Kabankalan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, celebrated its centennial anniversary with a two-day event themed “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness for a Century” on March 21-22, 2025.
The message of salvation first arrived in Kabankalan in 1924 when four missionaries from the municipality of Ilog came to share the good news of God’s love.
On March 25, 1925, the first baptism was held, welcoming 49 souls into the church. Through faith and prayers, the ministry continued to thrive with Bible studies and cottage meetings every Sabbath afternoon. The church community grew and was nurtured under the leadership of the first pastor, Pastor Fausto Cornada. During World War II, some members fled to the mountains, yet by God’s grace, both the church and its members persevered.
As the congregation grew, church members and leaders decided to expand the building. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church took place on April 12, 2015.
This centennial celebration featured administrators from the Southern Asia Pacific Division and the Negros Occidental Conference. Pastor Mamerto Guingging, associate executive secretary of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, emphasized during the vespers service, “The reason we are celebrating is because of God’s grace.”
He encouraged the attendees that if they had received God’s grace, they should strive to give their best, as God expects nothing less from them.
Church members from various districts gathered to worship and commemorate a significant occasion, drawing attendance from many pioneers, former pastors, and visitors. During the Sabbath School program, Evin Villaruben, associate treasurer of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, inspired the congregation with a message: “We are commissioned to fulfill the mission. We must proclaim the gospel and pray for strength and perseverance.”
One of the celebration’s highlights was the acceptance of 16 individuals into the faith. The church was filled with lively music performed by singers from various congregations, with contributions from the youth, women, and men, creating a spirited atmosphere reflecting God’s faithfulness to His children.
The celebration culminated in a motorcade that included nearly one hundred vehicles—35 motorcycles, 22 sidecars, and 24 private cars.
Jemriel Esconde, the district leader of Kabankalan, expressed his gratitude to everyone who dedicated their time and effort to make this celebration a success.
Pastor Guingging concluded an interview about this event by stating, “Each celebration is a reminder of the coming of Jesus Christ.”
Stephanie Loriezo, Negros Occidental Conference
The article’s original version was published on the official Facebook page of Negros Occidental Conference.