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'?'FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BAY ST. LOUIS, MS color of the baptismal font. It should be noted that in 1959 a new and larger
pulpit for the church sanctuary had been made and presented to the church by
.r. Reab who was assisted by Mr. Kepner. All of these beautiful wooden items
continue to be used in the church today. In 1962 Historian Mrs. S. K. Kepner
noted:	"The men of the church do not make a lot of commotion, but whenever
their help is needed, and that is quite often, they are always ready to help
in whatever way is needed."
The formal dedication of this building would be held on Sunday, April 15, 1962 truly a day for rejoicing. At the morning service, Dr. Claude A. Pritchard, Secretary of the Home Missions Section of the Board of Church Extension, preached an inspiring sermon. In the afternoon, the Rev. W. J. Stanway,
Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, preached the dedicator sermon entitled, "The Church of the Living God," using as his text 1 Timothy 3:15 and 16. He was assisted by Dr. Pritchard and Lindsey. Also attending and assisting in the service were the Rev. Robert T. Coit of Long Beach; the Rev. Thomas Wharton, Pineville; Dr. R. L. Summers, Gulfport; the Rev. Merlin Usner, Picayune; and the Rev. John T. N. Keels of Hattiesburg,
Executive Secretary of the Presbytery of South Mississippi. Special music sung at this service were "Open the Gates to the Temple" by the choir and "Bless This House", a solo by Mrs. Christal Schaefer. The church was filled to overflowing with many of the townspeople of all faiths being present for the dedication and staying for the reception following the ceremonies in the fellowship hall. It should be noted that Mrs. Christal Schaefer was the first Women of the Church Program Chairman when this group organized on May 23, 1950. She also was a dedicated choir member, served as WOC President and Circle Chairman and Secretary, and in 1959 and 1960 served as the Church Historian. What a blessing and inspiration this lovely lady was and is now. "irst Presbyterian Church of Bay St. Louis cooperated with the other Protestant churches of the city to bring Rev. Lane Adams for a series of inspirational services, held February 18 - 22, 1963. These services were held