Edition 2026, Volume 24

Psalm 145:3–7 (NLT)

“Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.” These words from Psalm 145 remind us that God’s faithfulness stretches farther than our minds can grasp. As we celebrate 124 years of ministry, we stand in awe of the God who has carried this church through every season, guiding, sustaining, and shaping us into a people who reflect His heart.

 For more than a century, our congregation has sought to live out the very qualities this psalm proclaims:

 Steadfastness, rooted in God’s unchanging greatness

• Compassion, flowing from His tender mercy
• Faithfulness, modeled after His unwavering love
• Witness, shining His light into our community

Psalm 145:4 declares, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”

And that is exactly what our church has done, generation after generation. We have told the story of God’s goodness. We have lifted up His mighty works. We have served our neighbors with open hands and open hearts. We have remained a beacon of hope, a place of refuge, and a light that does not dim.

As we enter our 125^th year, verses 6–7 call us forward: “Your awe‑inspiring deeds will be on every tongue… Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness.”

May our legacy not only be 124 years behind us, but the light we continue to shine ahead of us.

To God be the glory, great things He has done, and great things He will continue to do through us.

Weekly Prayer

Gracious and Faithful God,

We thank You for the word that has stirred our hearts today and for the reminder from Psalm 145 that Your greatness is beyond measure and Your goodness is without end. As we celebrate 124 years of ministry, we pause to honor the ways You have carried this church—through every trial, every triumph, every season of sowing and every season of harvest.

Lord, You have made us a steadfast people, rooted not in our own strength but in Your unchanging character. You have shaped us into a compassionate community, reflecting the mercy You so freely give. You have kept us faithful, not by our power, but by Your Spirit working in us.

Today we ask that You continue to make us a light in this community—a place where hope is restored, burdens are lifted, families are strengthened, and Christ is seen clearly. Let the testimony of these 124 years not be a finish line, but a foundation for the greater work You are calling us to.

May the generations that follow us proclaim Your mighty acts with even greater boldness. May our church remain a beacon of love, truth, and service. And may everything we do bring glory to Your name. We offer this prayer in the strong and saving name of Jesus. Amen.

Church History

Tuxedo Park Baptist Church was organized on June 15, 1902, marking the beginning of a vibrant ministry rooted in renewed commitment to Sunday School and community faithfulness. The following historical timeline highlights the journey of our church as shaped through the leadership of each pastor across the generations:

Rev. L. O. Steining — Served 1902–1906; was called as the first pastor in April 1902 following renewed Sunday School growth. On June 15, 1902, the church was formally organized with 59 charter members, establishing a strong spiritual foundation for the years to come.

Rev. Dr. U. S. Clutton — Served 1908–1958; launched Indiana’s first Boy Scout troop, began Indianapolis’ first Vacation Bible School in 1916, and inspired the founding of Emerson Avenue and Franklin Road Baptist Churches.

Rev. Paul Madinger — Served 1958–1968; remodeled the basement for expanded ministry and helped start Arlington Heights Baptist with Calvary Baptist.

Rev. Richard Padrick — Served 1968–1973; established the Tuxedo Park Daycare Center, which operated from 1971–1989.

Rev. R. John C. Wilson — Served 1974–1981; guided the church through key parsonage purchases and sales.

Rev. Glenn Boyce — Served 1982–1985; oversaw the first election of women to the Board of Deaconess, later unified with the Board of Deacons.

Rev. McDonald Jackson — Served 1986–1996; rebuilt the pipe organ, purchased land for parking, and strengthened the church’s facilities.

Rev. Robert Welling — Served 1996–2005; computerized the church, installed the elevator, and led major remodeling efforts.

Rev. Tom Jackson — Served 2006–2017; transitioned the church to a Board‑run leadership model, established the Bread & Word Ministry, and facilitated land donation for a community park.

Rev. Dr. Eddie J.O. Smith, Sr. — Serving 2017–present; remodeled and repainted the entire church, completed the community park, launched a community garden, strengthened state, city and community partnerships, created a state‑of‑the‑art website, added electronic giving, reopened the daycare, and rebranded the church as “The Lighthouse to the Community.”

Weekly Prayer Request

The Fentry Family, Karen Kaiser, Scott Harvey, John Ramsey, The Family of Travion Taylor and The Family of Thurman Teets.

Zumba w/ Suzanne: Is officially on summer break. Classes will pause for the season and resume later in the year. We hope you enjoy a safe, restful, and joy‑filled summer. Stay tuned for updates on our return date!

There will be Wednesday Night Dinner/Bible Study: Please note there was a typo in this week’s bulletin. Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study WILL take place this week at 6:00 p.m.

Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 6/25/26, 7/9/26, 7/30/26, 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.

Visiting Noah’s Ark & the Creation Museum: On the weekend of September 11–13, we are going on a church trip to Kentucky to visit the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. We’ll leave on Friday evening, spend Saturday exploring both attractions, and return either Saturday night or early Sunday morning in time for worship. If you’d like to be part of this meaningful and memorable weekend, please let Pam M. orTammy O. know. A sign‑up sheet is also available at the registration desk.