Bath Baptist Church celebrates history
Some people go their whole lives without knowing their purpose. Rev. Paula Ryan is not one of them.
“I remember being fifteen and God calling me into ministry,” said Ryan.
This was complicated, however, as Ryans’s original denomination didn’t accept women ministers.
So, for a time, Ryan’s plans were put off until she graduated high school, where her two main options were nursing or going to Bible college.
After much deliberation, she followed her dream and enrolled in Bible college.
She taught Sunday school and pulpit supply for some time, but she still felt God pulling her towards leading her own flock.
This was until earlier this year when she offered to do pulpit supply for the Bath Baptist Church.
After a short interview, she was offered not the supply placement she initially wanted but a full-time position as pastor of the Church.
She prayed and thought about the offer for a few nights before eventually deciding to accept the offer.
After accepting the position, a vote was held among the Church’s congregation, where she was voted in unanimously.
What makes Ryan’s story even more miraculous and inspirational is that at a young age, she was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, a potentially fatal condition.
“It’s all because of [God] that I’m here,” said Ryan when speaking about her condition.
“To me [it’s] jumping off a cliff and knowing God will catch you,” said Ryan when asked what faith meant to her.
Ryans’s first official service at the church coincided with its 151st anniversary, which was commemorated with two celebratory services held on Saturday and Sunday.
Eight of the church’s past pastors attended the celebration, each saying a few words about the church and their relationship with God.
Nearly every other local church in the area had representatives present at the anniversary.
MP Richard Bragdon and MLA Margret Johnson also attended the service.
Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey sent a certificate extending congratulations to the church for its 151 years of service.
The anniversary event included a lunch of ham, baked beans and other items after the service.
