Low Country Deacons Alliance

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1 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 Member of South Carolina Baptist Deacons Association And National Baptist Deacons Convention of America, Inc. and its Auxiliaries Laity at Work Low Country Deacons Alliance September 2014 South Carolina Baptist Deacons formed a State Association of the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America, Inc. & its Auxiliaries The South Carolina Baptist Deacons Association was officially organized on May 14, 2014 in Orangeburg, SC. The local deacon unions present were United Baptist Deacons of Greater Columbia, Low Country Deacons Alliance, Charleston County Deacons Union, and Lovely Hill Baptist Association Deacons Union. The Cooper River Association Deacons Union said that they would join us. Officers elected were: Theodore Jackson, President (United Baptist Deacons of Greater Columbia) ; Frank Russell, 1st Vice-President (Deacons Union & Its Auxiliaries of Charleston and Vicinity ); Terry Mayes, 2nd Vice-President (Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc. & Its Auxiliaries ); William Bowman, Secretary ( United Baptist Deacons of Greater Columbia); Cleveland Mitchell, Treasurer (Lovely Hill Baptist Association Deacons), Deacon William Carter, Senior Advisor (Deacons Union & Its Auxiliaries of Charleston and Vicinity). Leaders of the 6 deacon unions making up the state association are: Charleston County Deacons Union, Deacon William Carter; Cooper River Deacons Association of N. Charleston, Deacon Randy Edwards; Lovely Hill Baptist Association of St. George, Deacons, Deacon McClinton Greene; Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc. & Its Auxiliaries, Deacon Daniel Hoskins; and Pee Dee Deacons Union of Florence, Deacon Jimmie Eckles, President. You are invited To The South Carolina State Deacons Association s First Annual Workshop and Fellowship 9:30 a.m.. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday September 27, 2014 Lunch Will Be Served $10.00 Donation At Lovely Hill Baptist Association Conference Center 5905 West Jim Bilton Boulevard St. George, SC (843) Exit 77; 1 mile East of I-95 Workshops Deacons Pressing Towards the Mark Philippians 3:14 Presenter: Deacon Clarence Pinckney Salem Baptist Church Charleston, SC The Role of the Deaconess Presenter: Deaconess Jackie Russell Royal Missionary Baptist Church North Charleston, SC Deacons and Deaconesses Working Together Presenter: Deacon John Matthews Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church North Charleston, SC Evangelism Presenter: Rev. Reverdy C. Capers, Pastor, Good Hope Baptist Church St. George, SC The Rev. Dr. James Blassingame, President of Baptist E&M Convention of SC will be the Guest Preacher. For further information, contact Deacon Theodore Jackson, President of the South Carolina Baptist Deacons Association at or jtheodjac@aol.com 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Saturday November 8, 2014 At: Wrenwoods Golf Course (See Page 5-6 For Details) Inside this issue: SC Baptist Deacons Start New State Association Dr. Jerry Young Elected President Two Deacons Go Home Freedom Trail Named After Deacon Clarence Fort LCDA Golf Tournament Entry Form Golf Sponsor Form New Deacons 1st Year Fellowship Oyster Roast 9 National & State Baptist Info 10 Unto Thee 11 Announcements 12

