BUCKHANNON – The First Baptist Church of Buckhannon is reaching out and helping its neighbors in need by donating cleaning supplies they collected to the Upshur Parish House.

On Friday, volunteers with the Upshur Cooperative Parish House, along with Executive Director Kristi Wilkerson, gathered to collect soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, disinfectant wipes and lots of other supplies it will use to help Upshur County neighbors in need. Sally Anne Veith said they also hope to collect additional donations to help the Upshur Parish House.

The Board of Deaconesses and chairwoman Amanda Norment organized the collection. Wilkerson said the supplies donated by the First Baptist Church of Buckhannon to the Food Pantry of the Upshur Parish House are much needed and appreciated.

“What they are sharing is a large number of needed items, including laundry detergent and other cleaning and personal hygiene supplies,” Wilkerson said. “We are thankful for their generosity.”

Veith also introduced the newest addition to the First Baptist Church of Buckhannon, the Revs. David and Dawn Smith, who are both ordained ministers. The Smiths came to Buckhannon from Owosso, Michigan. David Smith said he and his wife thought moving to Buckhannon was in order after having visited the state years ago.

“I was looking for a full-time pastorate and applied, and Buckhannon, West Virginia popped up,” the new pastor said. “I thought, West Virginia. We had driven through West Virginia before and spent the first night of our married life in West Virginia. There was something that clicked, and it seemed to click for the church here as well.”

Smith said he and Dawn have never felt more at home than they have in Buckhannon.

“It has been good for us,” he said.

The First Baptist Church of Buckhannon is located at 42 Hart Avenue.

“We offer Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and offer our worship service beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays,” Smith said. “We will soon be offering Bible Studies on Wednesday during the day and at night. We want to extend a welcome to join us or rejoin us for our services.”

Veith said the First Baptist Church of Buckhannon also does a spaghetti dinner once a month.

“It is always the second Tuesday of the month,” Veith said. “It is a free meal to help those in need.”

“There is an excitement here and we are hoping to spread that out,” Smith said.

Dawn Smith is also an ordained minister and said her specialty is working with people who are deaf.

“I grew up with family members who are deaf and I went on to become certified to work with deaf individuals,” she said. “I have been a professional interpreter – also in the church. My passion is reaching the deaf everywhere, and especially to bring quality interpreting to the church. I am planning to offer some classes here, and any class I offer in the church will be free to anyone in the community.”

Interesting in learning more about the First Baptist Church of Buckhannon? Give the church a call at 304-472-4789.