Ralph Pokorny/Herald-Tribune-- The First Baptist Church of Nevada, as it looks today.

Nevada, Mo. -- The First Baptist Church is getting ready for its 150th anniversary beginning June 27.

A century and a half in the making, the church is kicking off its celebration Friday with a tailgate party at 5:30 p.m. when they will serve hamburgers and hotdogs to those in attendance. Residents are asked to provide their own seating if they wish to dine outdoors, otherwise indoor seating will be available. Following the outdoor fun will be the musical entertainment of Ascention, which is slated to hit the stage at 7 p.m.

Entertainment continues into Saturday with a free-registration softball tournament beginning at 1 p.m. Teams can register or request further information by calling Jason Blight at (417) 667-6036.

Concessions will be available throughout the day. Concession sales assist in the funding of youth summer church camp.

The Tulsa Praise Orchestra will finish out the day's events with an evening concert at the church at 7 p.m.

Admission to the performance will be free.

Sunday will conclude festivities with special worship services beginning at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Following the 10:30 service will be a catered lunch for those who reserve seats. The celebration will wrap up with the First Baptist Church's Choir performing Greg Gilpin's arrangement of "How Firm a Foundation," the church's theme song for its 100th anniversary.

On June 19, 1858, the Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ of Nevada City was organized with 14 members under the leadership of Reverend James B. Box. Today, after several moves and name changes, the approximately 1,500 members are led by Dr. William Cox, the 31st pastor, with the assistance of Steve Russ, education pastor; Hubert Fox, senior pastor; Jason Blight, youth pastor; and Jeanette Hawkins, children's pastor.

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Beyond the fun and games, these few days of celebration represent something truly impressive -- the determination, perseverance and endurance of a group devoted to the continuation of their beliefs.

The church has moved several times over the years. The first move was occasioned by one of Nevada's defining moments, the burning of the town by Union troops during the Civil War. Other moves were the result of the growth of the congregation outstripping the space available. The church moved into its current $3.2 million building Feb. 9, 1997, and is already beginning a campaign to raise $2 million for an expansion of the youth and children's area.

"The money for the building was all raised from our church family to pay it off," Cox said. "We're in the process of adding more youth and children's space."

The church is also adding services to accommodate more people. Currently they have two services; a contemporary service at 9:15 featuring guitar music as well as keyboards, drums and other, more current music; and a traditional service at 10:30 with piano and organ music and traditional hymns.

"It's the same sermon. It's just the music is different," Cox said. "We are considering adding a third service, another contemporary one, because of it's popularity."

The youth program at the church is an active part of the church. Youth Worship is held on Wednesday nights and a Bible study is held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday evenings, youth members are currently participating in Journey, a program which allows youth to congregate in small groups at homes throughout the community and talk about subjects that they encounter in life. Other activities include concerts, Young Christian's Weekend, service projects, and numerous other events that keep youth busy.

The children's ministry is another integral part of the church. Kid's K.O.R.E. provides the opportunity to children to learn about God every Wednesday night. Vacation Bible School is held every year with kids enjoying games, snack, crafts, and music. Kamp Keirsey provides numerous opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy fellowship time and fun with other children.

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading runs from November through January and involves area children.