2 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 12 Page 2 The Officers and Members of The Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc., and Its Auxiliaries Congratulates the Rev. Dr. Jerry Young on his election to President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. "Envision the Future Exceptionally" - Dr. Jerry Young Jerry Young elected National Baptist Convention president By Terricha Bradley-Phillips The Clarion-Ledger 11:12 a.m. CDT September 6, 2014 The Rev. Jerry Young is ready to lead Baptists here and across the country as the new president of the National Baptist Convention, USA.. "To all of the fine Christians in Mississippi who haven't been praying, they better start now," a laughing Young said, soliciting prayers for his fiveyear term. Young, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, makes history as the first Mississippi pastor chosen for the position. The 134th annual session for the National Baptist Convention took place this week in New Orleans, and Young was elected Thursday night from a field of five candidates nominated for the seat. The other nominees were R.B Holmes, Clifford Jones, Boise Kimber and Randy Vaughn. Young garnered 3,195 of the 6,400 votes cast. His agenda involves assembling a team to work on the organization's "infrastructure" to respond to the needs of members through a unified and fresh vision. "I have named four people (Friday) morning that will consist of a skeleton crew, and we will meet over the next several weeks to ensure the best we can that we have the right people in all the right seats," Young said. Young succeeds Julius R. Scruggs, pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, elected president Sept. 10, 2009, during the 129th annual session, held in Memphis. Until Thursday's vote, Young served as the organization's vice president at large and also served as president of the Mississippi National Baptist Convention for 12 years. Marcus Cathey, pastor of West Point Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, and his congregation supported Young during his campaign. Cathey grew up in Jackson and attended New Hope. "Mississippi is often looked down upon for many reasons, but this election will give the nation the opportunity to see the type of leadership that's produced here in our state," Cathey said in an . Young, a Scott native, has led New Hope Baptist Church since 1980, and is the founder and headmaster of New Hope Christian Preschool and New Hope Christian Elementary School, which serve 300-plus students. New Hope is home to over 3,000 members and 44 ministries. Young and wife Helen Atkins Young have two daughters and four grandchildren. New Hope member Donna Ross believes Young's leading by example, teaching style and family-oriented personality will enable him to be just as hands-on for the national organization. "He's more than a pastor," Ross said. "He's a teacher,... and if you feel your duty is to reach out to the community around your church and become a national leader, you apply the same concept on a larger scale." The National Baptist Convention, USA is the largest African- American religious organization in the country. The LCDA gives special thanks to Terricha Bradley-Phillips, Suburban Reporter with The Clarion-Ledger for her coverage of Dr. Young s election and for giving us permission to share her article with our members and others who may read this newsletter. For more information on the Rev. Dr. Jerry Young visit The National Baptist Convention, USA website

3 Page 3 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 The Charleston area lost two stalwart servants of God with the home-going of Deacons Julius Nelson, Sr. of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and Johnny Pickney of Salem Baptist Church. These deacons will be sorely missed but they ve left us an endless treasure of good memories. We shall not forget them or their families. Deacon Emeritus Julius Nelson, Sr. (1/27/1933-7/22/2014), 81, of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC entered into eternal rest on July 22, Deacon Julius Nelson, Sr. s home going celebration was held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC. It was said of Deacon Nelson that he was a strongman, a giving man, a loving man with a big heart, and an even bigger smile. Deacon Nelson was known as the Singing Deacon and a distinguished gentleman to his church family. His clothes were tailor made and his shoes always shined. Julius leaves to mourn his wife, Deaconess Corine Nelson; his children, Rev. Herman Brown, Marion Stephens, Joyce Brown, Cynthia Pickering, and Teressa Bryant. Deacon Johnny Pinckney (6/27/1943-7/25/2014), 71, of Salem Baptist Church in Charleston, SC entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 25, Home going services was held on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at at Salem Baptist Church, 570 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC. Deacon Pickney was well known and highly regarded throughout the Low Country. He was known as a caring man of God who consistently emulated what it meant to be a father and servant of God. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Michael Pinckney; three children: Jonathan Pinckney (Andrea), Sonja Pinckney Rhodes, and Sherri Pinckney Williams (Kenneth); 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. LOW COUNTRY DEACONS ALLIANCE 2ND ANNUAL GOLF TORNAMENT Tournament will be at Wrenwoods Golf Course on Charleston AFB 4 Man Best Ball Teams $50 a Person/$200 per Team Registration Forms on Pages 5 & 6 NOVEMBER 8TH, :30 A.M. SHOTGUN START October 18, 2014 is Deadline for Registration - Make checks payable to Low Country Deacons Alliance

