THE HISTORY OF SECOND UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

The Second Union Baptist Church was founded in February 1951 by the Late Reverend William Lloyd Watts. Reverend Watts possessed a zeal that was more pronounced than the ordinary man. He was the son of Salem Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and was ordained at the tender age of twenty-four. Reverend Watts pastored many churches in Virginia including St. Stephens Baptist Church, Little Forest Baptist Church, and Good Hope Baptist Church. He had many fruitful years in the ministry.

Reverend Watts gave up his churches in Virginia and headed his ship toward the city, dropped anchor, and disembarked here in Washington, D.C. A few months later, Rev. Watts received a phone call from a very dear friend, Mrs. Gatewood, who wanted him to conduct a Revival Service for a month in memory of the Late Rev. Gatewood. He readily consented.

The Revival was held in a little room on 4^th Street, N.W. with only four people the first night, Rev. William Watts, Sister Julia Watts, Deacon Moses Watts, and Sister Bernice Watts. By the third night, the room was filled to capacity every night. The meeting was a soul stirring, spiritual success.

One evening, Rev. Watts received a phone call from his friend, Reverend R.E. Cabbell, who told Rev. Watts that he had a dream that Rev. Watts was pastoring a church in Washington, D.C. This was quite inspiring to Rev. Watts because he had received a number of Candidates for Baptism and several requests for him to become their pastor.

The success of the Revival and the pastoral request made Rev. Watts realize that this was the Master’s desire for him; and so was the beginning of Second Union Baptist Church.

Second Union stayed on 4^th Street, N.W. for several months until the little room began to overflow. Our Pastor, with one Ordained Deacon, Deacon Moses Watts, set out to look for a larger place. After a few weeks, the search ended. SUBC moved into 1628 – 11^th Street, N.W. and remained there for two years.

In those two years, Rev. Watts baptized, trained, and ordained five additional Deacons - Robert Watts, Joseph Richards, Leo Toliver, Theodore Muse and Herbert Payton (the first Superintendent of Sunday School; and one Trustee – Brother Joseph Maiden.

Sister Shirley Watts become the first Church Clerk. The Usher Board was organized with Deaconess Pearl Payton as President. The Senior Chorus was organized with Sister Delores Thompson as the Directress and Sister Bettie Carter as the pianist.

During that time, the rent was raised three times and the congregation was very unhappy. So Pastor Watts and the Officers met and decided to search for a suitable place to purchase. Second Union needed a permanent home. In 1954, a new home was purchased, 1201 N. Street, N.W. The first most fitting words were those of Deacon Moses Watts, “This Is the Place.”

The building was renovated to make it a suitable sanctuary for the service of the Lord. During the years, the sanctuary was remodeled as needed with new doors, new pulpit furniture, new pews, remodeled the kitchen, dining area, and the Pastor’s Study. The Church had a growing building fund and 18 active auxiliaries.

Through the years, several Deacons and Deaconess were trained and ordained to the Joint Board. In 1962, a Gospel Chorus was organized by Deacon Moses Watts, Sister Nancy Watts, and Deacon Robert Watts. The group ended when the pianist left for another church. Many members have come and gone, some to other churches, some from whence they came, and some to that home not made by hand. The greatest loss of all was our Pastor and Founder, Rev. William Lloyd Watts on August 10, 1974. At the time of his passing, the building at 1201 N. Street, N.W. was “Paid in Full”, a growing New Church Fund had been instituted solely for the purpose of obtaining a new church, and Rev. Watts was also Pastoring the New Monrovia Baptist Church in Colonial Beach, Virginia, his home church.

In Remembrance of our late Pastor and Founder- Reverend William Lloyd Watts

“I have planted, Apollo’s watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God...” (1Corinthians 3:6-9)

The Reverend William Wright, who had assisted Reverend Watts for several years, worked faithfully with the Officers and the Church during its bereavement. The Moses of Second Union was gone, and a Joshua had to be found.

Brother Norman Watts, the Church Clerk, was appointed Moderator by the Official Board. A Pulpit Committee was formed and the members were Sister Gloria Burks, Chairman, Deacon Grady Wilson, Deacon Moses Watts, Sister Etta Harley, Sister Lillie Marshburn, Sister Elizabeth Macombson, Sister Eva Campbell, and Brother Richard Watts. After a number of interviews and meetings, a man of God was sent to Second Union. On February 4, 1977, Reverend Joseph B. Spann of Washington, D.C. became the Pastor of Second Union Baptist Church.

