Pastor Wiley Perkins celebrating 50 years at Samantha Freewill Baptist Church
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha & Brandy Chandler-
The Samantha Freewill Baptist Church is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of their pastor, Brother Wiley Perkins, this January.
The congregation is hosting a surprise party in Perkins’ honor Jan. 16 after Sunday school, starting at approximately 10:45 a.m. The party will include a catered meal. There will also be special services that morning, featuring Perkins’ favorite evangelist, Edwin Hays, and favorite singing group, Anointed Hearts.
Perkins was approved as pastor at the Samantha Freewill Baptist Church in December 1971, after he preached during several revivals at the church. At that time, he was a preacher in Springfield in Clark County. He started his full-time role in Samantha in January 1972.
Perkins was born in Paintsville, Ky. and moved to Ohio when he was 18. After working for 30 years with Cooper Industries in Springfield, Perkins retired in 1982, and the family moved to Highland County.
Over the past five decades, Perkins has become like a father to members of his congregation, visiting them during times of illness and performing weddings and funerals at no charge. He is well-known for his anecdotes and his sense of humor, as well as his love for God and his church family.
Also known for his humility, Perkins told The Highland County Press he had nothing to “brag about” for his 50th anniversary accomplishment, giving all credit to the Lord instead.
“I’ve been here 50 years at the church because the Lord has blessed me,” Perkins said. “Brag on God for helping me.
“I’m thankful I’m still alive and that God has blessed me to be here and pastor the people. We’ve been prosperous, but God does all that. God has really blessed us.”
Perkins will also be celebrating his 90th birthday on March 10.
The congregation is hosting a surprise party in Perkins’ honor Jan. 16 after Sunday school, starting at approximately 10:45 a.m. The party will include a catered meal. There will also be special services that morning, featuring Perkins’ favorite evangelist, Edwin Hays, and favorite singing group, Anointed Hearts.
Perkins was approved as pastor at the Samantha Freewill Baptist Church in December 1971, after he preached during several revivals at the church. At that time, he was a preacher in Springfield in Clark County. He started his full-time role in Samantha in January 1972.
Perkins was born in Paintsville, Ky. and moved to Ohio when he was 18. After working for 30 years with Cooper Industries in Springfield, Perkins retired in 1982, and the family moved to Highland County.
Over the past five decades, Perkins has become like a father to members of his congregation, visiting them during times of illness and performing weddings and funerals at no charge. He is well-known for his anecdotes and his sense of humor, as well as his love for God and his church family.
Also known for his humility, Perkins told The Highland County Press he had nothing to “brag about” for his 50th anniversary accomplishment, giving all credit to the Lord instead.
“I’ve been here 50 years at the church because the Lord has blessed me,” Perkins said. “Brag on God for helping me.
“I’m thankful I’m still alive and that God has blessed me to be here and pastor the people. We’ve been prosperous, but God does all that. God has really blessed us.”
Perkins will also be celebrating his 90th birthday on March 10.