Mapleton’s United Baptist Church recently marked 150 years since its organization in 1873. Members and friends gathered at the church Sept. 23 to remember and celebrate the church’s long history of worship and service in Mapleton.
The Church’s celebration consisted of two events at the church. The first event was the burial of a time capsule on the grounds of the church. Over the past two months, members of the church has been gathering historic information and photographs depicting the start and ongoing activities of the church. Also a computer storage drive was placed in the capsule that contained copies of the video files of worship services led by 30-year pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Phelps, and current pastor, the Rev. James Ackerson, and the digital photo files of the photos placed in the capsule.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Assistant Pastor Michal Ireland with the help of Darrell Cullins and Gordie Boulier prepared the burial site by installing flag poles, the time capsule burial chamber and the placement of the plaque acknowledging the presence of time capsule. Following a short time of historical reflection, everyone present observed the sealing and burial of the capsule by Ireland.
The Time Capsule plaque reads: “Time Capsule Buried Here, September 23, 2023, Unearth in 2073, The Bicentennial of Mapleton Baptist Church, Hebrews 12:1-2”. Instructions will be left in the church as to how to find the capsule in 50 years.
Next a celebration dinner was held. An anniversary program was led by Ackerson. Several local residents and pastors from other community churches spoke at the dinner. Betty Ireland, church member, read an original poem titled, “Our Mapleton Home.” She grew up in Mapleton and attended the Mapleton church. She wrote the poem in 1994 as way to remember the town and church.
Following the reading, a letter from the Mapleton Town Manager Sandra Fournier was read that congratulated the church on reaching this milestone. Then letters from the Haystack Historical Society and the Mapleton Lions Club were read by Terry Sandusky.
Following these readings, several speakers delivered messages of appreciation and congratulations to the church members present. Among these speakers were: Pastor John DeFelice of the Mapleton United Methodist Church, Pastor Josh Tate of the State Road Advent Christian Church and Pastor Nathan Gardiner of the West Chapman Advent Christian Church.
Mapleton Baptist Church is a member church of the North Aroostook Association, American Baptist Churches of Maine. Other pastors are Michael Sullivan, United Baptist Church of Caribou, Carlos da Cruz, Pine Tree Baptist Church of Easton, and Shelli Good, Westfield United Baptist Church.
Rev. Dr. Alfred Fletcher, executive minister of American Churches of Maine sent both a letter and video presentation congratulating the church.
After these messages of congratulations, certificates were presented to young members and children of members that would remind them of the time capsule and its expected opening in 50 years. Ackerson presented a historical overview and charge of the church.
Following a closing hymn, Ireland spoke about his memories of growing up in the church. He has attended the church more than 60 years, having only missed attending during his years in the military. He spoke of his experiences and related his hopes for the church’s future.
The evening closed in prayer and a reading of Hebrews 12:1-2, which speaks to the running with endurance the course set before the church by Jesus, the founder and perfecter of the church’s faith.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