The Rev. Joseph B. Spann “picked up the staff and continued watch over the restless sheep as Joshua did when the Lord’s servant, Moses, went home to rest.” He was a gentle, kind, loving man of God. A man of integrity, a man of peace, faith, and wisdom who possessed God’s gift to preach and teach.

Rev. Spann’s twenty-three year leadership was filled with numerous opportunities and many spiritual victories. Under Rev. Spann’s training, Brother Norman Watts was ordained as a Deacon on November 27, 1977. Also, on July 19, 1980, a son was born to Second Union with the Ordination of Reverend Clifton Mock.

With a zeal for a better Temple for our Lord, the Second Union family set sail for a new port. On February 19, 1984, Second Union moved into our new home at 1107 Delaware Avenue, S.W. The move culminated in a grand motorcade to our new home. We marched in singing, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” This was the beginning of glorious day of worship with a packed audience for friends, family, and members all celebrating our victory with us. Our Pastor, in his joy, cried out, “It’s amazing how the Lord Provides.”

Through the Guidance and Leadership of Our Pastor – Rev. Joseph B. Spann: 147 new members have come into the fold thru Baptism, Christian Experience, and Reinstatements; 15 active auxiliaries; Renovations included roof repair, painting sanctuary, new carpeting, installed stained glass windows, cushions for the pews, refinished the pews, new stove and refrigerator for the dining area, purchased hymnals, bibles, beautiful gold candles and bible and bible holder for the Communion Table and the Pastor Study.

The most glorious blessing of all was the burning of the Mortgage on Sunday, February 15, 1987. The event was presided over by Rev. Fleet, M.C. and the sermon was given by Rev. Maxwell Washington and congregation.

In 1988, the dining areas were renovated and a typewriter and file cabinet were purchased. Second Union was continuously thanking God for His many, many blessings. Our goal was to build a better Temple for our Lord, and in the words of our Pastor, “This is not the Promised Land, we just stepped out of the wilderness.”

On December 31, 1987, we lost one of the pillars of Second Union, Deacon Moses Watts, Chairman of the Deacon Board. He boarded the Heaven Bound Train and went on home to rest. On September 1, 1988, we lost one of the sons of Second Union, Rev. Clifton Mock. He left his footprints in the Sands of Time here at Second Union. “Live in Peace, and the God of love and peace and joy shall be with you.”

On Saturday, March 7, 1992, Second Union celebrated its first Banquet for the Church and Pastor at the Days Inn, 2700 New York Avenue, N.E. The occasion was a beautiful success and the lord really blessed us.

Pastor Spann brought Second Union Baptist Church to the beginning of the year 2000. However, because of his health, Pastor Spann retired in May 2000 and became Pastor Emeritus of Second Union until he entered glory on August 19, 2005.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

The Lord sent Reverend James Butts to Second Union to be a helper to Reverend Spann; he became the Church’s Assistant Pastor in February 2000 by unanimous vote. Reverend Spann saw the Lord working through Reverend Butts and saw how our Church was growing spiritually and in membership. At a Church Meeting in May 2000, Reverend Spann recommended and it was voted unanimously that Reverend James Butts become Pastor of Second Union Baptist Church.

Pastor Butts recognized that there was much work to be done at Second Union. Hence, he originated our Church Theme: “So Much to Do, So Little Done.” With the help of our Lord and Savior and the involvement of our members, we have accomplished the following under our Pastor’s leadership:

ESTABLISHED OUTREACH PROGRAMS TO THE COMMUNITY

Second Union serves as a distribution point for the Share Program. Each month members of our congregation purchase one or more Share packages to be distributed to needy families in our community as well as in our Church. The need increases each month and we recognize that there is a growing need.

Every third Saturday in the month Second Union gives away free produce, in cooperation with the Washington Area Gleaners. Church members and the Community are welcome to pick up free produce.

Second Union sponsored a Clothes Giveaway & Puppet Show for the community. Members of our Church willingly donated clothes for the clothes giveaway. The Lord blessed us with good participation and success. The Clothes Giveaway is an annual event in late spring or at the beginning of summer.

