big Sandy church began meeting at the Abundant Life Temple in Gladewater, Texas, Jan. 2. They will continue meeting there until more long-term arrangements can be made for a meeting place.
"The sale of this facility affects the local WCG congregation most," Dr. Schnippert said. "It's your home."
To better acquaint Big Sandy members with the potential buyer of the property, Dr. Schnippert spent a portion of the service describing some of the steps that the church and buyer must take to facilitate a sale of the property. He conducted a question and answer period in which members could satisfy their curiosity about certain aspects of the sale.
After speaking on some of the details of the sale, Dr. Schnippert described some legacies for which other Christian communities have been known.
The Bereans in Acts 17:11 were described as being "more noble," the Corinthian congregation was known as being divided, and Revelation 2 lists the characteristics of different churches.
Clearly, Dr. Schnippert said, the Big Sandy congregation has built a legacy during the past 45 years and will continue that legacy in the years to come.
Accomplishments of the Big Sandy congregation include being the fifth U.S. WCG congregation, one of the first Festival sites, home of the first Summer Educational Program for teens, an involvement with Imperial elementary and high schools, a provider of spiritual nourishment to Ambassador students and a strong representation of the church in East Texas.
According to Dr. Schnippert, one of the most memorable traits of the members is their warm spiritual core that contributes to the overwhelming spirit of the campus.
"What you have done will be remembered," Dr. Schnippert told the members, "because you've been a part of the foundation on which all of this was built and a consistent presence of the church in this part of the country. Over the years, the church has brought a great deal of things to this small town, but you have brought the spirit."
Finally, Dr. Schnippert presented Dean Blackwell and Don Mears, the first and current pastors of the Big Sandy congregation, a hand-printed plaque signed by Pastor General Joseph Tkach and given with thanks on behalf of the WCG.
WHEREAS, the Big Sandy congregation of the Worldwide Church of God was established in June, 1953, as the fifth congregation of the church in the United States, and
WHEREAS, during its first 45 years the Big Sandy congregation has held a pivotal place in the Worldwide Church of God, and has a long and distinguished record of service, including, but not limited to: hosting the church's yearly Festivals, nurturing students at Ambassador University, providing moral and spiritual leadership for the church's various educational endeavors, and representing the church as its fundamental spiritual presence in the community at large, and
WHEREAS, the Big Sandy congregation will shortly move its temporal home from the university campus where it has met since the congregation's inception, but will continue from a new venue its mandate of preaching the gospel and spiritually nourishing the members of the church,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT KNOWN TO ALL, that the Worldwide Church of God hereby recognizes the Big Sandy congregation for its spiritual service over the years, thanks the members of said congregation for their service, support, prayers and love, and charges said members and congregation to continue to preach the gospel and serve the household of God from whatever place and in whatever manner the Lord in his wisdom shall provide.
"For I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
Romans 1:8
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999