First Baptist Church of Marion, which was founded in 1866, is celebrating 150 years of service this weekend. 

Long-time church member Betty Ann Engell said festivities begin Saturday with a meal in the Family Life Center at 4 p.m.

“Today is a chance for present and past members to get together, catch up on old times, and just have a good time visiting,” Engell said. “There will be a lot of old pictures to look at and a chance to make new ones.”

The celebration will continue Sunday at 10 a.m. with former pastor Walter Blackman as guest speaker. April Sharp, the church’s former music director will be in charge of the music and will be joined by other musicians. A potluck meal will be served immediately following the service.

Pastor Kyle Naylor said he is excited about the church’s future. 

“This is my first pastorate and it has been neat to watch all this come together, it has truly been a church-wide effort,” Naylor said. “It has given me a chance to look back at the history of the church, what God has done, and how it’s impacted people’s lives. 

“For the future, as a pastor I see a huge mission field here,  where we can continue to see lives being changed, where people come to a relationship with Christ, and also growing in their relationship with Christ.”

Even though people have come and gone through the years, Engell said the church has stood steadfast.

“This has been my home church and my family for 66 years, and I have seen the impact the church has had on this community through the years,” Engell said. “To say a church has worked for the Lord for 150 years says a lot.”