Bethabara Missionary Baptist Church in Covington held their annual Irene Banks Heritage ceremony on Sept. 11.
The ceremony focused on the Tom Thumb wedding, held 38 years ago at the church.

Pastor Willie James Smith and the Word of Praise Christian Church in Conyers provided a powerful message and worship in song and praise.

"I am pleased with the work that we, the committee, have done. Several people commented that they were excited about hearing about something different in the Church's history," Heritage Committee Chairperson Fannie Banks said.

Founded in 1888, the Bethabara Missionary Baptist Church has served the Newton County community for 123 years. Under the pastorate of the Rev. Carl H. Jones, the congregation has growing Christian Education and youth programs, and it works cooperatively with the Newton County Food Pantry and other human service agencies to assist in meeting daily living needs of the community.