The Gladstone Church in Kansas City, Missouri recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Special guest speakers were Ron Clark, a former missionary to Rwanda who grew up attending the Gladstone Church; and Mike Ryan, a general vice president of the General Conference with ties to the Kansas City area and the Gladstone Church. Ron shared mission stories during Friday evening vespers and Sabbath school, and Mike spoke for the worship service. Charter member Mary Lou Basham, Ron’s mother and present member of the Salem Church, provided special music.
As in Bible times, everyone broke bread together and enjoyed a time of fellowship before going their separate ways.
The Gladstone Church’s story began when members from several congregations in the Kansas City area recognized a need for a church in the Northland area and came together to make it happen.
Two charter members still attend the Gladstone Church today: Joy Doerffel and Retha McCarty. Joy has served as church pianist since the beginning and Retha, who hosted the first meetings in her home before a location was identified, served as treasurer for 37 years and continues to serve as assistant treasurer and author and editor for the Gladstone Greeter monthly newsletter.
What began with 39 members has grown to over 100 and counting. We are grateful to the Lord for His many blessings and thankful to those who joined us for this memorable celebration.
