Less than two weeks away, and things are moving at a very fast pace. On Saturday, Feb, 28, the Temple Baptist will open its doors to the community. At 2 p.m. the public is invited to an open house. Children, which will be a primary ministry of the church, will be treated to free pony rides. The Open house will continue throughout the day. The Church is located at 708 S. Wiley Ave. in Donalsonville.

At 4 p.m. a number of local talents will be available to sing. The Rocky Ridge Quartet, The Willing Servants, Sounds of Praise, Singing Miracles, also soloists Kasey Gale, Ross Duncan and Patrice Parker, and others will be singing from 4 p.m. till 7 p.m. Barbecue plates and other great food items will be sold, and you are invited to make a day of it.

At 7 p.m. Gospel Music Legend Squire Parsons and the Squire Parsons Trio will be in concert. In addition to being one of America's best loved soloists, Squire is a prolific songwriter. In 1981, his song, "Sweet Beulah Land" was voted "Favorite Song Of The Year" by the SINGING NEWS. Some of the other gospel classics written by Parsons include: "Master of the Sea", "Oh, What A Moment", "The Broken Rose," "He Came To Me," "I Call It Home," "I Sing Because," "Hello Mama," "I'm Not Giving Up," and "I Go To The Rock." Many gospel recording artists have recorded his songs.

Squire Parsons has been nominated by the SINGING NEWS' fans many times for a number of awards. He was named "Favorite Baritone" in 1986 and 1987. In 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 - "Favorite Gospel Songwriter." In 1988, he was named "Favorite Southern Gospel Male Singer."

During the Open House, classrooms will have the materials for the Master Clubs for parents to review. Master Clubs is an exciting program for children 3 years old through sixth grade. The church will continue with club formatted programs called "TNT" for seventh through 12th grades as well. Temple Baptist Church has been issued the first charter for Master Clubs in Southwest Georgia.

Pastor Cowart, who once served as a missionary board member for Awanas for many years and was a work shop leader, is one of the first pastors in Southwest Georgia to use the Awana program. He saw the opportunity to bring Master Clubs into the area. Pastor Cowart states, "I felt Master Clubs would have a greater impact on the lives of children." Pastor Cowart goes on to state, "With the Master Club children are challenged every week to build Christ-like character through various activities. They will memorize many verses of Scripture and will be led to practice what they learn."

Also, during Open House parents and children can view the curriculum that is going to be used in their Sunday Morning Bible Fellowship Hour. A representative of the Regular Baptist Press will be on hand to answer questions. The material of R.B.P. will be used throughout the graded Sunday School program. "We chose this material because it is relevant to today's needs, uses the traditional King James Version of the Bible, and is very teacher friendly." says Pastor Cowart.

The church will also operate a Christian book store called the Resource Room. It will offer Bibles, Bible study tools, Books, teaching materials, CDs and DVDs. The Resource Room will be open to the public on weekdays after the church opens March 1.

On March 1, the church will hold its very first service. Opportunities for service are available for people who want to be a part of this exciting new church. We are looking for people who want to be a part of our music program, teaching program, or those who just want to be a part of the area's newest church.

Pastor Jack Cowart, who is a native of Miller County, and his wife, Kathy, are looking forward to meeting anyone who wants to share in this ministry.