Patriotic show plays to full house

Veterans are honored and the power of prayer revered at a production filled with music and drama.

By ANGELA MILLER

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2000

DADE CITY -- Love of God and country melded into a rousing show at First Baptist Church of Dade City last weekend.

The musical God Save America, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, played to full houses and received standing ovations.

"It was so touching when the veterans went forward to be recognized," said Robert Avila, who helped hang red, white and blue banners and flags throughout the worship center.

One was Sandra Huffman, who described her life as an Army drill sergeant as tough and demanding. She left the service after four years to have a family. She and husband Gary have two daughters, Ashley, 14, and Megan, 12.

Mrs. Huffman's whole family is involved at First Baptist.

"The church is everything we expected and more," Mrs. Huffman said. "There is no reason why anyone could not always have something to do here. It offers something for everyone. My husband and I have grown in our spiritual walk; it has really been a blessing."

The show included music by the celebration choir, slides and pantomimes performed by the drama ministry.

Max Jones, a member of the church, said the production gave him goosebumps.

Russell Freeman, minister of worship at First Baptist, said the show was in rehearsal for several months.

"The people are incredible with the giving of their time and their hearts," Freeman said.

Kay Smithwick is the drama coordinator and has been part of church drama most of her adult life. She said it was rewarding to see it all come together.

"The part that touched me the most was when Chris Browning wore his Boy Scout uniform and carried the American Flag down the aisle," Smithwick said.

One of the scenes portrayed a family praying together. The young girl was played by Jami Stout, the mother by Carol Stout and the father, David Surrat. Prayer came after a confrontation between mother and daughter. The father took his wife and child by the hands and knelt with them to pray.

This segment was was based on the song If My People (would pray). The song's lyrics come from II Chronicles 7:14.

Louise Fillman and her 7-year-old daughter, Mary Jane, said they thought it was important to pray as a family. Mary Jane said her father reads the Bible to her almost every night.

Pastor Bruce Moore said the performances were intended to introduce people to Jesus Christ.

Congregants were given information cards at the end of the service to fill out. The people were entered in a data base and contacted by letter or phone call. If a person makes the decision to accept Jesus Christ, the church makes sure someone follows up and stays in contact with him or her.

Tiffany Parker, 14, said she was very proud of her father, Todd Reed, who has served in the Army for more than 18 years. Reed was honored during the production.

Tiffany added that the program made her realize she needed to do more for the Lord.

Reed's wife, Terri, who sings in the the choir, and their five children all belong to the church.

For information

First Baptist Church of Dade City is at 37511 Church Ave.; the phone number is (352) 567-3265. Sunday worship and Bible studies are at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.

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