Pastor Mark Emke and his wife, Linda of the Open Door Baptist Church in Cassadaga. The pair is celebrating 25 years of ministry. Submitted photo

CASSADAGA — Pastor Mark and Linda Emke are celebrating 25 years of ministry at Open Door Baptist Church in Cassadaga.

Both are natives of the Kennedy area. Pastor Mark graduated from Randolph Central School while Linda is a graduate of Kennedy Christian Academy.

During their college years, the Emkes ministered at Southlake Fundamental Baptist Church in Crown Point, Ind. While there, Pastor Mark preached, directed Junior Church, and participated in a bus ministry for Crown Point’s youth. While studying at Crown Point’s Hyles-Anderson College, he participated in a Bible Club ministry, ministered to sailors at Great Lakes Naval Base near Chicago, Ill., and was a bus driver for the Pathfinders — a ministry for disabled adults.

Pastor Mark is actively involved in the community and currently works for the Dunkirk/Fredonia Meals on Wheels.

Linda earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Liberty Baptist College, now Liberty University, in Lynchburg, Va. She supervises, tutors and teaches children’s and nursery groups. She also assists in the creation of church bulletins. She is equally active in the children’s Christmas programs and can be heard playing piano during church services.

Pastor Mark and Linda arrived at Open Door in 1993.

During his time Pastor Mark has overseen many improvements to the church property. In 1999, an addition was completed that included a baptistry, changing rooms, and six Sunday School classrooms.

Recent additions include an illuminated sign facing Route 60, a new septic system and updated handicap restrooms. In addition, a Prophet’s Chamber provides housing for travelling missionaries and Evangelist.

A Missions Conference is held annually in March. During the conference, missionaries supported by Open Door speak about their work. The conference also works to spread the gospel through personal, home and foreign missions.

Faith Promise Missions supports missions at home and abroad. There are now 19 missionaries the Open Door helps to support missions at home and abroad. Linda is equally active in creating bulletin boards for them.

Pastor Mark and Open Door were instrumental in establishing New Beginnings Baptists Church in Kennedy. It is now officiated by Pastor Mike Herdzik and his family.

The Emkes have two children: a daughter Amber Grover and a son Andrew of Cassadaga and Dunkirk respectively.

Videos and pictures from the Emke’s tenure will be shown and refreshments will be served. The public is welcome to attend. In addition, an anniversary service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Service times are Sunday mornings 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. A evening service is also provided at 6 p.m.

A nursery and handicap parking is available.

For more information call 595-2535 or visit Open Door Baptist Church on Facebook.