Center Grove Separate Baptist Church

04/18/2026

We will not be having service at our location tomorrow, 4/19/2026. Many of us will be showing our support to Tyler as he gets baptized and joining their service. Hope to see you next week!

01/25/2026

We will be canceling services this morning (1/25/2026) due to dangerous temps and road conditions.

11/09/2025

Reminder that we are not having service this morning. We are joining Rock Prairies service.

09/10/2025

Please join us for our 48th annual Homecoming service on Sunday, September 21, 2025! We are welcoming Victorious Trio once again to bring the message through songs and testimonies. After the service there will be a pitch in dinner that you don’t even want to think about missing! We would love to see ya!

05/23/2025

There will not be service this Sunday. Please worship with friends or family or catch an online service. We love you all and hope to see you next week.

05/18/2025

Our sweet sweet Sister Mary. She will be missed by many.

Mary Frances Simmons, age 92 of Elwood, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at her home following a long well-lived life. She was born September 19, 1932 in Burkesville, Kentucky the daughter of Isom and Myrtle (Harvey) McIntyre. Mary worked for 13 years at RCA in Marion, and formerly at Brockway Glass in Lapel and Minnesota for several years. She also was a waitress and manager at different restaurants in Windfall. She was a long time member of Center Grove Baptist Church in Phlox. For many years, Mary was a representative for Avon and sold products to many people in Windfall and Elwood. She enjoyed listening to and following “The Disciples Quartet”, and was a southern gospel “groupie” known as a “Disciplette”. She loved planting flowers and strawberries and had numerous plants and flowers outside around her home. She also enjoyed embroidering, watching classic country videos, giving to others, supporting her family and friends, and reading her bible daily. Mary’s faith was paramount in her life, and she loved her family more than anything in the world.

Mary’s family includes 4 children, June Baker of Elwood, and Ron Baker of Meshoppen, PA, Janice (Ranny) Simmons of Elwood, and Barbara Rhoades of Sharpsville; 2 sisters, Bernice “Blondie” Johnson of Elwood, and Ruby Cosby of Elwood; 16 grandchildren, Jeremy Hiday, Josh (Sarah) Hiday, Jacob Hiday, Elizabeth Dye, Holly (Matt) Ge**er, Travis (Missy) Rhoades, Trent (Latasha) Rhoades, Tina Gill, Brian Richardson, Robin Richardson, Tony Richardson, Missy (Chris) Lewis, John (Theresa) Simmons, Mark (Sandra) Gaiser, Steve (Susan) Gaiser, and Mike (Teresa) Gaiser; 14 great-grandchildren, Brandon (Hailey) Hiday, Jocelyn Hiday, Donna Hiday, Sadie Hiday, Lucy Hiday, Rose Fougerousse, Lilliath Dye, Vincent Dye, Natalie Ge**er, Caleb Ge**er, Lauren Lassiter, Jalen (Aniston) Rhoades, Dylan Rhoades, and Wyatt Rhoades; several great great-grandchildren with one more on the way; daughter-in-law, Teresa King; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by parents; 1st husband, William Baker, Jr.; 2nd husband, Thomas Simmons; 3 daughters; Judy Hiday, Martha Kay Gustason-Richardson, and Judy Blackford; 3 siblings, Ed McIntyre, Mae Bowen, and Pearl Norris; and 4 grandchildren, Jason Hiday, Timmie Gaiser, Matthew Simmons, and Amy Rhoades.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Rick Shuler and Rev. Kim Ridenour officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery in Windfall. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital through the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.

Mary Frances Simmons, age 92 of Elwood, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at her home following a long well-lived life. She was born September 19, 1932 in Burkesville, Kentucky the daughter of Isom and Myrtle Harvey McIntyre. Mary worked for 13 years at RCA in Marion, and formerly at

02/16/2025

Our service for 2/16/2025 will be cancelled. Stay safe and warm! See you next week.

01/09/2025

We will be welcoming The Merideths this Sunday! Please join us for a special service of worship beginning at 11 am. It is sure to be a blessing.

12/20/2024

IMPORTANT UPDATE!
The singers are ill and will not be able to join us this Sunday. Please remember them in prayer and we will reschedule soon!

Come join us this Sunday! This Sunday, December 22, 2024, we will be welcoming The Meredith’s Gospel Group for a special singing. Please hoin us for a service full of fellowship and festive singing! We will get started at 11:00 am! Hope to see ya here!

10/12/2024

Charles "Chuck" Ray McSorley, 81, passed away October 4, at home, in Sebring, Florida. He was born June 19, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Allen and Essie (Spears) McSorley.

Chuck proudly served his country through a dedicated career in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam. His time in the military shaped his life, instilling in him a strong sense of discipline, commitment, and resilience that defined his character. After his military service, he moved to Florida, where he built a new chapter of his life.

He married the love of his life, Gladys Eldridge McSorley on December 13, 1965, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. They were married 58 wonderful years.

He was a man of many talents, known for his intelligence, dedication, and hardworking nature. He took great pride in having built his own home and was skilled in woodworking, a craft that reflected his careful attention to detail. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching movies, often finding comfort and relaxation in these pastimes.

He was a proud member of the Masons of Lake Wales, Florida. He was also a proud member Center Grove Baptist Church in Phlox, Indiana; where him and Gladys spent several summers.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys; his son, Allen; and his daughter, Melody Johnson (Nathan). He was also a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers; Paul, and Russell; and a sister, Ernestine.

Chuck will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his family, and his craft, leaving behind a legacy of strength, talent, and love.. May he rest in peace.

Services for Chuck will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 1:00pm until 2:00pm; a funeral ceremony will begin at 2:00pm. Immediately following the funeral, a committal service will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, where Chuck will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Samaritans Purse in honor of Charles' service and commitment to his fellow veterans.