Penknap Providence Church 200th Anniversary

This Saturday will mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Penknap Providence Church in 1810. The occasion could easily be an excuse for nostalgia, looking back to the good old days when Church going was part of everyday life for most people rather than the minority interest it is now. Recalling the past history of this Church could even be profoundly discouraging when past blessings are compared with the leaner times we face today. At the 50th anniversary of the Church it was recorded that almost 600 members had been added to the fellowship since the work first began. I haven’t worked out the numbers for the last 50 years, but the figure would be nowhere near that staggering total.

Over the last 200 years there have been huge changes in the religious and social life of our country. But the living God has not changed and the Church remains committed to the faith of Penknap’s founding fathers. May the record of God’s blessing upon this Church in former days stir us up to seek our God for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Times may change and the voices of the mighty preachers of old lie silent, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8). We look to him as we face the challenge of bringing the gospel of sovereign grace to the people of our day.

(* From my introduction to the 200th Anniversary booklet)

Anniversary Service

4pm Saturday 4th September

Preacher: Geoff Thomas (Aberystwyth)

See church website for details.