Illinois—The hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," repeated three times throughout the weekend, and was tied into the theme, "Celebrating God's faithfulness," for the centennial celebration at Hinsdale Adventist Church Friday and Sabbath, Oct. 26 and 27.

Highlight of the Friday evening event, titled "Our 100 Years," was Dr. David Paulson Live, a one-man show, performed by Richard Garey. In David Paulson's words, the audience learned that this Adventist medical pioneer laid the foundation for Adventism in Hinsdale by starting the Hinsdale Sanitarium (now Adventist Hinsdale Hospital). The employees, all Adventists, met as a small group for three years before organizing the church in 1907. The group also started a Christian school that evolved into today's Hinsdale Adventist Academy.

The audience learned about David's business partner—God. David and his wife Mary (both physicians) came to Hinsdale with no money. None. Their first need was for $100 to clear the property from overgrown weeds and grass. Together David and Mary walked into the midst of the overgrowth, knelt and prayed. Two days later, someone walked into David's brother's office in Chicago and asked, "Does the doctor need some money out in Hinsdale?"

His brother responded, "My brother always needs money."

The man plunked down exactly $100. When they built a wing of the hospital, they ran out of money before the roof was installed. David called his employees together for a prayer session. Within a week, they were offered a $1,500 loan. This happened over and over and over again.

A few years later, David said, "If we take courage, we can know that God is working out a pattern that will last for eternity. ... To all outward appearances, we may not seem very promising, but if we are willing to be placed.... You see, we are in Hinsdale; God placed us here. He placed this church here."

Friday evening special music came from Ladies of the Sanctuary Choir, One Faith and the 180 Worship Band. Josie Plass led the congregational singing and responsive readings.

Sabbath morning began with "Reflections of God's Guidance" as Richard Habenicht, associate pastor 1978–1985, led a session that reflected on Hinsdale Sabbath schools of 100 years ago. Cherry Habenicht read a 1907 secretary's report that revealed an attendance of 40 and a mission offering of $1.05, an average of 2¢ per person. Compared to the same Sabbath this year, attendance was 251 with 157 in the adult division, and a mission offering of $157 or $1 per adult member. But that's not the entire story. Richard revealed that the Hinsdale Church has spawned six congregations: Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook, Fil-Am, a Korean group and the All Nations Church. Add the membership of these six churches to the mother church, and the total membership comes to 1,419.

A panel of past pastors, led by Larry Milliken, reviewed the week's Bible study. Mel Palmer was Sabbath school superintendent. Vocalist Jackie Denis provided special music.

Richard Fearing, senior pastor 1957–1963, presented the message from God's Word, entitled "A Small Black Cloud," the manner of Christ's Second Coming. Fearing emphasized, "When that small, black cloud appears, history as we know it will be culminated. ... And that small, black cloud grows and fills the sky. It's beyond picturing. We cannot fully grasp the sight, the reunion of the ages—lasting forever. ... The hopes, the beliefs, the dreams of millions, since the time of Adam, will be realized."

One Faith led the praise singing. Ladies of the Sanctuary Choir and violinist Roxanna Goldstein provided special music.

Dignitaries at the worship service included Judy Biggert, congresswoman; Kenneth A. Denslow, president, Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Todd Werner, CEO, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital; David Crane, CEO, Adventist Midwest Health; and Patricia Williams, principal, Hinsdale Adventist Academy.

Debbie Engelkemier, with husband Kevin at the organ and piano, led a spiritually uplifting evening vespers titled "Anticipating His Glorious Return."

In reflecting, current senior pastor Ron Schultz had each of the pastors carry a large stone to the platform to build a "pile of stones," as Joshua did when he had one man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel bring one stone from the middle of the Jordan River to build "a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Schultz used this pile of stones to represent the different congregations that flowed through the present building and the buildings next door, through the years. He said, "I want to think with you about this weekend, this 100 years, as our pile of stones, our monument to the faithfulness of God."

He continued, "I am grateful to God that those stones were on the other side of the Jordan River, on the Promised Land side. ... And as we conclude this wonderful centennial celebration, I want to make sure we're on the Promised Land side ... not a monument anchored in history, but a people of hope, a people who have our eyes on the horizon because we know Jesus Christ is coming again."

The special music and hymn-sing focused on Christ's Second Coming. In addition to the Engelkemiers, musical performances came from Victor Moreno at the piano, Alexej Muran on classical guitar, and the Hinsdale Men's Chorus. Messages from past pastors and past members were interspersed throughout the program. The evening ended with an organ postlude of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," the weekend theme song.

Each family in attendance at the 100-year celebration received a special centennial publication, Celebrating God's Faithfulness, 100 Years, Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Hinsdale Church is unique. In the early years, the church and hospital were totally intertwined. Employees were the church members, and most members were employees. For more than 40 years, members actually met in hospital facilities before building the first church structure on hospital property in 1947. When membership outgrew that facility, the church purchased property across the street to build the present church at 201 North Oak Street. The congregation has been meeting in this building since 1970.

Dorothy Deer, communications ministry director, Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church