Youth kickoff pastor’s anniversary, Mohorn closes it out
Pictures are from l to r: Mt. Calvary Youth, Revival Dance Theater, and directors Mary Jefferson and Eric Allen kicked off the celebration; The third night of praise featured Rev. Marcus Davidson and the New Mount Olive Baptist Church family including Dr. Rosalind Osgood, other visiting ministers and State Rep. Perry Thurston, Jr.; State Representative Gwyn Clarke-Reed delivered personal reflections about Rev. Burrell during the luncheon is pictured with Pastor Burrell and First Lady Virginia; Rev. Burrell are congratulated on their 10th anniversary by the Mt. Calvary Pulpit Associates is pictured with Rev. Leeroy Woodall, Min. Lillian Woodall, Min. Louise Atkison, Rev. Marcia Davis and Rev. Carolyn McCall Roper.
By Novice Johnson
From praise dancing to Christian Comedy, the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Fla. commemorated the 10th anniversary of their pastor, Rev. Anthony Burrell.
With the theme, “Moving Forward with God’s Spiritual Leader,” the celebration began with a kick-off program produced and directed by Mary Goins Jefferson and Eric Allen. The church praise dancers, called The Revival Theater, had everyone on their feet after a performance titled “Stand,” while New Creation Baptist led a clap your hands good-time praise session.
Min. Breon Williams, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Marcus Davidson, New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Louis Sanders, Macedonia Baptist Church, Pastor Rasheed Baaith, and Apostle John L. Mohorn of The Word of the Living God Ministries, were guest speakers during the celebration events while members of the Pompano Clergy Council and President Rev. Gary McCleod attended various nights.
The anniversary committee was chaired by Minister Louise Atkinson and co-chaired by Deacon and Deaconess Arthur and Jean Scott, with a long list of committee members which included Runette Williams, Annette Woods and volunteers who joined together to make the events enjoyable.
Proclamations and personal reflections were read by State Representative Gwyn Clarke Reed, along with acknowledgements from Senator Chris Smith and Commissioner Woody Poitier. Heartfelt words of inspiration were read from the Burrell’s children Courtney, Jessica and Anthony Burrell, Jr., who were unable to attend. A spirited comedienne, praise dancers and a poem dedicated to the First Lady, Virginia Burrell, read by her daughter Brianna, a solo to Sister Burrell by Jennifer Scott, and words from visiting ministers were among the highlights of the luncheon.
Clergy from in and out of town celebrated with Pastor Burrell and the First Family, along with the Mount Calvary family. Burrell stated that while the entire slate of events for his anniversary was excellent, it was the kickoff from the Youth and the words from his children that put the icing on the cake. He went on to state that this tenth anniversary is the start of a new beginning that will see more focus on empowering the youth to make them and our community stronger.
