Ridge Association celebrates 50th anniversary after hurricanes

HAINES CITY (FBW)—Ridge Baptist Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary Oct. 21 at Eastside Baptist Church, Haines City. The 62 congregations, although still reeling from the destruction caused in the area by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, gathered to praise God for His provision during their association’s 50 years.

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Because First Baptist Church, Waverly, hosted the first meeting of the association 50 years ago, the church was chosen to host the anniversary celebration. Eastside Baptist Church, whose pastor, Alan Moore, is moderator of the association, served as host instead. Even with $17,000-18,000 in damages to Eastside buildings, it fared better than First, Waverly, whose facility is a total loss. Frances’ winds tore off the roof, then water and mold finished off the structure.

Dozens of churches in the Ridge Association were damaged in the one-two-three punch of Florida’s 2004 hurricanes.

“We celebrated in spite of the damage we had in the last months,” Moore said. “We looked at how God provided through our 50-year history, and we know we can trust Him for our future.”

Glen Owens, assistant executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention, encouraged those who attended the celebration. The association, led by interim director Fred H. Boehmer, also honored several who were in attendance at the first meeting in 1954.