Each month Second Union delivers small kits containing personal toiletries to the residents of the Randall Homeless Shelter. The members of our congregation contribute the items to be included in the kit. The Deacons of Second Union held Bible Class at Randall Shelter every Tuesday at 4 p.m. until they closed the shelter in fall of 2004. In the summer of 2001, Second Union, together with Teen Challenge, held their first outside community Worship Service. The Service, which was open to everyone in the Community, was a great success and a blessing for everyone.

Second Union is on call, as needed for assistance for “My Father’s House” a home for unwed mothers. Second Union has established a Hair Cutting Ministry that is open to everyone in the Community every other Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. and on the 4^th Saturday after Men’s Fellowship. Brother Jonathan Cooper donates his time and effort to this ministry at no charge.

                       BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER MINISTRY

Second Union has established an Outreach Ministry with the Stoddard Baptist Home to fellowship with them one Sunday each month; Worship Services begin with Sunday School at 9:30 AM, Devotional 10:45 and Regular Service at 11:00 AM.

Second Union now has an active and growing Bible Study Class and Prayer Meeting every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. In addition, we also have Weekly Prayer every Wednesday at 12:00 Noon which is lead by our Prayer Band Ministry. Second Union has Senior Bible Study with the seniors at the Greenleaf Senior Building every Wednesday at 3:30 PM.

The Deacons and Deaconess unite in Prayer on the 3^rd Sunday of each month at 8:30 A.M. for our Church, Officers, and members.

Second Union has established a Youth Bible Study group.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY

Our Pastor has established a Leadership Development Training Course and a New Member Development Training Course. Both courses serve to educate our members in understanding the background of the Baptist Church and our responsibilities to the Church. We also have Training Classes for Deacons, Deaconess, and Trustees.

Second Union has established a Women’s Ministry, to deal with issues that women are concerned about and have monthly fellowship gatherings to learn about the Women of the Bible. Women’s Ministry has fellowship every three months.

We have also established a Men’s Ministry. The men on occasion have been known to walk the streets of the community witnessing to everyone in need and spreading the word. The Men distribute all information to the community about Town Meetings, community functions and any events in which the community can be involved.

We have organized a Youth Sunday School group, the Youth learn about the word of God and learn arts and craft skills. In the summer of 2001, Second Union started a Summer Vacation Bible School that usually meets for one week.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Second Union has established a Youth Ministry; Our Youth have the Fourth Sunday of every month to lead the Devotional and Worship Services. The Youth have a wonderful Husband and Wife team to work with them. The Church sponsors fellowship outings to skating, bowling amusement parks, Broadway and Gospel Plays, cookouts and other planned activities for our Youth. Minister Jerome Williams and his wife also lead and conduct our Youth Bible Study Groups.

SECURITY MINISTRY

We have installed an alarm system. In addition, we have also installed sensor lights in the front on each side of the Church. The Church also has a security officer.

VIDEO & AUDIO MINISTRY

A Video and Audio Ministry has been organized to record our worship and fellowship services.

                                 NURSES MINISTRY

We have established a Nurses Ministry, on the 2^nd Sunday of each month the Nurses Ministry has a station set up to monitor and check member’s blood pressure and pulse during Morning Worship Service and keeps all information on file and confidential.

PRAISE MINISTRY

We have established “Moments of Praise” during our regular Morning Worship Service, and also have a wonderful Liturgical Dance Ministry organized and lead by Sister Yummy Tyler.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Second Union Baptist Church has established a monthly newsletter “The Sun” which educates the members on what is happening around the Church and the Community.

Only Because of Great Leadership

Under the Leadership of Pastor Butts our Deacons and Deaconess after training and classes, were ordained and received a Certification of Document stating that they are Officials of The Second Union Baptist Church.

Pastor Butts’ leadership has also lead to the ordination of two Associate Ministers, Reverend William Harrison, and Reverend Maxine Johnson. These events were a first for Second Union.

In November of 2002, Second Union Baptist Church had a Service of Investiture to Honor Pastor Butts and acknowledges his Degree of Divinity that he now holds; Pastor Butts became The Reverend Doctor James Butts.

In March and April 2003, Second Union Baptist Church had one of its Deacon and one of its Deaconess to answer Gods call and become Associate Ministers Jerome Williams and Virginia Valentine.

The Second Union Baptist Church celebrated its 50^th Anniversary of the Church and 1^st Anniversary for the Pastor on Sunday, March 18, 2001 at the Bolling Air Force Base.

