A Man With a Heart for God: New Philadelphia Baptist Celebrates Pastor Dennis Dow’s 17th Anniversary
On Sunday, June 28th, New Philadelphia Church Baptist at 5452 South State Street in Chicago gathered to celebrate a milestone 17 years in the making — the Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor Dennis Dow and First Lady Bonnie Dow. The theme, drawn from Proverbs 20:5, said it all: A Man With a Heart for God.
The guest preacher for the occasion was Rev. Dr. LaRue Kidd of True Light Church Baptist, who brought the Word to a congregation full of gratitude and praise.
“I cannot stand church folks because they keep up a lot of mess. I don’t like the way they look, dress, and act. However, to a member today who just started coming to church, I want you to understand there is a difference between church folks and Christians. I have love for Christians; they are true believers,” Pastor LaRue confessed.
The anniversary was marked by heartfelt testimonies from those whose lives have been shaped by Pastor Dow’s ministry — and few were more powerful than the one delivered by Will, the church’s organist.
Will spoke openly about his personal struggles, including a time when he found himself facing legal trouble that could have derailed his life entirely. He received O.R. bond — released on his own recognizance without paying a dime — when others in similar situations did not receive bail at all.
“I can’t say I got out for free,” he told the congregation, “because I know Jesus paid the price.”
When Will returned, Pastor Dow wrestled with the decision to bring him back — but said the Lord kept pressing on his heart to do it. Will expressed deep public gratitude for that act of faith.
“I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t listen to the Lord. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
He also spoke to the quiet lessons he learned simply by watching Pastor Dow — his patience, his slow-to-anger spirit, his discipline. At one point, both men used to step outside together to smoke. One day, Will noticed Pastor Dow had simply stopped.
“I asked him how he did it. He said, ‘Cold turkey — it wasn’t nothing but the Lord.'” That moment, Will said, was the motivation he needed to quit too.
Others who spoke reflected on the depth of Pastor Dow’s influence — on their ministries, their families, and their faith. One minister recalled a friendship that stretched back generations, rooted in a small town called Robbins, Illinois. Another shared memories of First Lady Bonnie Dow, praising her fierce love and loyal heart.
“First Lady, do not play with her,” She said with a smile. “If she loves you, she will defend you. If she loves you, she will take care of you.”
Pastor Dow himself reflected on 17 years of leading a congregation through seasons of change — including the COVID-19 pandemic, when the doors of the church were closed but the praise never stopped. Organist Brother Lacey showed up faithfully, and the ministry carried on through social media and the small sanctuary where a dedicated few kept worship alive.
“The Lord has been faithful,” Pastor Dow said. “We went through some changes, but God never stopped showing up.”
Seventeen years of faithful shepherding. A congregation full of living testimonies. And a pastor whose heart for God has made all the difference.
Congratulations, Pastor Dennis Dow and First Lady Bonnie Dow.
