Probate, Bankruptcy & Family Law. Sunday, August 19, 2012 ~ 9:45am ~ ~ Kaydell Wright-Douglas, Attorney at Law

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1 Kaydell Wright-Douglas, Attorney at Law Probate, Bankruptcy & Family Law 110 N. Armenia Avenue, Suite A Tampa, Florida Kaydell Wright-Douglas Phone: (813) Fax: (813) kwrightdouglas@verizon.net ~ ~ Empowering The Pew For The Work of Redemption Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Rev. Dr. W. James Favorite, Pastor Sunday, August 19, 2012 ~ 9:45am

2 Beulah Baptist Institutional Church Acknowledgements 147 th Church Anniversary Sponsors \ Betty Briggs-Johnson Vickye Byron Jackie Davison Doug & Monica Joyner Special Thanks to: Beulah Culinary Ministry - Carla Milian, Chairperson Beulah Beautification & Floral Club Committees Anniversary Banquet Ushers, Hosts & Servers Mother Ann Porter

3 ~ Chronology ~ 2000 Succession Training established for the purpose of preparing the members for leadership roles in the Church. The first Ordination of Deaconess was held December 10th. The Deacon Board was increased by 3 members. The Singles Ministry and the Health Ministry established. SAT Training Program introduced resulting from funding from the Florida Education Fund Hosted the PNBC Convention in August and coordinated transportation of attendees. Reorganized the Youth Church for teens, and experienced tremendous growth in Children s Church Total Involvement theme introduced in January Fifth Sunday Mortgage Reduction Program introduced to enable early payoff of mortgage on the Education Center. Initiated with First Baptist Church of Tampa our first reunion since the organization of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Initiated Unity Sunday, two congregations, one worship hour. Jamaica Ministry, team of twelve went to Jamaica to render service to those in need. This effort was supported in part by the Beulah membership Sold the site of our parking lot property which had been the site of our old church built in 1931 under Reverend W.M. Davis. Received a gift of land from the City of Tampa for the site of our Senior Housing Complex Purchased additional land across from the church to accommodate our continuous need for additional parking. We expanded our Evangelism Ministry to include a follow-up segment. Awarded an additional contract from the Children s Board to continue our Out of School Time (OST) Program Burned our mortgage and began work on our Senior Housing project in November. Our Pastor met with the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) in New York to begin work on our HIV/ AIDS Outreach Ministry. Awarded funding from the United Way to assist us with a year-round after school program Installed a new roof on the Sanctuary. Installed a new state-of-the-art security system in the Lowry Center. Began the Home Today program with Fifth Third Bank. Began the new Mid-day Bible Study Reinstituted our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program for the 2009 tax season. Empowered the Advisory Board for Ministry. Initiated the New Leadership Training Program. Launched the new NBLCA-Tampa Affiliate Program Emphasis on identifying each member s talents through the Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Ftom Our Pastor... Today is another great day in the history of Beulah. It is great because it gives us cause to remember the wisdom of our past leadership. The fourteen Pastors we have had in our history that served an average of ten years each, with Dr. A. Leon Lowry having served thirty nine years. We have had our trials and tribulations but we made it. This celebration gives us cause to remember the outstanding support we received from families like the Loomis Family; the Andrews Family and who could forget other legacy members like Mother Judge, Deacon Clarence Wilson and Sister Helen Saunders who served this church in an official capacity for more than forty years. Today is also a great day because God has allowed us to do the work of Kingdom Building for more than one hundred and forty-seven years. It is great because, we are still doing great things for Him. It is great because we have not ceased to stray from our fourfold goals: saving the lost; moving membership to discipleship; investing in our Children and serving our community. With my own eyes, I can say that, in the past seventeen years, I have been privileged to see the fulfillment of these goals. I have been privileged to see the growth of our Youth Department; our renewed commitment to Christian Education as evidenced by the growth of our Youth and Young Adult Church and Bible Studies; our commitment to education through programs like OST (Out of School Time) that delivers special services to our neighborhood children; the expansion of our Discipleship Ministries; our sense of empowerment by hosting Debt Reduction programs, Health Fairs, Job Fairs and creating a Job Bank on our web-site to help our members who need employment opportunities; and our increased involvement in our community as evidenced by our after school programs and the fulfillment of our plan to make ourselves available to help. This anniversary gives us a chance to celebrate our commitment. We have been excited all year long working on our theme of "Empowering the Pew to do the work of redemption". We hold the belief that every member can be great when we are equipped to do the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This work is being done through our Christian Education Programs and our Evangelism Ministry. Our Anniversary reminds us that we owe a debt of gratitude to our Deacons for their stalwart and stellar vigil overseeing the success of our "Evangelism Ministry". They have been going door-to-door for the last seventeen years. We also thank our Deaconess for their supervision of our "Gifts of the Holy Spirit". They have sought to involve every member in the three phases of this program: Discovery, Development and Deployment. Through this program, every member is made to feel ownership in the church as they discover their gift and begin to work in a particular church ministry. Another reason for the special nature of this day, is evidenced by the presence of our guest speaker, Rev. A. Leon Lowry II, the Pastor of the Circle of Hope Ministry Church of Tallahassee, FL. Rev. Lowry is the son of the late Dr. A. Leon Lowry Sr., our beloved and most immediate past Pastor. Leon grew up in Beulah and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments. We look forward to hearing a wonderful message today. Thank you Leon. In conclusion, I do not think it would be robbery to salute our Anniversary Committee for a job well done, especially our co-chairs, Sister Traquita Hartsfield and Sister Kim Palmer. Traquita and Kim led the committee in giving assurance to the success of this year's anniversary. We have had a fun time and now we can say: "To God be the Glory for the great things He hath done".

