One hundred years after rising from the ashes of the original Dime Tabernacle, the Battle Creek Tabernacle welcomed church leaders from around the world, former pastors and members to celebrate its birthday.
General Conference President Erton Köhler was among the guests attending the nine-day celebration, which began Friday evening, Oct. 2, with singing and stories of the history of the Tabernacle.
Speaking during the Sabbath morning worship service Oct. 3, Köhler thanked the church for “taking care of this building and for strengthening the vision and the identity of the church and for keeping our mission always alive.”
In his sermon on Joshua 4, titled “What Do These Stones Mean?” Köhler emphasized the importance of celebrating our history and training the next generation to remember that God’s leading in the past is evidence of how He will lead us in the future.
Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke also welcomed attendees that Sabbath morning and expressed his appreciation for the church and the influence it has had on the local community.
The current Tabernacle was built on the same lot where the Dime Tabernacle stood before it burned to the ground on Jan. 7, 1922. After the devastation of the fire, the new church was built and dedicated on Oct. 9, 1926.
A very special guest at the celebration was Robert Aldrich, who now lives in Tennessee. He was a baby in Battle Creek in 1926 when the Tabernacle was dedicated. In fact, his father rescued the clapper from the bell that burned in the Dime Tabernacle fire. Over the years, it had been used for various purposes, including weightlifting!
The week continued with music by the Andrews University Singers, Charles and Julie Reed, Buddy Houghtaling, organists Dr. Kenneth Logan and former Tabernacle organist Debbie Candy, and closed with a concert by the King’s Heralds Quartet.
“Every musical selection was a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness,” Senior Pastor Chris Holland said afterwards.
Guest speakers Pavel Goia of Adventist World Radio and Dr. Norman McNulty, neurologist and author, spoke at the evening meetings. McNulty’s concluding message on the second Sabbath was on the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins and included practical steps to be prepared to meet Jesus when He comes again. He closed with an appeal to commit ourselves to be faithful until the coming of Jesus.
In addition to the outstanding music and inspirational speakers, a highlight of the celebration was getting together with former members and pastors. Special meals were prepared by volunteers each Sabbath, giving current and former members the opportunity to visit with each other.
Martha Keough, wife of former pastor Alger Keough, said, “What a great celebration! A little foretaste of heaven where we can be with the people we love and care about forever!”
Many others expressed the same sentiment.
For Holland, the celebration was also an opportunity to look ahead.
“The biggest blessing of the week for me was the reflection that this was not just a celebration about the past, but a strong emphasis on our present and future. God is doing something and will continue to do something special in Battle Creek. We are called to trust Him, obey Him, and follow the Lamb where He leads.”
Charlotte Erickson is communications director for the Battle Creek Tabernacle.
Photos by Brenda Baker