The Free Will Baptist Church will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their pastor, Frank Giles, on Sunday, September 20.
Frank and Rhonda Giles moved to Newcastle in September, 1976, to begin work that Rhonda’s Dad, Jack Richey, had begun in 1974. The church acquired land on the corner of State Highway 76 and 24th Street and built a small metal building that would be The Free Will Baptist Church of Newcastle.
Frank began teaching, serving and shepherding with a small body of believers who had great dreams for the church to grow … and it did. The little yellow building added a childcare facility in 1980 with 10 children. That daycare is still in operation and the church now has a full gymnasium and state-of-theart playground. They have 120 children and 26 staff attending daily.
The church grew, as well, and began construction of a new sanctuary in 1985 which was expanded to seat 350. An additional multi-function room and youth space was added 10 years ago.
Area residents invited to attend celebration
The Giles’ children were born and raised in Newcastle and all live here now. Ryan was born in 1977, Erica (Phillips) in 1980, and Mason in 1984.
A church spokesperson said this is a rare celebration for a pastor. Serving a congregation for 50 years is not a usual happening and although there is much joy being with the same congregation, there is also sadness losing precious members. They said the work is not for the faint-hearted.
The church extends an invitation to the public to attend services on September 20, saying they would love to have visitors. If not, they ask that you are in prayer for their happy day and for the family who has served their church family so well.