4 Page 4 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 East Tampa, Florida park honors civil rights leader Deacon Clarence Fort Deacon Clarence Fort, a deacon at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist in Tampa, Florida has been honored by the City of Tampa with the opening of the Clarence Fort Freedom Trail. In addition to many church, business, and community leadership positions, Deacon Clarence Fort is Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America. In honor of Deacon Clarence Fort, a local civil rights activist, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa community leaders announced the opening of the Clarence Fort Deacon Clarence Fort Freedom Trail this afternoon. The park is located in East Tampa on Osborne Street. It includes a half mile decked trail around what just a year ago was an abandoned, barb wired retention pond, filled with trash. There are also eight fitness stations and 110 Palm and Cypress trees planted to provide shade to visitors. For now there is little water, but the retention pond is now filled with precious native plant species that have already grown tall and beautiful. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn It s important that we as a community know and understand our history, particularly during the 50 year anniversary of the Civil Rights Act being signed into law. I am honored to be able to dedicate this park in name after my friend Clarence Fort but also to the ideas that he fought for, said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The park area itself is truly something special, and I think the residents will be proud of what it has become. Buckhorn believes that Tampa stands apart from other cities, because we were able to achieve integrated lunch counters without the kind of violence experienced in places like Birmingham. The 0.5 mile long trail encircles an existing retention pond, and features eight fitness stations in four different locations for adults and seniors. The park also features three boardwalk sections that will allow visitors to walk out around the water s edge. More than 110 trees, including palms and cypress trees, have been planted to provide shade and for aesthetics. Construction began in December 2013, and cost approximately $500,000. It was paid for through Community Investment Tax funding. Clarence Fort has been referred to as a Tampa civil rights pioneer; having led the first counter sit-in in Tampa at the age of twenty, he has since made equal rights opportunity and civil rights his life s pursuit. Deacon Fort also led the initiative to integrate the workforce of Tampa Transit Lines, and later became the first African American long-distance bus driver (Trailways Bus Company) from Florida. As a Hillsborough County Sheriff s Deputy, coordinator of the local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade, and founder of the Progress Village Foundation, Fort has fought injustices and worked to make Tampa a more equal city for more than 50 years. Mayor Buckhorn said, We did it because this community has recognized, to this day, that what makes this city special is that we are stronger together and that our diversity makes us more competitive." Fort thanked the audience for making this day one of the highlights of his life. He says that Mayor Buckhorn made him a promise many years ago, and that today he kept his word. He also thanked colleagues. Deacon Fort commented, I stand here today because they refused to let my name and my efforts fade away. The LCDA gives special thanks to Deacons Gil Tyler and Richard Banks who are fellow officers with Deacon Fort with the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America, Inc. and its Auxiliaries for bringing this information to our attention to share with our readers.

5 Page 5 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 October 24, 2014 is Deadline for Registration - Make checks payable to: Low Country Deacons Alliance

6 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 2, Issue 12 Page 6

7 Page 7 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist New Deacons Hold 1 st Anniversary Fellowship L-R: Ron Howard, Yolaanda Roger, Phil Rogers, Melissa Brown, King Brown, Alisha Brown, Vermort Brown, Ken Johnson, Nellie Johnson, Delores Pugh, Hydrick Pugh, David Jones, Jessie Jones, DeShean Garrett, Latasha Garrett, Mark Smalls, and Scher Smalls On Saturday July 26, 2014, the newest members of the Mt. Moriah M.B.C. Diaconate Ministry met to celebrate their first anniversary ordination as Deacons. Nine of the eleven Deacons and Deaconesses were in attendance: Deacon and Deaconesses in attendance were: King & Melissa Brown, Vermort & Barbara Brown, DeShean & Latasha Garrett, Ron Howard (Glenda absent), Ken & Nellie Johnson, David & Jessie Jones, Hydrick & Delores Pugh, Phillip & Yolanda Rogers, and Mark & Scher Smalls. Deacons & Deaconesses Larry and Mattie Houston and Major & Rev. Gloria Lightfoot were unable to attend. The event was held at the Summerville Country Club in Summerville, SC. The festivities were opened in typical Deacon fashion with song, scripture and prayer. The evening was spent with games and fellowship. Deaconess Scher Smalls prepared a wonderful PowerPoint presentation depicting images captured during the ordination service on July 28, A game of Guess Who? was played and many eye-opening secrets were revealed. Each Deacon was given an opportunity to reflect on their experiences as a Deacon over the past year and an update on any changes that may have occurred in their personal or family lives during that same period. Some of the significant highlights mentioned were: Deaconess (Minister) Gloria Lightfoot was ordained and is now Reverend Gloria Lightfoot. Deacon and Deaconess Pugh became grandparents with the arrival of Joelle Marie Pugh.. Deacon and Deaconess Garret welcomed the arrival of their baby girl, Tiera Garrett. Deacon David Jones is now Superintendent of the Mt. Moriah Sunday School. Deacon. Major Lightfoot assumed leadership of the Mt. Moriah Food Pantry ministry. Deacons Ken Johnson and Vermont Brown continue to be leaders on the AMI Choir. Deacon Phil Rogers added his expertise to the Security Ministry. Deacon DeShean Garrett is intimately involved in the development of the Men s Only Ministry. Deacon and Deaconess (King & Melissa) Brown make an awesome husband and wife team in the audio/visual ministry. Deaconess Scher Smalls impressed the group with her contributions to the Praise Dance Ministry. Following is what some of the deacons in attendance had to say about their first year as ordained deacons: Deacon Vermort Brown said, My position with the Diaconate Ministry has inspired me and has broadened my knowledge of The Bible. It has also made me more aware of my obligations and responsibilities to my worldly brothers and sisters. Dea See New Deacons 1st Year Fellowship on Page 8

