Tuesday, June 7, 2022
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
Fellowship: Growing Up At North Side Baptist Church … by Kay Crumley
I grew up at NSBC. I remember, or at least remember being told, that we attended the red brick church building that sat on the corner of First and North Main St. My parents took us to church and I, surprisingly, didn’t always behave as my Mom expected me to. I understand I was occasionally taken out of service to the front steps so she could modify my behavior.
I recall that same church space being converted to the children/youth room. It was our space for a few years before the next renovation came along. When I was child, we had Sunday evening church which included Training Union. We learned church doctrine, practice Bible drill and learned scripture memory. Then in GAs, Girls Auxiliary, we advanced through the various stages by scripture memory and learning about missions then being presented to the church as we advanced though the ranks. The boys were Royal Ambassadors and got to do things I thought might be more fun as they raced cars they had carved from wood.
During HS there was an organization for young ladies, Young Women’s Auxiliary which was part of the Women’s Missionary Union designed for us to learn about missionaries and learn to share the gospel with others. Mom was very active in WMU and was our YWA leader.
There was also Sunday School and choir at each stage. I believe I was a member of the first Youth Ensemble, all girls, who sang at NSBC.
Dad was a Deacon at NSBC and served to the best of his ability to support the church, provide help to those in need, and serve the widows to assist as Heaven’s Handy Men do now.
Yes, I was a church brat. I loved this church and the many friends I made here.
I was married here in 1970 by Bro Joe R Griffin. He was a caring, loving, and dedicated pastor. The foundation of my beliefs was laid at NSBC. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. There were many teachers, pastors, youth, and choir directors who taught me to grow and mature as a Christian.
This Church, body of believers, has always been about preparing the next generation for service to our Savior. When I was at Weatherford College, I really wanted to begin working at NSBC in the office. My parents refused to allow that as they wanted me to complete my degree. I find it amazing that after retirement from a profession in education I was given the opportunity to fulfill my dream to work in the NSBC church office to support our pastoral staff. Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
It is in His timing that His purpose can be accomplished.
Where will NSBC be in the future? As we honor our past, we can have appreciation for all that has been done here. However, we are not to dwell on what was but to keep our eyes focused on God and on the hope that lies in service and dedication to Him to bring glory to Him and grow His Kingdom.
Jeremiah 29: 11-12 ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Relationship with Him can only be cultivated by building an intimate relationship with Him through personal, committed prayer and meditation on His Word. Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
