Central Baptist Church
Southington, Connecticut
Jim Townsley, Pastor
About thirty years ago
Brother Jim Townsley came to Southington Connecticut to start and pastor
the Central Baptist Church. Over the years I have seen this church
not only grow but experience an abundant portion of God's blessing.
Always standing on the highest level of Biblical practices and standards
the ministry has expanded in every area of the Gospel ministry.
 A
thriving Sunday School (with an annual New England wide Sunday School
convention) has taught many the way of salvation and the victorious Christian
life. An expanding and strong Christian day school from K4 through high
school is located on the church property.
Each service of the revival had spirited singing and an air
of great anticipation for the moving of the Lord. The choir did an
outstanding job. Never have I seen the choir sing with such power, joy and
conviction as when they sang the Revival Theme Song "My God Is Real".
After a while their spirit swept across the congregation and a few times the
entire church became a choir joining in the chores "My God is Real -- Real in my
soul"
From the first service in Sunday School till the last
service, the Lord answered prayer. Dedication, restoration and praise were
among the many needs met at the altar.
Each service was wonderfully attended with really no low
night in attendance. Special music added an exciting uplift to the general
singing and invitation time.
It is hard to express the spirit of the meeting.
It is just one of those things that you just had to be there to understand.
But the results will last and be seen.
As an ever increasing outreach, the
church formed the New England Baptist College. On several
occasions I have preached to the student body in the chapel and was a
guest lecturer. I am
always encouraged by the faith, vision and enthusiasm of the Bible
students.
As part of the church
revival, I was
asked to preach the Winter Revival at the New England
Baptist College. What a wonderful honor and thrill
to meet such a wonderful student body of young ladies and
men wanting to serve the Lord. The Theme of the
college is "A Heart for God" and such was the evidence of
this each morning during the chapel time. Our theme was "Keeping the
Heart"
I
believe the Holy Spirit was in control. The
congregational music, the specials and preaching gave
evidence of tender and yielding hearts for God.
Each and every service was testimony of the heart of this
school in being serious about serving God.
The
students who come here have only ONE thing on their mind
and heart. That is to be all that God wants them to
be. To this end the college offers the best of Bible
teaching, Godly staff and a real Spiritual atmosphere.
Yet in its early years as a college, I believe, it will
be an outstanding cornerstone for Fundamental Baptists in
the training and development of men and women who are
serious about "Having a Heart for God, A Mind for the
Scriptures and Spirit of Revival."
Brother David Blaser leads the school with a true spirit
of concern for each student and the mission of Biblical teaching upon the
foundation of the Word of God. His leadership, wisdom and dedication are
being honored by the Lord.
New England School of the Bible
New England School of the Bible was started to help those who
wanted a learning experience based on the Bible. This night school helped
a good number of men and women to be better servants of the Lord. I have
preached to the student body on several occasions and also preached a "working"
soul winning class at the school one summer. Several were saved as the
class not only learned about soul wining but won souls in the process.
What a thrill to see many of the men and women in that class now serving the
Lord on mission fields, churches and Christian education. Brother Bob
McKeever the Director, has done a good job to build the academic and spiritual
character of the institution. He now has gone to be with his Lord and his reward
for faithful service. However, his labors are bearing fruit in this on
going ministry.
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