Evangelist Dan Souza

As the sign above the door says "EST. 1842" Curtis Corner Baptist Church is 166 years old!! What a testimony to the faithful membership over the years in preaching the Gospel and supporting missionaries around the world.

Four years ago I preached here the day after the former pastor, John Kelley was killed while on a missionary trip to Baghdad, Iraq. Four years ago I stood in the pulpit with a broken heart among a heart broken people. It was less than 24 hours when Bro. Kelley was killed and went home to be his Lord. Never was a drive so long. Now I again made that trip. I was asked to come and preach at this memorial service.

The Lord, in His goodness brought Brother Chapman to be the new pastor. His faith, vision and passion for souls is truly seen among the people.

Then Pastor Chapman asked me to come and fill the pulpit the following month while he was away. Again my heart was moved and touched in the services as God's people responded to the teaching and preaching of the Bible. In both my times here the altar was full as Holy Spirit conviction fell upon us. Young and old alike yielded to the calling of God.

In Memory

On February 14, 2004, Pastor John Kelley was killed doing missionary work in Baghdad, Iraq. He along with several other pastors were gunned down by automatic weapons while traveling in a taxi. He was the only one killed, the others were injured in the shooting. We believe this was not a random act of terrorism. They were followed and targeted. He died doing what he loved to do -- the work of God.

I preached the next day at the church and spent the day with Sister Kelley and some of the family. The services were unbelievable. The grace of God prevailed and the Spirit of God anointed.

Amid such a sad and tragic time as this Sister Kelley was in her place at the piano. Her inner faith and Christian strength were remarkable. As a prelude she played "Beulah Land" and for the offertory she played "He is so precious to me". It was a blessing to everyone. While her own heart was breaking she carried on the ministry as she knew her Pastor/Husband would have done. She also greeted the people as they left.

Sister Kelley wanted me to tell the congregation two things. First, that the roses, balloon, and card on the piano had been delivered to her about the same time he died (which was Valentines Day). He had arranged the delivery before he left. The second thing was that she was so glad it was Sunday because she could be in church and get strength from God's Word.

I have known Brother Kelley for many many years. He was my friend. I preached for him often. I love his family and church. I will miss him. After 18 years of serving in Wakefield, RI, his work was done and God said: "Come home."

Just before he left for Iraq, pastor John Kelley asked a friend to deliver a dozen roses to his wife, Jane.

She got the flowers -- along with a red, heart-shaped balloon that said "I Love You" -- on Valentine's Day. That same day her husband, in Iraq to start a church, was killed when gunmen pulled up alongside the car he was riding in and opened fire.

Sister Jane, the pianist for Curtis Corner Baptist Church, played hymns the next day during two Sunday services. She kept a box of tissues on the floor while the congregation sang "Count Your Blessings" and "Nothing But the Blood."

memorial