8 Page 8 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 New Deacons 1st Year Fellowship from Page 7 con Brown also said that being a part of the Diaconate Ministry has helped deepen his relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Deacon Ron Howard said, My first year as a Deacon has truly been a blessing and a rewarding spiritual experience. I know there are going to be challenges and things will change in this awesome ministry, as I have already observed in my first year. While observing these changes and challenges God has revealed to me, to always look to Him for understanding and not man. As Pastor Goss stated in several of his messages, you can t have a Moses mentality in a Joshua generation. Changes happen and are needed. Williams Deacon Hydrick Pugh said, I am happy God choose me to be a part of this awesome ministry at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. I know changes and challenges will happen but GOD s word states that nothing is impossible with him (Luke 1:37). Our goal is to keep God first. Deacon Phillip Rogers said, If I had to sum everything up into a few words I would have to say I took a leap into the unknown guided by faith only. I had no idea what it would take to be a good deacon and really didn't know if I had what it takes. But with a lot of prayer and a strong and supportive wife who was there every step of the way, and a team of New Deacons and Deaconesseswho built a bond that will last a life time. I know for sure this is what God intended. I have become a better person, a better man, and a better husband. I have always trusted God but I have learned to lean, depend and trust him even more so that whatever comes up in my life I know that God has my back and he will never leave me or forsake me. Deacon Mark Smalls said, My first year as a deacon has been a great experience & journey for me & my family. I have learned a lot about myself and uncovered potential and purpose that I had not realized before. Our faith has truly been strengthened by this humbling experience and our lives will never be the same. I am looking forward to what the future holds and each opportunity that is presented for me to serve God's people. All in all a great time was had by all and it was truly a wonderful evening of fellowship. A note of gratitude is extended to Deas. Delores Pugh and Deas. Scher Smalls who put in a lot of time and effort to help make it all possible. Deacon Norman (Pete) Pendergrass, Chairman of the Diaconate Ministry, said, The dedication and loyalty of these newly ordained deacons has been a blessing to the church. He says, They have a great future with the Diaconate Ministry, and he is, proud of them. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO The Fall Harvest Rally, as you know, is the college s major fundraising event. Your support helps Morris College provide better and brighter opportunities for students. Although we were $290, away from reaching last year s $1 million goal, we strongly feel that our Baptist family and friends, having come so close, would want the record to show that we raised $1 million for our beloved institution during the fiscal year The Rev. Dr. James B. Blassingame President E&M Baptist Convention of SC