4 About Our Guest Preacher, Rev. A. Leon Lowry, II Pastor Lowry has a B.A. Degree in Sociology and a M.A. Degree in Public Administration from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor and Scholastic Fraternity and a Life Member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Lowry is the only African American to serve as the President of the International Association of Law Enforcement Standards and Training Directors. Pastor Lowry was one of only eighteen law enforcement officers from across the United States who was selected and completed a course of study in Law Enforcements Ethics at Boston University. While at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), he held several positions including: Inspector General, Director of the Professionalism Program and Bureau Chief. Pastor Lowry was also a sworn law enforcement officer and a special agent with the FDLE. He also achieved many other accomplishments during his Law Enforcement career. Pastor Lowry is now retired from the State of Florida. In 1974, Pastor Lowry moved to Tallahassee, Florida and united with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C.K. Stelle. Sr. Pastor Lowry had a calling on his life for many years, but was slothful in submitting to the will of God. However in 1995, the call of God was so strong that Pastor Lowry could not hold out any longer and he decided to be lead by God's will. Pastor Lowry answered the call to the ministry in 1995 and became an Associate Minister at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes, Jr. In August of 2004, Pastor Lowry became a member of the Harrison Chapel Florida Union Methodist Episcopal Church (FUMEC) Inc. On March 26, 2005, Pastor Lowry was appointed Senior Pastor and in May 2005, Pastor Lowry was installed as Senior Pastor. His father, the Rev. Dr. A. Leon Lowry, Sr. presided over the installation service and the Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes, Jr. delivered the installation sermon. While pastoring Harrison Chapel FUMEC, Pastor Lowry increased the membership and number of worship services from two Sundays a month to every Sunday. He also reinstituted Sunday School and added Bible Study every Wednesday night. Many Boards and Auxillaries were established to do God's work. On March, 1, 2010, Pastor Lowry founded the Circle of Hope Ministry Church of Tallahassee, FL. He envisions a growing congregation and a new sanctuary. Mr. Lowry has a bright vision for Circle of Hope Ministry and emphasis is placed on the individuals' spiritual growth and an increased faith walk with the Lord. Pastor Lowry is married to a true prayer warrior, the lovely and spiritual Lenora R. Lowry. They are the proud parents of A. Leon Lowry III and William N. Lowry. ~ Chronology ~ 1988 Secured a loan to finance the construction of the educational center from First Florida Bank, N.A. Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the new Educational building Began construction of the educational building. Purchased property, a duplex, at the southwest corner of Lemon and Gilchrist. Re-carpeted the entire edifice. Reorganized the Youth Usher Board Hosted the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. Purchased property at the corner of Cypress and North Delaware. Held Dedicatory Services and Open House for our new facility and approved a name for it: The A. Leon Lowry Sr. Family Services Center. Organized the Youth Mission. Renamed the Young Matrons to the Ladies of Emerald Mission 2. Purchased additional furnishing for the new facility Officially opened the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church Day Care Center. Purchased and installed necessary items for the operation of the center, such as furniture, playground equipment, fencing, etc Church Bond Drive began. Saturday School opened. Karate classes began. Organized Youth Church. Re-organized the Brotherhood of Beulah Installed a down stage podium with the assistance of the A. Leon Lowry Club. Accepted Rev. Lowry s retirement plans. Selected a search committee for a new pastor Updated the Church s Pictorial Directory. Laid the cornerstone for the A. Leon Lowry Family Service Center during a very impressive ceremony. The Cornerstone laying was conducted by the Masons. The sermon was delivered by our Pastor, Reverend A. Leon Lowry Accepted the search committee s New Pastor s report and voted on the same. None of the candidates obtained the recommended percentage to call the new Pastor. Thus, a second vote was necessary and another selection was held at a later date. Reverend W. James Favorite accepted the call to become the 14 th Pastor of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church. Purchased property at the southeast corner of Lemon and Delaware Avenue. Established the Cora Lee Sutton Scholarship Fund and pledged our financial support Reverend W. James Favorite began the Vision Toward the Year The vision adopted the idea of Ministry and encourages all boards to do the work of a ministry. Board of Christian Education was established. Before and After Care Program was added. Introduced a full scale tithing program through pastoral teaching and preaching. Increased membership through Evangelism. Developed a total evangelical program with an emphasis program for the family Emphasis on Evangelism and building Sunday School. Two revivals were scheduled. The Beautification Committee was established. The Young Men and Women of Excellence program began Youth Adult Choir was established and made their debut. Computer School founded. New church directory published. Expanded Evangelism Ministry and increased membership through Evangelism. Beulah s Brotherhood Ministry regrouped and expanded their activites. Young Adult Choir renamed Young Believers. Reverend Favorite ordained four Deacons. First Church Anniversary banquet held. Celebrated the first A. Leon Lowry Sr. Day Licensed Beulah s first female minister, Rev. Delores J. Cain. Children s Choir renamed The New Generation Choir. Renovation of church and A. Leon Lowry Center. Purchased new organ for main sanctuary. Vision Ministry organized. Married Couples Ministry organized. Held 1st Annual Street Festival.

