For the annual Women's Day Celebration at the Roosevelt Memorial Baptist Church, the color was red and the symbol was fire. The theme was � women in red, on fire for God.“

“We're trying to get 100 women to get the word out about God; 100 women ready to do God's work,“ said Ella Humphrey, mistress of ceremony for the event.

The special service was preceded by a banquet in the church hall.

As the room was being cleaned and the leftovers were being put away, the mood of the women and men who attended was one of expectation and optimism.

“The women here, their hearts are on fire,” Mary Lynch said.

“I'm hoping to see souls get saved,” added Karen Smith.

The church itself reflected the excitement of the congregation. The carpets are a deep red hue and the soft, pew cushions were a slightly brighter shade. A wooden cross above and behind the altar was illuminated with red lights, and four red banners hung on the wall. And of course there were also the people. Men, women and children were wearing red: skirts, shirts, shoes and purses; ties, slacks and jackets. They wanted their clothes to reflect the spiritual fire in their souls.

The present church building, at 101 Fitch Ave. in Auburn, was dedicated on June 30, 1974. News clippings and photo clips of the dedication service and the days leading up to it are on display in the church entranceway. The text of the dedication speech given by then Pastor Paul E. Thompson read, “This is one of the most significant hours this church has ever had.“

Robert E. Wilson has been the church's pastor since the death of the Rev. John Humphrey two years ago. He considered the 2006 Women's Day to be another special moment in the church's history.

“We enjoy God,” he said. “We're a Bible believing, Bible preaching church. Women have been the backbone of the body of Christ for years. We're

taking this time to honor our women. The color red shows the fire we have for the living God. If you get all the women together, they can accomplish anything. And God wants men and women to work together.”

The ladies of the church praise team, accompanied by piano and bass guitar, opened the afternoon service with an enthusiastic rendition of “O Magnify the Lord.” The congregation clapped and sang along. Music continued to be an important part of the celebration. The men and women of the choir had their turn to sing, and the pastor sat behind a drum set and played along.

After a reading from the Bible, Vicky Smith spoke for all of the women present when she prayed, “God, we want to do your will, we want to draw closer to you.”

Agnes Humphrey-Copes was invited to perform a musical selection. Before she sang, she said she wanted “to get her praise on today.” She used her powerful, beautifully toned voice to help everyone present to do the same as she sang, “What a Mighty God We Serve.” The music for this service was not just music to listen to, it was music to participate in. Everyone was touched by the music and joined in with clapping, singing, hand raising and “amen”-ing.

The printed program for the service included an inspirational poem by M.S.

Lowndes. The last line challenged the each of the ladies of the church to become “a woman of true excellence, bringing honor to her Lord.” The ladies may not quite have reached their goal of 100 present for the service, but they sang, danced and praised God as if there were 1,000 of them together.