NEWBERRY — Newberry First Baptist Church celebrated its 185 years at Lake Murray on Aug. 7 with the ringing of its original bell. The bell was placed on the back of a truck and was rung 185 times by members of the church during the afternoon.

Nearly 200 members and guests of the church enjoyed barbecue with cutting of melons and cake. Members also enjoyed boating and swimming, and two new members were baptized in the lake.

Newberry First Baptist Church members Peggie and Billye West ring the bell from the church. The bell was brought to the lake to be chimed 185 times by members of the church to celebrate the church’s anniversary.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Church-Celebration.jpgNewberry First Baptist Church members Peggie and Billye West ring the bell from the church. The bell was brought to the lake to be chimed 185 times by members of the church to celebrate the church’s anniversary. Courtesy photos

New members of First Baptist Church of Newberry were baptized Aug. 7 at Lake Murray. Carolyn and Sarah Gray were baptized by the Rev. Albert Allen and Corey Watson, associate pastor for students.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Chuch-Celebration-2.jpgNew members of First Baptist Church of Newberry were baptized Aug. 7 at Lake Murray. Carolyn and Sarah Gray were baptized by the Rev. Albert Allen and Corey Watson, associate pastor for students. Courtesy photos

Adult members and children of First Baptist Church wait for the baptism of two new members of the church at Lake Murray on Aug. 7.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Chuch-Celebration-3.jpgAdult members and children of First Baptist Church wait for the baptism of two new members of the church at Lake Murray on Aug. 7. Courtesy photos

Chris Dukes, choir director at Newberry First Baptist Church, cuts cake during a celebration held by Newberry First Baptist Church in honor of its 185th anniversary, as Lisa Bishop looks on.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Chuch-Celebration-4.jpgChris Dukes, choir director at Newberry First Baptist Church, cuts cake during a celebration held by Newberry First Baptist Church in honor of its 185th anniversary, as Lisa Bishop looks on. Courtesy photos

Newberry First Baptist Church members enjoyed a meal on Aug. 7 during a celebration of the church’s anniversary.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Chuch-Celebration-5.jpgNewberry First Baptist Church members enjoyed a meal on Aug. 7 during a celebration of the church’s anniversary. Courtesy photos

Staff Report