“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 HCSB

Fayette Baptist Church of rural Greenfield holds closing celebration -

Macoupin County / Enquirer-Democrat - October 8, 2009 Edition

    The Fayette Baptist Church of rural Greenfield held their closing celebration September 27.  The church began its ministry in 1861 and many brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ have had the privilege an oppotrunity to care for one another, pray for one another, and have gone forth through the doors.

    Over 100 people attended the afternoon’s events, which included music provided by Matt and Kay Raffety and Kay Raffety, a reflection time when people shared their memories of Fayette, group singing, refreshments, and digging up the time capsule buried at the 120th celebration.  Siome of the reflections were about the warmth and friendliness of the people, the late Pastor Pete Olroyd and Joyce Olroyd, the church being a great place to raise a family, the fellowships, and Fayette -a praying church.

    Teh Rev. John Dawson shared his ministry about Fayette over the past 10 months and led the singing of “The Family of God,” followed by a ballon release and the church bell ringing for the last time.

    An unexpected event also took place.  Darrell and Mary Raffety were the first couple to be married at the church building 43 years ago.  Dawson and Brother Ray Robinson officiated at the impromptu marriage renewal ceremony of the couple.

    “Who know but God has brought us together for such at time as this.” Esther 4:14

Memories that were shared in the book at the Celebration;

“Friendly, takes me as I am, great church to raise the kids.” - Kenny H

“Warm and friendly place to be, God accepts us as we are and loves us all.” - Marcia B

“The people were warm and friendly, and welcomed us to their church.”  Jerel and Linda S

“I remember and cherish the unity and love of Fayette.” - Jackie H

“Always warm, friendly, and loving.  Your service and witness will be remembered.” - Jim H

“Pete and Joyce Olroyd were friends of ours. They welcomed us here to worship with Fayette many times. Have enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping together since then.  This was a loving and caring people.” - Don and Ida L

“I gave my life to the ministry in 1968, in 1969 I held my first “Revival” here while Bro. Jay was the pastor.  I was in my 1st year at Hannibal-LaGrange College and that was a great experience for me.”  - David F

May God’s blessing continue on and on.  Thanks for the years of ministry.” -  Matt, Kay, and Kay R

“God worked miracles in this place and we pray He still will.” - Sherry W

“25 years of service in the Lord here.  Never will forget this place of worship.”  - Claude A

“I was baptized and grew in my Christian faith at Fayette.  I was also mattied in the church in 1988 by a wonderful pastor and man, Pete Olroyd.  His wife was and still is a blessing to me and many others.  I made  a lot of good friends through my 20+ years there.  I enjoyed helping with VBS, teaching Sunday School, and preparing for many “love banquets”.”  - Debbie H

“What can I say!  Fayette has been like a mission field.  Sunday School teacher for 20+ years, VBS teacher, leader of Bible Drillers, fellowship committee, on and on.  Brought up four kids here, 6 of the 8 grandchildren. What awesome memories.  Loved the Women’s Ministry.  Fayette was such a praying church.  We would call and know without a doubt our brothers and sisters in Christ would immediately lift our request or praises up to the Lord.  Very caring and loving church.  I already miss it, but can see out Lord working in areas we cannot imagine.  To God be the glory.” - Rosie H

“Revivals, hayrides.  Most favorite memory - when Pauline R arrived it was time to go to Sunday School.  Feeling of love when she left.  Sang - “Love in any language”.” - Serena

“1988 married here. Praise for flat tires - go to God for everything, not many choir members lip sync, miracles happen, wings to carry you through.” - Sherry W

“Joined in 1988,husband rededicated his life here, passed away in December 2000, knew he went to heaven, many great friends. Now we are closing, need to go on.  I’m sad, but feel the Lord in my life.”  Pauline H

“Bible Drillers, youth spent here, 24 hour famine, playing games, eating popsicles.  Claude at Valentine Banquet.  Thank you. Always remember it.”  - Jessica

“Grew up here too.  Accepted Christ 1980.Pastor Pete and Dad.  One and only fist fight with Monica.  She was a Sunday School teacher.  Singing VBS songs.  Singing with Joyce. Picture of river over baptismal when baptized by Pete.  Met Matt M, helped her find a Christ-like husband.” - Toby W

“Started in 1982 Fall Round-Up.  Spent 25 years here.  Mostly good memories.  Here till midnight telling good stories. Taught Sunday School. Don’t replace good friends, just make new ones.”  - Claude A

“Lord wanted us to go to where we were to serve.  Kevin was 4 days old when I brought him to church the 1st time.  Doroty B- What do you do in your spare time, running after Kevin.  Increased the church numbers.” - Shelly

“1st time revival. Pew loose, he held on tight to it.  Following Sunday was baptized by brother Pete.  Church grew like crazy.  13 weeks of church program learned and grew.  Mom and Dad joined this church.  Brother Pete second dad.  Cried when Pete left.  Needed to grow p and become a man.  Led a youth group, had a bowling league. It was fantastic.” - Gary W

“We owe everything that happened to the Lord.  Only 7 people on husband's 1st week.  Church pianist.  Only had one vehicle.  She was touched, gave up her position at Emmanuel.  Wonderful years and revivals.  Challenged us to have 141, we had 143. Took a picture outside the church. youth Choir.  Children’s Choir, 1st one, two boys, one girl. Wednesday night practices. Planted turnips, gave some to them taking the 3 kids home.  Started throwing the turnips.  Funny experience.  Christine L. Brining Bulah W with them.  Never forget this church”  - Joyce Olroyd wife of the late Pete Olroyd, pastor October 1977 - July 1993. 

“Greeter, many battles. Women’s Ministry helped her through.  Sherry got me started in VBS. Brandon memories - he has went to be with the Lord.  Late for church wiener roast.  Songleader took over after Claude and Shelly left. Love to sing for the Lord.  Best friend Donna M helped her grow.  Will miss everyone.” - Laura

“I was saved at Fayette Baptist Church.  My family moved to a different church.  When I was a teenager I met up with Kevin A and started to coming back to this church when we were engaged.  I enjoyed the Women’s Study.  Also Gary W’s Couple’s Sunday School Class.” - Angela A

“Life gives you many battles and I’ve fought and won many at this church by the power of my Lord and the power of prayer from the people of my Church.  Some were saying “what do we have to celebrate”, we explained that we’re not celebrating closing - We’re celebrating the lives we’ve touched, the seeds sown for the future.  But as I thought about it, I decided I’ve been teh one blessed and touched with the ladies of the Women’s Ministry, kids from VBS, my girls in Sunday School Class.  They taught me a lot - especially “love”, and most dear to my heart is my best friend Donna.  She helped me grow in the Lord.  I love all of you and wish you the best.” - Lora S