On Dec. 10, 2011, the Bakersfield, California, congregation marked 50 years since the first Sabbath service in October 1961. Among the attendees were Dudley and Louise Trone from the Sacramento congregation. Louise was baptized in the Kern River in Bakersfield in 1958, three years before the local congregation held its first meeting. Her husband, Dudley, was baptized in January 1962. Also present were son, Dirk, and local member Dan Bates, who both attended the first service as young boys.

Elder Frank Fish mentioned in the sermonette the numerous Bakersfield brethren who have died in the faith over these many years. Hebrews 12:1-2 was read: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” Encouragement was also found in remembering those who will one day be reunited with us in God’s Kingdom.

Pastor Robin Webber spoke on the theme of the Jubilee (specific 50-year event) and how, as we consider the past on this occasion, we move forward to a renewed future granted by God. He shared personal lessons learned from his 49 years of experience in the Church that could hopefully profit all. He spoke of God’s grace, God’s perfect timing, the importance of reading the Bible, the reality of the spiritual Body of Christ and the respect we all need to hold for God’s Spirit in every person of faith.

Prior to the delicious buffet dinner, a surprise phone call from Allen and Helen (Bates) Hambleton was amplified over the speaker system so all could interact. The Hambletons lived in Bakersfield for many years and are currently in Gold Coast, Australia. After dinner, long-time pastor Camilo Reyes read greetings from those who could not attend.

The evening was concluded with a nostalgic slide show spanning the past half century.