116th Church Anniversary

And Mortgage Burning

At Israel Metropolitan CME, Greenville, SC

On Sunday, April 11, 2010, God showed His Greatness and Mercy to the Israel Metropolitan CME Church, Greenville, SC, with its theme “Celebrating the Goodness of the Lord in 2010” in observing its 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning for both the Church and the Parsonage, under the dynamic leadership of the renowned Rev. Dr. J.J. THUNDERBOLT Jackson, III. We held week-long celebrations like none other in the history of the church.

Our celebration officially began Wednesday, April 7th, with a Prayer Vigil and Memorial Service chaired by Mrs. Carrie M. Sullivan, chairman of the Prayer Committee. Special Prayer Ships were given, such as Relationship, Sis. Mary W. Jackson, Discipleship, Bro. Ray Chappell, Membership, Sis. JoAnn Rainey, Worship, Sis. Brenda Springs, Leadership, Sis. Carrie Sullivan, Stewardship, Sis. Cheryl Berry and Mentorship, Bro. Hiram Springle. The music was rendered by the Combined Choirs and a solo was performed by Sis. Annie Cureton. Rev. Jackson spoke words of encouragement to us as he spoke from the subject, “Promises for Believers,” taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. As always, our pastor preached a powerful word.

Sunday morning was certainly the day the LORD had made with Israel in His plans 116 years ago when the first foundation was laid. The program was beautifully outlined by Program chairperson, Sis. Cheryl Berry. A processional, led by the Combined Choirs, began promptly at 11 a.m., and Rev. Jackson served as the Worship Leader. The pastor used his gavel to officially declare the 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Celebration. Call to Worship was given by Rev. Robert Chandler, followed by the Hymn of Praise, “Lead Me, Guide Me.” The Affirmation of Faith was led by Robert Morrow, a member of the Children's Department. The Prayer of Praise was given by Bro. Calvin Williams, chairman of the Steward Board, followed by the Scripture, St. Matthew 16:13-19, read by Sis. Gail McBee.

The never seen before, very unique Welcome Address was administered by the Children’s Department. This was one of the many highlights of our celebration. Mrs. Lavelle Marshall gave the Response. Church historian, Sis Eunice Coakley, gave a brief synopsis of the church History.

Special proclamations were presented to Israel from Mayor of Greenville Knox White, Greenville County Council Member the Honorable Xanthene Norris, and South Carolina State Senator Ralph Anderson. The Honorable Lottie Gibson from the Greenville County Council was also in attendance, along with numerous other guests and visitors.

The appreciation of visitors and announcement were given by Bro. Jon Michael Harmon, and a powerful Ministry in Dance was performed by Israel Praise Dancers who represented the Youth Department. The Prayer of Deliverance was given by Rev. Samuel Moses. The Introduction of the Speaker was given by our Pastor Rev Dr. J. J. Jackson III, followed by a selection from the Choir.

The speaker for this monumental occasion was Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., the 48th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Hoyt brought a message to Israel that will long be remembered. He reminded us of our Methodist Doctrine and certain guidelines and principals as Methodists we are called upon to adhere to.

Following the Invitation to Discipleship, The Historic Ministry of the Mortgage Burning Ritual for the Church and the Parsonage began. This was a very solemn ceremony for it marked the retiring of tremendous debt that was now behind us and for that “TO GOD BE THE GLORY.”

The Words of Appreciation were then expressed and special presentations were given by the General chairperson, Sister Jacqueline L. Clark and Co-chairperson Bro. Charles Vereen. Rev. Dr. Jackson gave the Pastoral Remarks and following the Doxology the Benediction was given by Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

The Israel Church family and guest journeyed to the Freetown Community Center to enjoy a delicious catered meal hosted by the Hospitality Committee chaired by Sis. Georgia Crawley. A beautiful Souvenir Journal chaired by Sis. Mary W. Jackson was distributed to members and friends of Israel who supported and purchased ads. The fellowship and food was heartwarming as this brought to a climax the end of a glorious day and one that will longed be remembered as we celebrated our Historic 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration.

Special thanks are also given to our Finance Committee Chair, Sis. Kimberly Smith-Publicity Chairperson, Sis. Randolyn Harmon, Trustee Board Chairman, Bro. Michael Harmon, Music Chair, Bro. Mark Brock and all Committee Members, Church Members and everyone who helped to make this celebration a huge success.

Respectfully Submitted by Mrs. Jacqueline L. Clark, Genera, chairperson, Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration. Photo shows Dr. and Mrs. J.J. Jackson and Bishop and Mrs. Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.