DUNBRIDGE – Christ’s Bible Church will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 22. The celebration will be
combined with the church’s annual God and Country Day.
Organizers note that many churches and businesses fail within the first five years, so the story of this
church is worth celebrating.
Pastor Dale and Joyce Smeltzer ventured out with a few good people in 2001 to reclaim the only church
building in Dunbridge that had been closed and sold by auction. From nothing, the church has grown and
recently selected its first three deacons and deaconesses and added an additional three trustees.
The church also now boasts a pair of youth ministers.
To celebrate the milestone, the church will have a full slate of activities on the day beginning with
Glen and Shirley Liston who will hare about the Central India Christian Mission/ The 9 a.m. program will
be held in the church basement.
Glen Liston is from Houston and was Dale Smeltzer’s boyhood friend. They were ordained together in
ministry 50 years ago this August in Ashland, Ohio Liston also will be the keynote speaker and deliver
the sermon at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
The worship will also include a greeting by Col. Scott Manning, son-in-law of the Smeltzers.
There will also be a short message by Steven Speck, age 15, who attends Bowling Green Christian Academy.
There will also be a special prayer for America. Two children’s worship programs will be held for
pre-school and elementary students during the sermon time.
Prior to the worship, at 10 a.m. there will be a concert by Redemption Quartet from Wayne.
The celebration continues following worship at noon with a celebration potluck and cookout.
Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, cake, beverage and table service will be furnished.
Members and regulars are asked to bring other items for the potluck. The church says the community is not
just invited but encouraged to attend, and thus guests may eat "on the house."
Each adult in attendance at the worship receive a 10th anniversary imprinted mug; while each child and
youth will receive an American flag.
The church is located on Ohio 582 at the western edge of the village, less than mile east of Interstate
75.