The Crestwood Christian Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special program Sunday, Oct. 22.

Guest speakers will include former ministers Joe Rex Kearns, Jim Spradlin and Ron Follmer and current minister Eric Snyder during Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and the worship service at 10:30 a.m.

Nursery services will be available during Sunday School and the worship service.

A “singspiration” fellowship program will be offered with guest speakers Billy Jones and Albert McGee, plus a special performance by Duane and Jane Boyd, the choir and Tammie Snyder. A balloon release will conclude the service, which is open to the public.

All events will be conducted at the church, 11750 Eddie and Park Road, between Sappington Road and South Lindbergh Boulevard.

The Crestwood Christian Church dates back to Aug. 19, 1956, when a group of concerned individuals desiring to see a Christian church established in the southern area of St. Louis County met at the home of Roland Davis.

The first service was conducted Sunday, Oct. 21, 1956, at Watson Elementary School in Crestwood. Shortly afterward, charter membership for the Crestwood Christian Church was obtained and laid the foundation for the church.

Part-time ministers serving during the early stages included Everett Thompson, Eugene Hetzel and Albert McGee, who provided the leadership for the congregation’s first church building program. A service marking the opening of the new building was conducted Dec. 25, 1960.

Kearns was hired in 1965 as the first full-time minister, and Spradlin and Follmer subsequently followed him. In March, Snyder became the newest minister of the congregation, which has enjoyed good periods of growth during these first 50 years. It also has been instrumental in starting another congregation in Fenton.

For more information, call the Crestwood Christian Church at (314) 843-9069.