This year presents some key anniversary celebrations. On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of our country. We will experience numerous opportunities locally and around the country to celebrate our declaration of independence from England/Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The official term for a 250th anniversary is "semi quincentennial." Many of us clearly remember the wonderful celebration in 1976 for the 200th anniversary (bicentennial) of the country's independence.
Another anniversary of interest to many in our church and community is the 120th anniversary of founding of Campbellsville University (as Russell Creek Academy, then Campbellsville Junior College and later Campbellsville College, and Campbellsville University in 1996). First established by the Russell Creek Baptist Association (which then included Taylor County), the official beginning of the institution began in the fall of 1906. It was only 20 years ago when I chaired a year long celebration of CU's Centennial celebration (100 years). During the month of September of this year, CU will have a series of events celebrating the 120th anniversary of the university. The term for a 120th anniversary celebration is "bidecacentennial" - although I don't think this term is used very often - reference is usually simply "the 120th annivesary..."
And here at Saloma Baptist Church, we will be observing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the church. Terms that are used for a 75th anniversary of the founding of an organization include diamond jubilee, 75th anniversary, semisequicentennial (technical term for 75 years), three quarters of a century, etc. The term diamond jubilee is generally the one most widely utilized. In the past, we have held special observances of the church's 50th anniversary in 2001 and 60th in 2011.
We are in the midst of discussing preliminary plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Saloma Baptist Church. A small group of dedicated Baptist Christians gathered in 1951 to establish Saloma Baptist Church. SBC has a rich history over the 75 years. I have asked the women's Sunday School Class, which includes the active members of the SBC WMU, to enter into a period of creative thought as to "ways and means" of celebrating and observing our 75th anniversary. They will be sharing some of their suggestions over the next few weeks.
A high point of this will be our 2026 Homecoming celebration which is scheduled on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The August 23 Homecoming will include a gospel concert during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service followed by a noon potluck meal. We will not be able to "squeeze" all of our celebration into a single day. One option under consideration is to have a few minutes in each Sunday morning worship service during August to highlight some of the history of Saloma Baptist Church. There may be other observances as well. Please share any suggestions you may have.
It is important that we take time to honor the history and legacy of the past 75 years. And while doing so, it is even more important that we learn from the commitment of "those who have gone before" as we contend with the opportunities and challenges of the present and prepare for those of the future. I am most thankful for the legacy of Saloma Baptist Church and look forward to the future with hope and anticipation.
In closing, 2026 is a year of remembering our heritage and legacy and prepare for the future. May this be a very special time for all involved.