Last week, Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God celebrated the opening of its new fellowship hall.

At the same time, the church also marked 55 years a congregation. The church can trace its history back to the 1950s, when members used to hold meetings in local homes. In 1962, the members purchased the old Christian Baptist Church in Pigeon Hollow and began operating as Pigeon Hollow Apostolic Church of God a year later.

In 1989, land in Hanging Rock was purchased and the church began holding services under its current name, in a building located 1/8 mile north of Hanging Rock on State Route 650.

The church has persevered and made it through some times when its congregation dropped down to no more than 30 people.

Deacon Chris Sturgill says, however, there have always been enough people who are faithful to help the church to make through those times.

Sturgill said the church facilities came about as a community effort, the result of many a spaghetti dinner and other fundraisers.

Besides being a house of worship, churches can be a pillar of a community, allowing neighbors to meet, hosting community events and organizing charitable efforts.

We congratulate the congregation on their success and longevity and wish them many more decades to come as a church.