In a remarkable celebration of faith and community, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kinderhook, New York, recently witnessed its largest baptismal ceremony in 23 years. On March 31, under the guidance of Anthony Mazzella, Kinderhook church pastor affectionately known as “Pastor Tony,” the church welcomed 11 new members into its fold—10 through baptism and one through profession of faith.
This significant event marked a diverse addition to the congregation, with members coming from various walks of life, including children, youth, men, and women spanning several decades in age. Among the newly-baptized were individuals whose journeys to faith were as varied as their backgrounds.
The group included long-time local residents, spouses of existing members, and those inspired by Doug Batchelor’s Amazing Facts ministry. Notably, one new member recounted an extraordinary experience of hearing a voice while sitting in their car on the church lot a decade ago, prophesying their future worship in the then-unfinished building. The ceremony also welcomed a young lady who had recently moved from another continent and a couple seeking refuge from religious persecution in their homeland.
The day did not just signify the congregation’s growth but also served as a poignant milestone for Mazzella. After four decades of devoted service he preached his final sermon as a full-time pastor on April 27, marking the end of his tenure in the northernmost congregation of the Greater New York Conference territory. Pastor Tony and his faithful ministry companion, Beverly, are set to retire, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and spiritual leadership.
In an act of faith, Mazzella and the church elders set the baptismal ceremony date three months in advance. Little did they know that it would culminate in a historic moment for the church, showcasing the work of the Holy Spirit and the powerful impact of faith-led service.
As the Mazzellas embark on the next phase of their lives, the church and its members express their heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for them, praying for God’s continued blessings in their future endeavors to further God’s kingdom.
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Steven Siciliano, Multi-Ethnic Ministries director, Greater New York Conference
