A church family in south Butler County is celebrating a very special occasion this year. Brushey Creek is one of four Southern Baptist churches in the Butler Baptist Association reaching the milestone of 150 years of Christian fellowship and service in 2006.

South of Greenville, north of Georgiana and east of Chapman is where you will find the close-knit Brushey Creek Community.

Within the heart of that community is Brushey Creek Baptist Church.

&uot;Our current sanctuary is the fourth building used by the church,&uot; Melissa Brogden of BCBC says.

One-and-a-half centuries ago, a rustic log cabin served as the first meeting place for the congregation.

&uot;The second building had two stories; the first story was for school and church services, and the second floor was used by the Quitman Masonic Lodge,&uot; Brogden says.

Sadly, this wood frame building burned down in 1900.

&uot;A third building was constructed that seated between 300 and 350 people. It was heated by a big wood-burning stove. Construction began on the present building in 1950, with the new sanctuary dedicated on the fourth Sunday in July, 1953,&uot; Brodgen says.

Today, an average of 85 attend the red brick church each Sunday morning.

And it’s those people who are the heart and soul of Brushey Creek, Brogden says.

&uot;All those buildings are just landmarks, buildings we use as a place of worship. The real Church is the baptized body of believers that come together to carry out the Great Commission.&uot;

Brushey Creek Baptist Church’s history is one worth celebrating, Brogden says.

&uot;Our history is very important to us. Some of the events are humorous, some serious – but all very interesting!&uot;

On July 23, 2006, Brushey Creek members past and present and their friends and relatives, are all invited to join together to celebrate the church’s rich history.

&uot;We will celebrate what God has done, what God is doing, and seek what God will do in the future at Brushey Creek Baptist Church,&uot; Brogden says.

A special worship service is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on July 23, ending with lunch at noon. The church will be in revival with a 6 p.m. service Sunday. Revival services will continue Monday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. Jim Griffin from the Associational Missions will speak on Sunday morning. Sun. night through Wed. night, the following speakers are slated: Berney Enzor, Allen Winn, Dave Burns and Boulware.

&uot;We invite everyone to come and join us on July 23 as we celebrate our 150th anniversary – 150 years of God’s love,&uot; Brogden said.