The Second Union Baptist Church celebrated its first Ecumenical Service. The Joint Palm Sunday Worship: Procession with Palms was held on Sunday, April 8, 2001. The Procession included members from three Churches: Christ United Methodist Church, Second Union Baptist Church, and St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

Second Union Baptist Church has grown in membership, but nothing can out number the amount of Love, Knowledge, Teaching and Preaching we have accumulated since we have been under Pastor Butts’ Leadership.

Reverend Dr. James Butts was taken from his flock suddenly after only six short years of love, guidance, and leadership. He went home to glory on June 1, 2006.

SECOND UNION STARTS OVER

On Thursday, June 1, 2006, Deacon Earl Nolton, Chairman of the Deacon Board, was appointed to oversee the business of the church until a Pastor was elected to Second Union. Deacon Nolton stepped up to the plate and maintained the business of the church along with the Deacon Board, Reverend Harrison, and Reverend Anderson

God in His infinite wisdom gave us the help and tenacity to deal with the situation. When meeting with the Deacons, we discussed what was needed to sustain the progress of the church. We were in deep prayer for spiritual guidance.

Several ministers were consulted for guidance. These ministers included Reverend Dr. Clark Houston, an Interim Pastor Specialist; Reverend Fleet, an experienced wise man of the cloth; Dr. John McCoy, President of the Washington Baptist Seminary; Reverend Dr. Fitzgerald, Dean of the Washington Baptist Seminary; Dr. Jamie Terrell, Vice-President of the Washington Baptist Seminary; and Reverend Dr. Willie Lawson, seventeen year Pastor and Teacher of Mount Paran Baptist Church. After consulting with these great men of God, we felt very confident about the path that should be taken.

On July 14, 2006, Deacon Norman Watts was voted to head up the Pulpit Committee which will be responsible for conducting a search for a Pastor for Second Union Baptist Church. Deacon Watts, a Senior Deacon of Second Union, accepted the responsibility to select the seven committee members and to oversee the process of choosing a new Pastor for Second Union. Deacon Watts is a man of high spirits and has great interest in the business and needs of the church and congregation. He helped the Deacon Board to continue God’s services to proceed right and in order after the death of Pastor Butts. Because of his experience, knowledge of church regulations and God’s word, Deacon Watts was the perfect choice to oversee the Pulpit Committee.

On October 13, 2006, during a church meeting, Deacon Nolton made a motion that Reverend William Harrison serve as the Interim Pastor. The motion was carried and second unanimously. Reverend Lawrence Anderson explained the duties of an Interim Pastor to the congregation. Reverend Harrison made a heart felt acceptance speech and joy abounded once again.

The church again experienced some changes; some members resigned from their auxiliary posts and others totally left the church. But God is truly good and we were now on the path that God chose for us. The work of the church was progressing harmoniously and at a steady pace. Reverend Harrison, Deacon Earl Nolton and the Deacon Board, and Reverend Anderson all worked for the greater good of the church.

We thank God for leading us and providing us with wisdom, courage, and understanding and the ability to serve in the capacity of church overseer. To God Be the Glory.

On Wednesday, November 29, 2006, Deacon Norman Watts met with the selected committee members at Second Union. He charged and informed them of their duties. The persons selected were: Willie Mae Pollock (Nurse), Annie Dillard (Deaconess/Trustee), John Boatwright (Deacon), Glover Gamble (Nurse), Stephanie Culver (Church Secretary), Ronald Jackson (Trustee Chairman), and Sister Shirley L. Brown.

The committee was given an envelope packet from Deacon Watts with suggested principles, procedures, and guidelines from a manual for Pastors Search Committee entitled, “After the Pastor Leaves, When Another Comes,” by J. William Harbin. Deacon Watts left the meeting and the duty for us to complete. Shirley Brown was voted as Chairman and Stephanie Culver was voted as Secretary. The committee held hand in a prayer circle, praying for complete guidance and His continued presence. The meeting was adjourned with another meeting date set for 12/6/06.

On December 6, 2006, all committee members were present. We set rules for ourselves:

1. A covenant through prayer was made between the seven and God to keep the business right, in order, and pleasing to God.

