The Gladstone Church in Kansas City, Missouri, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Special guest speakers were Ron Clark, a former missionary to Rwanda who grew up attending the Gladstone Church; and Mike Ryan, a former general vice president of the General Conference with ties to the Kansas City area and the Gladstone Church. Clark shared mission stories during Friday evening vespers and Sabbath school, and Ryan spoke for the worship service. Charter member Mary Lou Basham, Clark’s mother and present member of the Salem Church, provided special music.
The Gladstone Church’s story began when members from several congregations in the Kansas City area recognized a need for a church in the northland area and came together to make it happen.
Two charter members still attend the Gladstone Church today: Joy Doerffel and Retha McCarty. Doerffel has served as church pianist since the beginning and McCarty, who hosted the first meetings in her home before a location was identified, served as treasurer for 37 years and continues to serve as assistant treasurer and author and editor for the Gladstone Greeter monthly newsletter.
What began with 39 members has grown to over 100 and counting. The Gladstone Church is grateful to the Lord for His many blessings and is thankful to those who joined them for this memorable celebration.
Maria Griffith is Sabbath school superintendent and assistant clerk for the Gladstone Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
