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Rev. Venson Simpson led
the prayer and the blessing of the food at Saturday’s
breakfast.
Smith, a Toledo native and
graduate of Toledo Public Schools and the American Baptist
College, assumed pastor’s duties at Calvary (his childhood
church) in 1989 and is celebrating his 28th
pastoral anniversary this month.
On Sunday, the guest
preacher was Rev. Ernest H. Jones, D.Min, executive minister
of American Baptist Churches of Ohio (to which St. Paul MBC
is affiliated).
Jones came to Ohio in
February, 2016 from Brooklyn, NY where he served as pastor
of the Greenwood Baptist Church, for 17 years. He oversaw
the revitalization and renovation of that stories historic
congregation.
Jones’ life has been
devoted to the gospel ministry, having been licensed to
preach at the age of 12 by the Williams Chapel Baptist
Church of Detroit.
He earned a bachelor’s of
arts from Wayne State University, a master of divinity from
Andover Newton Theological School and a doctorate of
ministry from New York Theological Seminary.
Years later, in Brooklyn
he was also active in the larger community, serving on
various boards and in community groups.
His ministry also includes
serving as an adjunct professor at New York Theological
Seminary and Bloomfield College, NJ. He has served as
chairman of New York Methodist Pastoral Care Advisory
Committee and is the immediate past president of American
Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York.
Deacon Joseph Diggins
presided over Sunday’s service and John Slaughter offered
the welcome.
Sunday’s worshippers
enjoyed musical selections by the St. Paul Men’s Day Choir.
“As your pastor, I
challenge each of you to be intentional in your service to
God, and keep Him at the forefront as He directs your path.
This is a Day that you should be glad about as you celebrate
the ordering of your steps,” wrote Willis to the men of his
flock. Willis is now in his 13th year as pastor
of St. Paul MBC.
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