2. A discussion was held as to how to accomplish our task.

3. A questionnaire from Chairman Brown was distributed to determine how and where to begin our tasks.

4. A criterion for our Pastor was agreed upon.

5. We put our minds and hearts together honestly, prayerfully, and using common sense.

6. Applications were prepared by the Secretary to be sent to inquiring ministers.

Three resumes were received but applications from SUBC needed to be completed and returned to the committee. Applications were sent certified with self addressed stamped envelopes to each of the inquiries. Only one application was returned. Nine other calls came in and applications were sent certified to each of them. No further response was received. Some wanted to know the salary or if moving expenses were available. Most inquiries were from Virginia.

The committee all agreed on the criteria for our Pastor should be one with a shepherd’s heart. One who will do all he can to protect the sheep (meaning us). Gently and patiently guiding them safely. Teaching and preaching God’s word, keeping lives correct with scripture in God’s sight. One with humility, Christian brotherly love. One who is prayerful, faithful, dependable, and respectful to all ages.

On April 3, 2006, the committee met with Reverend Harrison to interview him and discuss concerns. After the interview, we realized we had such a shepherd in Reverend William Harrison. Every question or concern the committee had, Reverend Harrison answered with confidence and Great Spirit.

Committee members and Reverend Harrison closed the interview/meeting on one accord with joy and relief.

On April 22, 2007, the committee met with the Joint Board after the Sunday Morning church service. The committee’s findings were presented. The report was accepted and all was on one accord. The committees’ findings were then presented to the church body on May 4, 2007.

On Friday, May 4, 2007, a special church meeting was called. The report from the Pulpit Committee was read and accepted by the congregation with glad hearts and minds. It was motioned, second, accepted, and carried that Reverend William Harrison would be our new Pastor by all.

Reverend William Harrison made his acceptance speech and extended a heartfelt thank you to the Pulpit Committee. Reverend Harrison’s first act as Pastor was to appoint Reverend Lawrence Anderson, Sr. as Assistant to the Pastor.

REVEREND WILLIAM HARRISON

INTERIM PASTOR OFFICIAL ACTS FOR SECOND UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

On Friday, October 13, 2006, the Church held a Special Meeting for the purpose of discussing Reverend William Harrison for consideration as Interim Pastor for Second Union Baptist Church. He was voted in unanimously by the church members present.

Rev. Harrison thanked the officers and members for the vote of confidence that they reposed in him for the position of Interim Pastor. Also, he thank them for their trust in his ability to oversee the Administration of the church’s affairs and spiritual well being until a permanent Pastor could be elected and installed. As his first official act, he appointed Reverend Lawrence E. Anderson, Sr. as Assistant to Pastor. Secondly, he implemented a Historical Committee for the purpose of conducting research pertaining to our church’s real history. Sister Patricia Gore was appointed Historian and charge with the responsibility of documenting all information discussed and researched by the Historical Committee members. Thirdly, Rev. Harrison appointed Brother Ronald Jackson as Acting Chairperson of the Trustee Board and Sister Patricia Gore as Treasurer.

On November 29, 2007, Rev. Harrison met with members of the Deacon Board to share with them the need to re-organize the Trustee Board since the month of December 2006 represented the end of officers’ terms for Trustee Board members. They agreed. As a result, Rev. Harrison prepared an official letter on official church letterhead dated November 30, 2006 thanking Sister Gladys Mack for her service as Chair of the Trustee Board over the past two years. Also, he presented Deaconess Alta Wilson with a letter of thanks for services rendered as Treasurer for previous years. All Auxiliary Ministries, officer’s positions were also declared vacated and new officers were elected to include the Deacon and Deaconess Boards.

In January 2008, after much prayer, Reverend William Harrison was led to select a new Church Theme: “Letting go of the Old and Clinging to the New”. The purpose of the new theme was to assist the members with closure as a result of our late Pastor, Reverend Doctor James Butts passing on June 1, 2006 and to heal the departure of a few members that left. Vision 2007 was implemented for the purpose of encouraging members to donate to assist with renovation of expenses for the downstairs bathrooms, Fellowship Hall and Dining area. This vision was given by GOD to beautify his house on the basement level. On January 14, 2007, the church hosted its Annual Installation of Officers pursuant to the regular tradition over previous years.

February of 2007, Second Union Baptist Church experienced a milestone in the history of our church. We celebrated our 56^th Church Anniversary from February 21, 2007 thru February 23, 2007. The Church Anniversary Banquet was held on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at the Capitol Skyline Inn. The guest speaker for the banquet was Second Union’s own, Pastor S. Maxine Johnson of Redeeming Word of Life Church.

