On Sunday, October 2, 2011, more than 135 people gathered at New Sandy Hill Church to celebrate homecoming. This year marked 120 years that New Sandy Hill has been recognized as a church by the Western Conference for Christian service to the community.

Greetings were brought by the church pastor, Paul Nicholson. The events of the day consisted of singing, and a special sharing of the Gospel by the Reverend Johnny Sullivan, pastor of Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Wilson. It was quite a treat to have the Rev. Sullivan share with the congregation, as Johnny attended New Sandy Hill for most of his infant, adolescent, and young adult life with his family. He credits New Sandy Hill with his early Christian foundation and background. It was a great day of remembrance and celebration.

During the service, current and former senior church members were given opportunity to recall the days gone by and tell the “Way it Used to Be.”

Many groups and individuals shared in the song service, providing beautiful praise to God. Some of the last to provide music before the message were the Sullivan family, consisting of Johnny’s parents and siblings, all past members of New Sandy Hill, and the Messengers, a group that was formed in the early 1970s during the time Johnny was a member here. Many of the Messenger’s original members were able to come back together to sing for this special event. This was a special time for the group and many of the congregation. Following the singing, a delicious meal was served in the church fellowship hall at the close of the service.

It was a great day of celebration for New Sandy Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church.