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Event attendees were greeted at the door and enjoyed prelude
music, festive event colors and casual conversation. “The
remarkable journey of this church has impacted the lives of
black people and this community for over 100 years. I
commend you, True Vine for your work and substantial
impact,” said the banquet mistress of ceremonies, Doni
Miller, CEO of Neighborhood Health Association and host of
Bridges.
The banquet officially opened with remarks by banquet
Chairperson Mother Ora Bell; an invocation by Rev. Cecil
Jerome Graham, the pastor of True Vine Missionary Baptist
Church; a musical selection by the church youth choir, a
presentation of a Toledo City Council resolution and musical
selection by Shanda Barnhill.
“This moment is finally here,” opened Ora Bell. “I’m going
to speak from my heart. I am happy to see so many people
here tonight. True Vine has been a blessing over the years.
This banquet has been a labor of love, but I have enjoyed
myself and want to thank my pastor and the banquet committee
for their help and support.”
The banquet’s program continued after the meal with a
resolution presentation by U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
“I want to thank True Vine for this invitation. I have known
True Vine since I first ran for office. Thank you for
embracing the city of Toledo for the past 100 years.” Kaptur
went on to read the resolution and explain that True Vine’s
history would be preserved at Congress and the National
African American museum in Washington, D.C. “It’s important
that we preserve this landmark within the history of this
country.”
Trustee Norman Bell presented three congregational members
with plaques and other tokens of appreciation to acknowledge
their contributions to the church’s long history. Trustee
Bellzora Duhart was recognized as a life-long member; Mother
Mattie McAllister was recognized as the eldest member and
Trustee Robert Harris was recognized as the longest serving
member. “God has blessed me all these years and allowed me
to do exactly what I wanted to do. I can do all things
through Christ who gives me strength,” shared honoree
Trustee Duhart.
Pastor Dennis and First Lady Rosalyn Byrd led the crowd into
a spiritual hymnal selection before the guest speaker,
Pastor Brian LaMont Monford, DMin, delivered a message that
focused on three points during his inspiration speech. He
encouraged attendees to refrain from allowing their past to
paralyze them, fortify their focus and passionately press
towards the promise of God. “What we accomplished in the
past shouldn’t paralyze us because your best days aren’t
behind you. We are here to understand our greater mission
that is ahead and at the same time stop trying to be like
everyone else.”
Pastor Monford was born in Lima, Ohio, earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree from American Baptist College, and graduated
from Winebrenner Theological Seminary with a master’s and
Doctor of Ministry. He became pastor of Philippian
Missionary Baptist Church in 1991, authored a book,
co-founded Mary Alice House, a Sober Living environment for
those who struggle with addiction or substance abuse, and
married with four children.
“We praise you Father for being so kind to True Vine, and
the church has come a long way but we look forward to the
future,” shared Rev. Graham.
The centennial celebration continues with four additional
spiritual events. Sunday worship service was held on
September 1 with pastor Dennis Byrd of Faith walk Ministries
Baptist Church of Atlanta, Usher board anniversary afternoon
service on September 8 with Pastor James H Willis of St.
Paul Missionary Baptist Church, pre-anniversary afternoon
service on September 15 with Pastor Anthony Richardson of
Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, and anniversary
afternoon service on September 22 with Pastor Floyd Smith of
Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. |
