Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Only about thirteen for this writer. 1963 was the year Immanuel Baptist Church dedicated a new building on the corner of Nichols and Lafontaine in Springfield.  The dedication of the facility is an early memory. Another event from the 1960’s was claiming salvation in Bible School in that same church.

The one-hundred-year anniversary celebration was one of joy and tears for those that attended. As stated in a previous article, your author was there for some of the festivities. The fellowship and food were enjoyed in the Christian life center.  Hot dogs, chili, cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn were some of the consumables that were provided by the Church.

The first person I encountered was Brian the music minister at that time and an old friend from another church.  He and his mother, brother and sisters were members at Hamlin, where I have spent most of my years since leaving Immanuel.  Brian introduced the entertainment at other events that weekend and was a blessed addition to the church staff.

Mrs. Reese was there and greeted her.  In her nineties she seemed to remember the three Kensinger boys that used to roam the buildings during Sunday School, R.A.’s and Vacation Bible School. She has since gone to Heaven. Debbie, Robert, Jack, Vickie and Gary were still there to reminisce about years gone by and times, both good and bad, that were shared.

Sam, Barbara, Dona, Theresa, and Jacob were some former members that were attending and enjoyed photos that were provided by the current membership as well as some they and others brought. 

Life at Immanuel in the sixties and seventies was not always roses. There were a few thorns that surfaced in my mind. The vote of confidence against pastor Short that ended his ministry there, the group that left and started Orchard Crest Baptist Church, another split that formed First Baptist of Battlefield, and the firing of Brother Hamilton.

A positive was meeting Cindy in the old youth building. I was called to the ministry shortly before we met. My decision to attend Southwest Baptist College was made while a member there.

Pastor Clyde Leonard and his family were instrumental in mine and Cindy’s lives. Clyde came to see me with Gary and invited me to a college and career class he taught. I had rejected the church after Brother Hamilton left. I know the leadership thought they had good reasons each time a minister left.

For over forty years I have watched similar situations at Hamlin and voiced my two cents worth when I thought I should. We have never had a split. At least one previous pastor started a new work after leaving us. Many of the founding members of that church came from our congregation.

How long has your ecclesia been praising the Lord and ministering to your communities? Hopefully, you will someday have a hundred years to remember and celebrate as well. Send me an invitation and I’ll try to be there.

©Copyright 2025 by Charles Kensinger