A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of having a former pastor, Howard H. Smith and his wife, Sharon, visit with us. He was a pastor of Timber Ridge from 1973-1978. You have heard us speak of the lean years when the church nearly closed its doors for good. Howard was the pastor at that time. His letter speaks of the faithfulness of God, and the willingness of His people to turn things around. Please read this lengthy letter and rejoice in the goodness of God for the church at that time, and for the future He has for us now.
Howard H. Smith
112 Walleye Point Drive
Camdenton, MO 65020
Oct. 3, 2018
Pastor Wayne Taylor
Timber Ridge Baptist Church
1391 Timber ridge Road
Marshfield, MO 65706
Dear Pastor Taylor,
Thank you so much for your hospitality in taking time to show Sharon and I, with John and Jane Brown, the beautiful, well designed new edifice of the church. Thank you as well, for telling some of the more current history of Timber Ridge.
Thank you, as well, for your interest in Sharon’s and my time with the church.
This visit reminded me of how important Timber Ridge actually was in developing my future vision of ministry.
With this in mind, I dare to present the following testimony. Please see the hand of God and know that I did not yet have enough experience or wisdom in leadership to take any credit.
I went immediately from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to a position as Youth Pastor of the Meadowdale Baptist Church in Dayton, OH. I was serving with my father-in-law who was uncomfortable in the setting of a pioneering church. In order to honor him and allow him to move, Sharon and I moved back home to Marshfield.
I was uncertain of my future in ministry and when Timber Ridge asked me to come and preach, they soon asked to call me as their pastor. My response was that I would continue as the interim pastor until they had called a pastor. They were so kind to allow me to serve even though I confessed to them I was struggling with whether God’s call to be a pastor was on my life.
As i told you in our conversation following the services, I was approached by the Director of Missions for Webster County with this warning. “You shouldn’t go as the Pastor at Timber Ridge. They are a dying church of old folks and they will break your heart.”
Indeed, it was a low ebb in the life of the church. When I began the interim pastorate, there were only 12 people, all seniors except one young couple the age of Sharon and me.
My earliest memory of a business session was when I, with more boldness than tact, suggested the church had a decision to make and I saw only three options. They could close the doors; they could join fellowship with another fairly local church; or they could get busy reaching out to their community. To which someone responded, “But what can a few old folks do to reach out to the young couples who are moving into the community?”
At that time, a large Amish presence had taken many of the farms in the area, but had begun moving on, selling their farms and homes (stripped of electrical service and running water), to young families who could afford to buy them in their degraded state.
I suggested they could begin a pie baking/fence building outreach to these young families. I explained that this was a great challenge to these young farmers, but the people of Timber Ridge were successful farmers, and the ladies were great cooks!
To our utter joy, the action of these successful farmers and wives coming alongside these inexperienced young farm families, pies included, was blessed of God. At simple invitation, these families began coming to Timber Ridge. The next spring, we went to the little river just after the ice melted. I walked the river looking for a deep hole while the members built a bonfire, sang spiritual songs, and got their warm blankets ready.
We saw nine young adults baptized. Each one wandered out of the water, received and warmed by the fire. I walked out after the last baptism by faith because I couldn’t feel my legs.
What a celebration!
Within three years, Timber Ridge had confirmed to me the call of God on my life ad set me on a pastoral charge to help rebuild struggling churches.
Timber Ridge called for my Pastoral Ordination. I asked that it be done at Timber Ridge as they were so essential to my growth.
They called me as pastor and when Sharon and I parted for a full-time pastorate in Northern Missouri, Timber Ridge, now with indoor bathrooms, a new piano, and enough money left over to begin on the kitchen, there were 60 regular members strong.
Sharon and I were thrilled to discover the church has progressed well, built a beautiful new facility, and are now discussing your vision for future ministry.
Vision of God’s direction is so important. You have thrilled our hearts and we believe in your future!
We will be praying for you on a regular basis.
Thank you.
In His Love,
Howard H. Smith