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Jubilarians Rev. Coleman Crawford Jr. (left), Oscar Jackson, Mary Jackson, Jean McClendon, Rev. R. W. McClendon and Evangelist Nettie B. Rogers. (Courtesy photo)
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Grace Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 50th church anniversary, the Golden Year of Jubilee, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008. The ram’s horn was blown calling the assembly together to celebrate 50 years of worshiping, witnessing, singing and praying. The sound of thanksgiving was heard from beginning to end through the anniversary litany, the prayer of recommitment and songs of praise.
The theme – “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” – has endured since the organizing of the church in 1958.
Rev. R. W. McClendon, the organizing pastor, served 3 ½ years as the first elected pastor. Pastor McClendon, now pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Detroit, preached the anniversary sermon.
Five of the original 22 members from 1958 were present for the celebration, including Rev. McClendon, Jean McClendon, Oscar Jackson Sr., Mary Jackson and Evangelist Nettie B. Rogers. The “Jubilarians” each received crystal medallions with the church’s new logo engraved with a “G” representing the name of the church and God’s grace, the praying hands and the cross encircled with the name of the church and the church’s theme scripture, “for we walk by faith and not by sight,” II Corinthians 5:7. A member of the church, Roy Burrow, designed the logo.
Rev. Coleman Crawford, Jr., pastor for 46 ½ years was recognized as he celebrated his 50th year of preaching. In addition, 18 members were recognized who had been with the church for more than 43 years: Rev. Crawford, Oscar Jackson Sr., Mary Jackson, Sandra Jackson Edwards, Joy Rogers Stout, James M. Rogers Sr., Dr. Inetta F. Rogers, Loverta Rogers Dorris, Carl E. Jefferson, Fannie Jo Turner, Vivian Turner, Judy P. Liggins, Rev. Charles I. Liggins II, Sheryl Liggins Stanback, Dr. Gregory Liggins I, Dorothy Davis, Tennessee Thaxton and Genease Thaxton.
A celebration dinner followed the worship service. Dr. Inetta F. Rogers served as chairperson of the Jubilee Celebration, along with Carl Jefferson as co-chairperson. Committee members included Girlie Brewer, Roy Burrow, Tracie Burrow, Judy P. Liggins, Mary Pilgram, Betty Thigpen, and Brenda Williams.
