The American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society(ABFMS) functionaries David Perkins and Dr. Paul Ashton Vick kicked off the 150th year celebrations of the Jewett Memorial Baptist Church here on Thursday.
Ongole MLA D. Janardhana Rao and MLC Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy were among those who joined the delegates from, among other countries, the U.S., Canada and South Africa in taking part in the celebrations.
Dr. Paul recalled the trials and tribulations faced by the missionaries including Dr. Lyman Jewett, John Everett Clough, James A Baker and Alagala Veeraswamy, first Telugu pastor, in promoting the JMB which had a humble beginning in 1866 with just three followers.
Taking a cue from these missionaries, the ABFMS would carry out social service activities to win the love of the people, said BIM missionary David.
Representatives of Samavesam of Telugu Baptist churches, Baptist Convention of Telugu Churches, The Church of South India and the Ongole Denomination of Churches also attended the fete. Artistes showcased the traditional folk arts of Dappu and Kolatam.
The JMB has become part and parcel of Ongole by promoting among other institutions, Andhra Baptist Mission high school and College, Mrs. Harriet Clough Memorial (HCM) girls high school and American hospital.
