Smiling faces and extended hands welcomed people as they walked through the doors of Long Hill Baptist Church on a recent Tuesday for the second night of its two-night revival meeting.

After individuals and families took their seats in the pews, Pastor Bob Hammond tried to get them into the spirit of things.   

“I encourage you all to grow tonight,” said Hammond, standing at the podium on the altar.  “I encourage you to allow Christ to change your hearts and minds."

Hammond thanked people for attending the service, and said the purpose was to bring people the desire to grow for the benefit of their faith. 

The meeting was dubbed “old-fashioned” because, Hammond said, revival meetings are a long standing tradition in the Baptist church. Hammond, who has been the church’s pastor for a year in January, said it is common to hold multi-night meetings.

The service took place as well on Monday where Pastor Ken Brooks of Calvary Independent Baptist Church, located in West Redding, spoke to the crowd. The church holds these meetings twice a year, in October and May.

“The purpose is to draw people to a closer relationship with Christ; that they have a relationship established and that it is growing,” said Hammond. 

Throughout Tuesday night, the crowd sang hymns and Pastor Keith Main of Galilean Baptist Church, Stafford Springs, also spread his message.

The hymn-list included “Have Thine Own Way Lord” by Long Hill Baptist Church member Tracy Gonzalez.  She said she was at the service with her three young daughters and mother. 

“This is definitely a place for family, for community,” said Gonzalez. “All sizes; all ages; all ethnicities.  There’s always food, fun, and the Lord.”

Gonzalez said she has been attending the church for 15 years, and met her husband during that time; they live in Bridgeport with their four children. 

Hammond said the church’s community is about 50 to 60 people, but that number is growing.  The church also has a teen group which meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday. 

“About 18 months ago, we averaged in the thirties on Sundays,” said Hammond, who has attended the church with his family since 1999. 

At the end, the crowd re-convened in the basement for trays of baked goods and conversation, food and fellowship. 

“It gets us together outside of Sunday services,” said Gonzalez.  “It gets you enthusiastic about worship.”