WOONSOCKET - First Baptist Church, 298 Blackstone St., will commemorate its 175th anniversary with a three-day celebration May 9-11.

On Friday, May 9, a praise service takes place at 7 p.m. and will be dedicated to youth. The theme is "Step Into the Future," and guest speaker will be the Rev. George Anne Famuyiro of Beloved Tabernacle Church of God, Providence. Program emcees will be Ray and Andrea Rivera.

Music will be provided by the First Baptist Youth, St. James Baptist Church Youth Choir, Beacon Avenue Church of God Youth Choir, Manna Praise team from Cranston, the Jeffries Singers and Beloved Tabernacle Youth Choir.

The public is welcome.

On Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tours of the church, with its 118-year-old stained glass windows and organ, and the viewing of church artifacts that date back to 1833 will take place. A Bible study will be held at 11 a.m. and Seasonings, a praise and worship vocal band, performs in concert at 1:30 p.m.

A private dinner at 6 p.m. in the Broaster House Restaurant continues the celebration, followed by an evening worship.

The 175th anniversary service is scheduled for Sunday, May 11 at 11 a.m. Worship leaders will be Senior Deacon Lixander Montalvo and Deacon Jo-Ann Buteau. Pastor Dorian Parker will offer a sermon, and a welcoming address and a history of the church will be offered by Susyn Montecalvo.

Refreshments will be served in the parish hall following services.

Present and former church members wanting to share their experiences are asked to contact the anniversary committee by mailing their thoughts to the Anniversary Committee, 298 Blackstone St., Woonsocket, RI, 02895, or e-mailing churchtogo@aol.com.