nearby neighborhoods and to shut-ins, and the weekly Bible studies and Sunday School classes for all ages. We have been blessed by the visits of missionaries (Galletas, Cochrans, Van Dalens, Wittes) and have heard of God’s work across the globe. We’ve seen saints gone on to glory, and we’ve welcomed new members of all ages, including the privilege of baptizing covenant children and adult converts. The Lord’s Supper continues to be served using a 100-year-old Communion set, and devoted bakers regularly prepare the bread us- ing a Scottish shortbread recipe. God has been faithful as this congregation was starting a large building project as the Covid-19 pandemic was becoming an obstacle to our meeting in person for worship and events. He walked us through an inconvenient and trying time yet the planning and con- struction of our new Christian Education building continued, and it opened in January 2023, just in time to kick-off the 175th anniversary. The historic sanctuary also underwent a beautiful restoration. During the height of Covid, the congregation merged its two service times into one and began holding worship services in White Oak Hall in order to provide adequate space to stay healthy and still meet. While many congregations suffered with the  the Gospel in person and through its YouTube channel. God’s faithfulness has been shown in years past as well when White Oak Hall (gym and large industrial kitchen) opened in 2006 and with every other facilities upgrades, paying off new construction and remaining debt-free. God has provided scholarly and godly pastors all along the way, both Senior and Associate Pastors. Our current Associate, Rev. Ronny Hull, received his ordination and installation in January 2023, another important start to this anniversary year. Finally October 22nd arrived, and it was like a homecoming day! Families returned to


their roots, and Rev. Tom Shoger preached at both the 8:30 and 11:00 services. The choir loft was more full than usual as former members returned to be part of the celebrations. We sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” as a congregation plus other favorites from the Psalter and Bible Songs. Rev. Shoger used Philippians 3:12-16 as the text for his “Pressing On!” sermon, using Paul’s running analogy and encouraging everyone to consider the goal of going forward. The question was asked, “Are my best years ahead of me or behind?” We were challenged to keep moving forward, to learn from the past, yes, but to move forward after this 175th milestone. The afternoon of celebrating continued with a well-attended lunch in White Oak Hall, a multi-generational media presentation where members were interviewed, a poem written and read by Rev. Winston Skinner about an ancestor, J.Y. Car- michael, and a challenge by 175th Committee Chair, Mark Dodds, to continue investing in  the Deacons, the Pastors, the nursery, Sunday School teachers, and the several committees. Rev. Hull read the Commendation from Georgia’s governor, recognizing White Oak’s con- tributions to this community for 175 years. When asked what makes White Oak different, what makes it appealing to those searching for a church in the current cultural climate, it was said, “Something that really stands out about White Oak is the personal connection and the fellowship.” Like others have agreed for generations, it is home!


Rev. John Lind Hemphill and the 1897 sanctuary of White Oak ARP, Senoia, GA. January/February 2024


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