Many people call Highland home, and the stories of how and why are as varied and unique as the people who make up this family of faith. Each month, the Faithful Giving Ministry Group plans to highlight one of these stories from among us. If you’d be willing to share your story, please reach out to Kelly Garrett or Renee Purtlebaugh.
Chet Watson
My church background was one of condemnation i.e. hell, fire, and brimstone. Having experienced a divorce with a young child to raise, I felt anguish, pain, and had lots of unanswered questions. All of the promises that I had heard to just pray and God will take care of it all didn’t happen.
I visited Highland some 42 years ago and heard the most glorious music from the choir and pipe organ that I had ever experienced. Immediately I found acceptance and love, with no judgement about being divorced and a single father. That love and acceptance led me to find a God who was not boxed in by my small God experience but a God whose love radiated beyond measure. Now I understood that Jesus was about love, hope, and that God’s love was endless.
It was fortuitous that through an HBC Bible class, taught by her sister Pat, that I met Phyllis, who was to become my wife. She had experienced a similar church background and was divorced as well. The acceptance, friendship, and love shown to us by this congregation led us to a renewal and belief in a different Jesus and God that we had never heard of before. We were married here some 36 years ago and our children attended and grew their faith here as well.
Some 15 years ago a family member said to me that Highland was a church for intellectuals. I don't know if that is true or not. What I do know is that we are a community of faith that is authentic. We are a Thinking, Feeling, Healing church that follows the teachings of Jesus by showing love and acceptance that radiates from God. The acceptance, fellowship, and warmth shown by this church has been a catalyst for investment of our lives. That life investment has included births, deaths, and marriage as well as sickness and untold comfort and joys. It is through these experiences we have willingly tithed and monetarily supported all the renovation projects Highland has done. Highland Baptist Church is home and we so love this community of faith that we want future generations to have such a sacred space to carry on what we have found here.
~Chet Watson