The Pilot Point Church of Christ celebrated their 160-year anniversary on Sunday.
“Praise to God's continued blessing as we celebrate our 160th year,” Pastor Craig Tullis said. “We may be small and a little corner of North Texas, but we're in the right hands.”
The church was created in 1865 amidst political unrest from the Civil War’s end.
“In 1865, during a time of war, a time of confusion and a time of reconstruction, a group of Christians stepped out in faith and started the Pilot Point church,” Tullis said.
The community got the deed for the church building on March 30, 1875.
“In life, there are seasons, some good, some bad,” Tullis said. “We've seen times of peace and times of war. We've seen times to build and times to break down. This congregation has faced every season under heaven for 160 years now.”
The church still remains small despite how many years the community has been meeting.
“We haven't made many history books or maybe no history books,” Tullis said. “To be honest, very few people know we exist around this world, nation or even county. But I believe this is how God wants to use us, and we praise him for it.”
Tullis believed the church holds an important role despite not having a large number of members.
“We will continue to serve God in this little but mighty congregation because we serve a mighty God,” Tullis said. “Even if many don't know our name, we're fine just as long as we continue to make him known.”
The small congregation has led to more personal relationships between members.
“As I look back at all the history, I remember how you have blessed my family,” Tullis said. “I've been here 22 years. I remember you treating my daughters—and you still do—like they're your own.”
The ceremony was followed by a potluck in the building next door where church members shared a meal.
“No matter what you've been through, no matter how nice or how mean someone has been to you this week, you come here and you're going to hear we are glad you are here,” Tullis said. “That's going to happen every Sunday.”
Tullis encouraged members to serve God during their short time on Earth.
“We praise God in our toils during every season—the good and the bad,” Tullis said. “We praise God because without him, we would not have lasted 160 years, and without him, we would not last another one.”