April 25, 26 & 27, 2007, the Women’s Ministry hosted its first ever, Spring Revival which was a tremendous success. Reverend Loraine Gary of the Fountain of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. was the guest speaker.

May 16, 17, & 18, 2007, the church hosted its regular Spring Revival which was also successful based on attendance and the outstanding sermons that were preached by visiting Pastors. This revived the members again so that we could run the race with patience and determination a little while longer.

REVEREND WILLIAM HARRISON

OFFICIAL PASTORAL ACTS FOR SECOND UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

On May 4, 2007, the church held a Special Church Meeting for the purpose of hearing the members of the Pulpit Committee report and recommendation for Pastor. Reverend Harrison excused himself from the meeting for the presentation of the report. Upon returning, Deacon Norman Watts who was appointed Chair of the Pulpit Selection Committee officially informed Rev. Harrison that the church members unanimously elected him as Pastor of Second Union Baptist Church. He thanked the members for their confidence and vote and gave a brief speech to spiritually encourage all present. Deacon in-training, John Boatwright was appointed as his official Armor Bearer. He was also appointed chair of thee Sick Committee. Since his appointments he has performed his duties well.

On June 3, 2007, Reverend W. W. Flood, 92 years of age, Pastor of Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church of Southeast, Washington, DC delivered the Annual Friends and Family Day Message. The highlight for the month of June was the Pastor’s Pre-Installation Services for Rev. Harrison which commenced on June 6, 7 & 8, 2007. On Sunday, June 10, 2007, the Installation Service was held which packed the church to maximum capacity with members, friends and visitors alike who attended for the purpose of witnessing this great occasion in the life of our church.

A moving Sermon was delivered by the Reverend Doctor Randolph Fitzgerald of Iconium Baptist Church of Capitol Heights, Maryland. His inspirational sermon was entitled “Power for One Hour”. We can truly say that the presence of the Lord was in our church on this day.

During the month of July 2007, Deaconess Shirley Brown hosted Vacation Bible School for our children. Although, there were not many children in attendance, Deaconess Brown reports that she and her staff truly enjoyed the kids. Thanks goes out to her and her staff for a job well done. Also, during this month, the church hosted its Annual Picnic on the church’s front lawn for the first time. It was chaired by Sister Mattie Callahan. Expressions of Appreciation also goes out to her as well for a job well done.

The month of August 2007 was designated as Vacation month for the Pastor. However, since Rev. Harrison was recently elected and installed as Pastor and knowing that the church had important business that needed his attention, First Lady, Deaconess Judy F. Harrison and Rev. Harrison did not go on vacation. Our “Noon Day Prayer Service” has been a Blessing under the leadership of Deaconess Annie Dillard and her assistant, Deacon John Boatwright.

In September 2007,our church had its “First Annual Fellowship Service of Brothers in-Christ Forever” in Wilmington, NC with Mount Roaney Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Reverend Willie R. Powell. Rev. Harrison preached the word and a good time and fellowship was had by all who went to Wilmington.

The Fellowship Hall and downstairs bathrooms were renovated between September and November of 2007. A very special thanks to Brother Ronald Jackson, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Trustee Thelma Johnson, Deacon John Boatwright, Brother John Taylor, and others who worked on the Fellowship Hall renovation committee. They have done a marvelous job and saved our church a lot of money. We thank GOD for them.

Most of the Ministries that were detailed under the term of Pastor James Butts are still in place today. We extend a special thank you to Trustee Monique Brown who stepped in and continued the Youth Ministry and the Liturgical Ministry. She has really blessed this church with her talent and dedication. We also thank Reverend Lawrence Anderson, Assistant to the Pastor, for his instruction and direction in the New Member’s Class Training.

October was designated as Pastor’s Appreciation Month. A special thanks to the members for all of their cards, prayers and support. November 2007 was primarily observed as the month to give thanks for the many blessings GOD has bestowed upon each of us and to share Thanksgiving Day with family members, friends and others. The highlight for the month of November was the “Thanksgiving Baskets” that our church gave to needed families this outreach effort was chaired by Minister Virginia Valentine. Thanks goes out to Minister Valentine for a job well done. The auxiliary gave away over 125 turkeys to families on behalf of our church.

As each of us have truly been Bless by GOD to enter the month of December 2007, we simply say to GOD on behalf of his Sheep at this Branch of Zion, Hallelujah and thank you JESUS for giving us the many “Blessings we been waiting for”.