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10 Page 10 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue Mid-Term Session Newark Delaware March Hilton Wilmington 100 Continental Drive Newark, Delaware Room Rate: per night plus tax Reservations: Use Group Rate Code: NBDC 2015 Annual Session July 20, 2015 ~ July 25, 2015 Augusta Georgia Host Hotel: Marriott Augusta Hotel Room Rate is per night plus tax Must book by June 12, 2015 to receive this rate. Rate is good for July 17, 2015 thru July Reservation Center: Hotel Direct: To join the National Baptist Deacons Convention of America or for more information about the organization, go online to or contact: National Coordinator Deacon Daniel Hoskins hoskinsd@tds.net South Carolina Baptist Deacons State Association Deacon Theodore Jackson, President Telephone: jtheodjac@aol.com The South Carolina Baptist Deacons Association was officially organized on May 14, 2014 in Orangeburg, SC. The local deacon unions present were United Baptist Deacons of Greater Columbia, Low Country Deacons Alliance, Charleston County Deacons Union, and Lovely Hill Baptist Association Deacons Union. Next meeting is 6:30, Monday, October 6, 2014 for the Bylaws Committee at: Good Hope Baptist Church 115 N Metts St,; St George, SC (Cross Streets: Between SW Railroad Ave/NW Railroad Ave and Gavin St) (843) For information to start a Deacon Association in your area, contact Deacon Daniel Hoskins at or via at: hoskinsd@tds.net; or Deacon Theodore Jackson at or via at jtheodjac@aol.com.

11 Page 11 Low Country Deacons Alliance Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 Matthew 25:40 - And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' [NKJV] Jesus says this in the midst of a teaching that begins in verse 31 and continues through verse 46. Simply put, it means that the way one treats other people is seen by Christ as the way they treat Him. An extremely significant aspect of the overall teaching is that one's treatment of others weighs heavily on the criteria by which they'll be judged. All the "religion" in the world won't amount to a hill of beans unless its practice results in service to others. I like the poem below and think you will find it inspirational and encouraging as I did. The Editor As Unto Thee by Roy Lessin Others may not notice your efforts or give you recognition for something you've done. The credit may even go to someone else. for I am pleased by your service and will honor your obedience. There may be times when a job you've done will be rejected. Something you have prepared may be canceled or delayed. for I see all things and will bless the work of your hands. You may do your very best, and yet fail. You may sacrifice time and money to help someone and receive no word of thanks. for I am your reward and will repay you. There may be times when you go out of your way to include others and later have them ignore you. You may be loyal on your job, and yet someone else is promoted ahead of you. for I will not fail you or make you be ashamed. You may forgive others, only to have them hurt you again. You may reach out in kindness, only to have someone use you. for I know your heart and will comfort you. You may speak the truth but be considered wrong by others. You may do something with good intentions and be completely misunderstood. for I understand and will not disappoint you. There may be times when keeping your word means giving up something you want to do. There may be times when commitment means sacrificing personal pleasure. for I am your Friend, and will bless you with My Presence. Roy Lessin came to know Christ at the age of nineteen. He was led to the Lord by his father, Joseph, who was raised an orthodox Jew in the Bronx, New York. See his story online at:

12 Laity at Work AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc., & Its Auxiliaries PO BOX Charleston, SC Phone: Website: Contacts for Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc., & Its Auxiliaries, Deacon Emeritus Daniel Hoskins Chairman, Parent Body (843) Deacon Odis Williams Vice Chairman Deaconess Emerita Doris H. Hoskins Chairperson Women's Auxiliary (843) Deaconess Barbara McFadden Secretary (843) Deacon John Matthews Newsletter Editor (843) LCDA Next Meeting - 7 P.M. Monday October 13 at: Christian Missionary Baptist Church 835 Magnolia Rd Charleston, SC (843) Lovely Mountain Baptist Church, Inc Ward Avenue; North Charleston, SC 29406; Telephone: The Lovely Mountain Baptist Church family will be celebrating the Rev. Curtis J. Dayson s 18th Pastoral Anniversary beginning on Wednesday and Thursday, September 24 & 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. The celebration will conclude Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Bernard J. Gadsden of First Baptist Church, James Island, SC will deliver the Word of God. You are invited to join in the celebration for Pastor Dayson. Join The Low Country Deacons Alliance The Low Country Deacons Alliance, Inc. and Its Auxiliaries is a tax-exempt charitable organization in accordance with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service codes. Membership fee is $5.00 annually You may join us as an individual Missionary Baptist Deacon or as part of an organized body of Deacons. We encourage you to become involved and participate with the Low Country Deacons Alliance to bring about ongoing fellowship among Low Country Deacons and to partake in education, missionary work and youth programs. Download the membership application form online at and mail to us with your annual fee or info@deaconsalliance.org for an application. Mail Applications to: Low Country Deacons Alliance PO BOX Charleston, SC