To Our Church Family and Friends,

        Our culture has become accustomed to living life in the fast lane. We have fast food, fast medicine, computerized shopping, and the world news in minutes. In some places in our country there is even fast church. Fast church involves pulling up in one's car and participating in a twenty minute worship service on Sunday morning. Names, personalities, relationships, and often quality have widely been sacrificed upon the altar of speed.

        While the rest of the world continues to race forward at break neck speed, Hepburn Baptist Church stands as a place of spiritual refuge and strong faith. Beginning in 1840 as a mission station along the circuit of the German Baptist brethren who traveled on horseback from Reading, PA, services were held in the school at "Dangle's Corner" about a mile east of the present church. In 1841 a great revival brought people from a distance of ten miles to be baptized when ice had to be cut from the stream to allow for total immersion. Many of Hepburn's  worshipers were descendants of the Dunkards who had established a colony to the east, Blooming Grove. From the Hepburn Mission the German Baptist Church organized in 1872. The physical structure of the church has changed a number of times over the years but one thing has remained the same. Since its foundation, Hepburn has always been interested in people and their relationship with Lord.

        As Pastor, I have been impressed by the love and caring that the people of the church have for one another. Also, there is an exciting willingness to be involved in the Kingdom's work. people have time for one another. There remains a desire to laugh and celebrate in one another's joys as well as console one another during times of hardship and sorrow. The Spirit of God can be felt among the congregation during worship, Sunday School, and fellowship.

        Our church family continues to strive to provide a Christ centered alternative to the world around us. We call others in our community to come and join us in this great pilgrimage. Through getting to know people as individuals, helping those in need, teaching the Word of God, and encouraging one another in faith, our church family rejoices in the eternal life that comes from Jesus.

        All are welcome to join the Family of God here at Hepburn and learn the joy that comes from following Jesus.

In Christ's service,

Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith