Dorothy (pictured) is still able to attend on a regular basis and plays as active a role as she can in the place where she served for so many years. Together with husband Lawrence they supported the church in all sorts of ways. She clocked up 73 years in the choir and served as a primary school leader, while Lawrence was a secretary and organist.

 

‘I was baptised on Whit Sunday in 1943,’ she recalls. ’I think when I joined it was in its heyday, there were a lot of children there, they used to come three services on a Sunday.

‘The church has always been well recognised in the community.Times have changed but I think it’s picking up under (current pastor) David Howe.’

Dorothy said one of the big changes is that there are now more ladies than there used to be, but what has remained constant is her faith in Jesus. ‘My faith has been a great help as I’ve gone through life, through the good and the not so good times.’

Dorothy turned 90 on May 10, and the church organised a buffet tea celebration. ‘It was lovely,’ she said.

Pastor David Howe said, ‘Dorothy certainly is an inspiration to us all here at Heanor Baptist as she is still willing to take part in services, such Bible reading. ‘She has maintained her faith throughout her life by offering her love of God to everyone in both words and actions.’
 

Another of those 1943 baptismal candidates is still alive - Doreen Prince lives in a nursing home in Alfreton. Although her memory is not what it used to be, she still has her baptismal certificate (pictured) and can recall the baptism with Dorothy.