Shiretown Baptist Church to celebrate 20th anniversary with special speakers, events

By Sarah Berthiaume
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
    HOULTON, Maine – A collection of folding chairs and a cluster of families looking for a place to worship – that’s how Shiretown Baptist Church got its start 20 years ago this summer.    On July 4, 1993, just over 30 people gathered at the Drews Lake home of Mark and Judy Nightingale for the church’s inaugural service.
“Mark joked when we built our house and moved a piano up in the loft that this would make a great place to hold a church service,” recalls Judy Nightingale, with a smile. “And it was. We had Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night services here for about a year.”
By 1994, though, the church had officially established its home on Randall Court, renovating a former youth center there.
“We did put a lot of time into renovating it,” said Paul MacIlroy, one of the church’s initial members, recalling how members poured big amounts of spare time into tearing down walls and renovating the space to make room for an auditorium, nursery, Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall.
Pastor James Gardner, who has led the church for over 10 years, said it’s that same supportive membership that’s helped Shiretown Baptist span two decades.
“Our members are so supportive and helpful,” he said. “They have accepted us and carry a huge amount of the responsibility for the church.”
Since that first service, Shiretown Baptist has seen its average Sunday attendance swell to 60 and has purchased additional space on Randall Court – a building that’s currently used for extra classrooms. They also support a bus ministry and just under 20 missionaries.
“So many people gave so much to work on the building to make it what it is today,” explained long-time member Cindy Milton. “We are a small church where people wear many different hats and they wear them so well. … God has truly blessed us this past 20 years.”
But while the church has grown and changed over time, some elements remain steadfast.
“We have a strong emphasis on King James version Bible preaching,” explained Gardner. “Our music is more traditional and we aren’t really the type of church that changes to attract a crowd. We teach the Bible and let God apply it to people’s hearts. We love people and try our best to personally be there for them when they need us.”
Alan Emery, who leads music and teaches a Sunday School class for young married couples, said he enjoys being part of the fellowship.
“I appreciate the chance to be able to teach and share the love of God,” he said.
While its beginnings were humble, Shiretown Baptist Church is doing its best to remain just that – a down-to-earth place of worship that stays focused on loving and serving God.
“We’ll probably never be a mega church,” adds Nightingale. “But we’re a church that’s never left God’s Word. We try to focus on souls and reaching hearts with God’s love.”
In celebration of its 20th year, SBC will hold special services on Sunday, June 30. Special speakers for the day will include its two former pastors, Greg Arnold, who will speak at 10 a.m., and Chris Grimbilas at 11 a.m. A fellowship will follow at the Nightingale home on Drew’s Lake. For more information, contact the church at 532-2288.