Our 35th Anniversary

Reprinted from First Presbyterian Church of Sun City 1963-1998, Thirty-Five Years of Spiritual Life:

A banquet on October 17 [1998] was the culmination of the year-long celebration of the 35th Anniversary Year of First Church.  Dr. David Steele of Sun City, a retired Presbyterian minister, was the guest speaker.  He also delivered the sermon at both services the following Sunday.

At the October 21 congregational meeting, members of the Church Extension Committee gave a comprehensive explanation of the proposed building plan, also explaining the recommended plan of financing through bonds.

On December 16 a congregational meeting was held following the Fellowship Dinner for the purpose of voting on the proposed building extension plan and the recommended plan of financing through a bond issue.  Bonds would be made available to First Church members only on January 1, 1999, in a minimum of $1,000.00.  A great majority voted in favor!

The bonding issue was again very successful and the required $300,000.00 was subscribed by year's end.  The architect estimates that the new building plans will be ready for tender by Easter 1999.

To end the Anniversary Year on a beautiful note, on Sunday December 20 the congregation sang a beautiful Christmas hymn written by our own Dr. Rick Myers.

GIVE GOD PRAISE

(To the tune of "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates")

(Words by Rick Myers)

Born in a stable, Christ the Lord;

The angels sang their heavenly chords.

The wisemen came to Bethlehem,

To offer praises to the Great I Am!

Joy filled their hearts that glorious day;

For in a manger their Savior lay.

Led by the Star which [shone] so bright,

They saw the child, God's Holy Light!

So, when your world seems dark and drear;

Remember stable-times when Christ appeared.

Lift up your hearts and glad song raise,

Rejoice dear friends and give God praise!

Thus the story of the first 35 years draws to an end on an optimistic note.  The decision to build again has ended the 20-year "drought," and enthusiasm marks the growing membership.  When Presbyterians stay together they can accomplish much as this ongoing story amply illustrates, as always...To God be the Glory...

As always, the future belongs to Him.