Bethel Baptist Marks 70th Anniversary of Members’ Baptisms

Shared by Revd Dr Keith Jones

Bethel Baptist, Sandy Lane, Bradford, held a special anniversary service and thanksgiving for two members, marking the 70th anniversary of their Baptism as Believers on Sunday 21 September 2025.

Dorothy Gibson was baptised at her home church, Tetley Street Memorial Baptist Church in Bradford, 70 years ago this month by the late Reverend John F Barr. Sylvia Kellett was baptised at Bethel, Sandy Lane, by the late  Reverend Reg Crowshaw in early October 70 years ago. Both members wanted to have a service of thanksgiving and to take the opportunity to share with other members of Bethel, where they are both members, about the importance of believers baptism. 

The service was conducted by the Revd Dr Keith G Jones, part of the leadership team at nearby Shipley Baptist Church. Dorothy had been Keith's Sunday School teacher when he was a small child at Tetley Street. At the age of eighteen, one of Keith's first experiences of leading worship was at Bethel, where he met Sylvia and her late husband, Brian.

This celebratory service reflected on the journey of discipleship over many years. Keith commented that Dorothy and Sylvia had remained constant and exemplary disciples on the journey of faith ever since their baptisms. The service included communion and all the membership were encouraged to be faithful in their discipleship.

After the service refreshments, including cake, was served. 

The Yorkshire Baptist Association warmly congratulates Dorothy and Sylvia on this remarkable milestone. We give thanks for their faithful witness over the past seventy years and celebrate with Bethel Baptist the example of lifelong discipleship they continue to share with us all.