Written by Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
On Sunday, March 27, Mt Hermon AME Church Fort Lauderdale celebrated the Investiture Service welcoming Rev. Henry E. Green, III as its 33rd pastor. The remarkably historic event was noteworthy for several reasons: Pastor Trae, as he is affectionately known, is replacing his father, the Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Celebrated Central District, who pastored Mt. Hermon the previous 8 years; it’s the first appointment where the son becomes his father’s immediate successor; and the manifestation of love and community support characterizing the well-attended affair. The worship leader was the inimitable, indefatigable Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Westside Gazette publisher. Representation included not only church auxiliaries like the Women’s Missionary Society, the Pulpit Aide Board, the Sons of Allen male ministry, the Lay Organization and the Mt. Hermon Historical Society led by Sister Katherine McNair and daughter Jona Brown, who presented Pastor Trae with a reflection collage recognizing Mt. Hermon’s humble beginnings with members worshiping under a tree, to the present sanctuary, a multi-million dollar Family Life Center and a senior living facility on the horizon. The Investiture Service welcoming Pastor Trae adds to that rich history. Representatives from Broward’s legal community attended highlighted by remarks from Judge Michael Robinson and a video tribute from retired Judge Ilona Holmes. Participation of fellow clergy included Rev. Eddie Moise of Bethel Pompano and South District representative Pastor Nathaniel Robinson whose powerful and encouraging prayer informed all in attendance of God’s presence. Greetings and well wishes came from Daryl Campbell, newly elected SR District 94 and NAACP Broward President Marsha Ellison, who reminded the audience of Mt. Hermon’s intrepid contribution to civil rights, noting that Mt. Hermon in the Jim Crow era agreed to host a NAACP meeting despite threats of violence in a hostile, dangerous environment. The message was delivered by Dr. Rosalind Osgood, New Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
Other contributors included Pastor Trae’s mother, Central District Consultant Mrs. Jennifer Green, who introduced the family; church officers Dr. Ziggie Jones, Pastor Presentation; Trustee Lisa George , Congregational Charge; and Steward Bernice Mears, Pastoral Charge.
Presiding Elder Green read proudly the Acts of Investiture to Pastor Trae and Bishop Frank Madison Reid culminated the service with a Prayer of Inspiration.
Program chair, Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones, the exceptional, extraordinary coordinator, gave special remarks before turning service over to Pastor Trae who gave closing remarks. A reception featuring a 360-D video was held in the Mt. Hermon Family Life Center
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