Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Fifty years is not such a long time when you enjoy every day and know you’re doing exactly what God’s plan is for your life. Dale Day’s dream of having a church of Christ in the town of Versailles materialized with the first service being held March 9, 1958.

This Sunday, March 9 will mark the Golden Anniversary for the church that has seen many changes over the course of time. One thing has remained constant - Dale Day has been the evangelist with wife LaVerne at his side.

One change is the location.

In the beginning, the only available option was the offer of the basement in the home of Henry Oatman. The Days remember the excitement. “Work began at a fast and furious pace,” they noted. A pulpit and communion table homemade out of beautiful knotty pine was “varnished to a great shine.” With some donated wooden folding chairs, 47 people gathered that first Sunday described as a “glorious crisp March morning.” Evangelist Dale delivered his first message in the newly formed Versailles Church of Christ.

The congregation grew and in only four months they moved into a larger facility - the Austin Theater building. More and more people were “being added to the Lord’s church” with the need to change locations again. They bought land in the Werner Subdivision with groundbreaking ceremonies held April 2, 1961. By August 27 the congregation would begin to worship in the building that seated 75 in the main auditorium, had an overflow area that was also used as an adult classroom, five other classrooms, and two restrooms. Many volunteers assisted Charlie Vermillion and Jack Ford, who were the lead contractors.

One more move was in store for the congregation of the Versailles Church of Christ. On November 14, 1976, they would be seated in the building where they now meet on 115 Jarvis Drive. Norman Ward, minister at East View Christian Church of Martinsville, gave the dedicatory message.

The new facility could seat 250, had all new pews, furniture, carpeting and had air conditioning and electric heat. The building includes a chapel, minister’s study, full basement, four more classrooms, two new restrooms.

That facility continues to be improved and the message bringing the hope of Christ continues to be taught by Evangelist Dale.

Has the message changed? “Never,” is Dale’s immediate response. Just as a message written by Dale in the church’s publication, “The Church Caller” states, “God has a plan for every life in Christ Jesus,” Dale quotes scripture from Proverbs. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths...fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”

Brother Dale makes no apology for his teaching of turning from evil and following the scripture. Both he and wife LaVerne noted that the Bible has never changed, but the method of delivery has. “Now we have blended music - contemporary and traditional hymns,” noted LaVerne. Dale says the Bible can be applied to every modern day situation. The ministry at the Versailles Church of Christ includes a state-of-the-art control room where Powerpoint presentations, lighting, sound and video add to the services. DVDs of the services are available.

The Days still enjoy visiting in the homes of parishioners even though this is a fast fading concept in most churches. “Now you’re supposed to make an appointment,” Dale noted, with LaVerne saying that’s probably for the ladies’ benefit so they can ‘spruce’ up the house a bit. However, the Days agree they visit to bring encouragement to people and don’t care what their house looks like!
The church continues to change and grow. Since 1995 many children have benefited from “Little Blessings” Christian Preschool under the direction of Dawna Day Mathews and staff. The preschool is held in the basement of the present facility.

A number of people, dedicated to helping teach both adults and children, make the many programs of the church a reality. Sundays are filled with services beginning at 9:00 a.m. where Sunday School classes are held for every age group. Morning Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. with Wee Worship and Junior Church services simultaneously being held. The evening services begin with small group settings at 5:30, specially designed for youth, men and women, followed by evening worship at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the week a variety of programs provide times of fellowship for those attending the church and plenty of space for people who would like to visit. “We always welcome visitors, hoping they’ll stay,” the Days noted.

Special musical talent is presented at each service with a variety offered. “There is definitely something for everyone,” the Days agreed.

To stay confined within the walls of the building is not something the Days had included in their dream. They wanted to make sure the light from the inside would shine into the community and beyond. They hold revival and special services, including Vacation Bible School each year. The church has also ordained and sent out seven men into various fields of service. They are: Charles Steele, Eugene Bustle, Irvin Hart, Barry Kermeen, Logan Fugate, Randy Thieman, and Earl Thomas. Micah Stephen served for some time as the youth minister at the Greensburg Church of Christ.
Is the Versailles Church of Christ done growing? Absolutely not! The dream continues with a Vision Committee being established. Future goals are to complete blacktopping the present parking lot, another addition to the present building and more classrooms. Plans are to have a “first floor” kitchen, new entry, foyer, and a covered drive-thru for picking up and dropping off worshippers. In 2002 the church purchased land that extends from their present parking lot to US 421, where a large lighted sign welcomes the community.

Present leadership includes Evangelist Dale Day, Associate Minister Earl Thomas, Youth Minister J.R. Stephen, Elders, Keith Mathews, Joel Smith and J.R. Stephen; Deacons, James Vest, Frank Roth, Curtis Stephen and Bob Davis; Trustees are Bud Tompkins, Dan Creigmile and Frank Roth.
The Days four daughters: Debra and husband J.R. Stephen; Dawna and husband, Keith Mathews, Dana and husband, Jamie Vest, and Danita and husband, Bryant Rogers, all attend the church and play an integral part in helping with the ministry their parents started so many years ago. Added to that number, the Days have 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Their daughters have formed a quartet, “Girls to Women.” LaVerne noted, “We have been blessed to have them all close to us.” She and Dale will celebrate 54 years of marriage in May of this year. LaVerne is the secretary for “Little Blessings” and volunteers wherever she is needed in the ministry with her husband.

“Church is not boring here!” exclaimed LaVerne, as she and Dale welcomes the community to their special celebration this Sunday. The theme, “Dream the Impossible Dream” will set the stage for the day’s activities that will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by special music by “The Reflections” and Kasey Felts at 10:00 a.m. Brother Dale will bring the morning message. A photo shoot of the entire congregation will be taken followed by a pitch-in dinner at 12:30. An afternoon celebration service will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Kerry Allen, Person to Person Evangelism speaking and “Girls to Women” singing.

Everyone is invited to this special occasion where a commemorative DVD, anniversary mug and booklet on the history of the church will be presented to each family in attendance. “Come reminisce and visit with old friends and worship with us,” the Days invite. Never stop dreaming...”Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

For more information on the church you can check out their website at: www.versailleschurchofchrist.org or call 689-6873 or 689-6515.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO LaVerne and Dale Day stand in front of the church where both have stood many times over the past 50 years at the Versailles Church of Christ. Dale is the evangelist with LaVerne at his side helping wherever she is needed. They celebrate 50 years this Sunday, March 9 and invite the community to worship with them.