The 123rd Annual Session of the Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention, Inc. was held April 22-26 at the Old West Enrichment Center, Tallahassee, under the leadership of Eighth President Elder Dr. Chris A. Burney. Delegates from Miami to Pensacola attended the Session with the theme “Preparing for Greater” – Jeremiah 29:11.
The Mount Zion West Florida/Alabama/Louisiana, under the leadership of Moderator Ernest Williams, was the host for the Session and began the week with a lavish Welcome Reception for all delegates.
In addition to sermons and discussions elaborating on the Session’s theme, other events included: Pastors, Elders, Ministers Summit—“Translating Visions Into Reality;” “The Deacons and the Church Preparing for Greater;” “Being an Effective New Pastor and Minister in the Primitive Baptist Church”; Women of the Church – “Joy in the Journey to Greater” and “The Greater In Me.” The State of the Convention included updates on its properties: Miracle Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Miracle Village Senior Independent Living Facility, and Miracles in Me Day Care Center.
The Women’s Congress “King and Queen Contest” to support scholarships yielded a total of $17,000 with Deacon Verdee Patterson (West Palm Beach), Laymen’s Council President being crowned King and Sister Elaine Diaz (Miami) representing the Women of the Church Auxiliary was crowned Queen. Mother Twanna Jackson (Tallahassee) representing the Choir was the 2nd runner up. The Women’s Congress’ Annual Outreach of $1,500 was given to the Delta Academy in Pensacola—the hosting district.
In his address to the Convention, President Burney encouraged the delegates to “Hold on a little longer, Greater is coming.”
The awards of the Convention were presented as follows: Moses G. Miles Award to a minister was presented to Elder Lee Harris (Jacksonville); Lillian J. Brantley Award to a Women’s Congress member was presented to Mother Sandra Ming (Fort Meade); Tommie C. Daniels Award to a Laymen was presented to Deacon Izeal Battle (Cocoa); and the James Tookes Servant Award was presented to Brother Carl Smith (Cocoa). The Women’s Congress President’s Award was presented to Sister Esther Withers (Miramar).
Earlier in April, President Burney asked all delegates to bring a/some jar/s of Peanut Butter and Jelly to support WCTV’s PB&J Project to provide some food for students during the summer when school is not in session. Prior to Friday’s Closing Session, Julie Montanaro, evening news anchor for WCTV (CBS) and founder of the PB&J Project (in its 8th year) came to pick up the two large bins filled with PB&J, thanked the delegates for their support, and shared the history of the project.
Elder Brandon Mason, pastor at Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church, Pensacola, delivered the closing sermon. The 124th Session, 2025, is scheduled for Tampa being hosted by the South Florida District Association.
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