Sunday, March 17, 2002
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Sunday, March 17, 2002 |
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Dennis Watson feted at Harp's Crossing By CAROLYN CARY
When the Rev. Dennis Watson graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979, it probably never crossed his mind that in 2002 he would be given a five-day, four-night Caribbean cruise. The occasion was his 20th anniversary with Harp's Crossing Baptist Church. When he joined the congregation as senior minister in 1982, the church was in a small wooden building a mile south of the current facility, called "Water's Chapel." In 1987 the congregation walked the mile north to its current location at Ga. Highway 92 south and Harp Road. Watson has been busy seeing his flock grow from in the hundreds to more than 2,000 members. From its 1987 sanctuary it has built larger ones and is about to build its third sanctuary. A recent Sunday morning service began like any other, except that he suddenly noticed his sisters in the congregation. This might not be too unusual, except that two of them live in North Carolina. The service was then taken over by church leaders who reminded him that the date was the 20th anniversary of his serving the church. Among those offering congratulations was the Rev. Dr. Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board, and the Rev. Dr. Robert White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Among the many gifts of appreciation was siding for his house and a Caribbean cruise on a new luxury ocean liner. A reception was given in the evening with many former employees and former members attending. Also coming in for the occasion was Judge Paul Pressler from Texas. A former Texas legislator and a former judge of the 14th Texas Court of Appeals, Pressler was a key figure in the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention and was instrumental in helping to return the denomination to a position of standing upon the complete trustworthiness of God's Word. Watson had the privilege to meet Pressler and the meeting had a profound influence on his life and ministry. "My family and I were overwhelmed," Watson said. "I was totally surprised and the surprises just kept coming. At times, as I listened to the accolades, I wondered who we were talking about. "As I have reflected back on these 20 years, I can honestly say it has all been a blessing that just shows the goodness of God," he said. He added that he is looking forward to the next 20 years. The pastor has kept a diary for a number of years, and this was his entry for Sept. 6, 1982: "I have a heavy conviction of late concerning outreach and missions. I felt as though the Lord told me that if I lead a church to be mission minded ... then He would keep us here for a while. This church can be a mission-oriented church. We should see young people become missionaries and strong supporters of missions." This has come to pass. He was joined in the festivities by his wife, Sheila, son, Chris, and daughter, Denise. The church is at 1183 Ga. Highway 92 south and can be reached at 770-461-5318.
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