5 ~ Chronology ~ 1973 The Cornerstone was laid during a very impressive ceremony conducted by the Grand Assembly of the Lily White Association of which Deacon C. Blythe Andrews was Grand President. The Cornerstone was donated by Deacon Andrews. The sermon for this memorable occasion was delivered by Reverend Benjamin Lowry, father or our pastor, Reverend A. Leon Lowry. Pastor Lowry instituted the first massive Retirement Services honoring all members of the church who retired from their various types of jobs The outdoor Cross was erected. The Dedicatory Services were held February 24. Acquired the property on the southeast corner of Delaware and Cypress for parking and recreational activities. Surfaced and marked off the parking area on the south and west of the Sanctuary Published Beulah s 1 st Pictorial Directory. Voted to acquire adjacent property when it becomes available. Organized the Youth Department for the purpose of studying current problems. Participated in the First Church Family Reunion and Unified Church Songfest involving Beulah, Greater Bethel and Faith Temple Churches Purchased property at the southwest corner of Gilchrist and Cypress for future use. Increased our Building Fund contributions with the intent of retiring the church mortgage within 5 years. Entered into a lease (with option to buy) with the Tony Grandoff Enterprises on our old Beulah site property Organized the Youth Matrons Auxiliary Re-supplied the Sanctuary with bibles and hymnals. A sizeable number of each were donated by the Wilson family Organized the Pastor s Aid Club. Opened the first church nursery. Organized the Voluntary Youth Program (small fee job service) Organized the Sons of Beulah, a male church support. Observed Pastor s 25 th Anniversary Purchased property at the northeast corner of Lemon and Delaware Streets for future use. Installed the name of the church at the base of the cross. Youth Department published the 1 st Edition of its newspaper, The Beulah Bugle Retired the mortgage on the Sanctuary and held the Mortgage Burning Service on January 23. Reverend Gardner C. Taylor delivered the sermon for this memorable occasion. Updated our business machines via purchases and donations. Retired the mortgage held by Central Life Insurance Company and Community Federal Savings and Loan Association. Installed a new public address system. Installed a security control system Reorganized the Sons of Beulah. Reorganized The Male Chorus. Installed four time-controlled security lights Purchased additional business machines. Began the Tape Ministry for the sick and shut in with the help of the Sanctuary Ladies. Accepted a monetary gift of $44,625 from our pastor, Rev. A. Leon Lowry to go toward the construction of our educational center The members honored Reverend Lowry on his 30 th year as pastor of the church with a banquet. The first Birthday Extravaganza was celebrated. The first church calendar was made available for each family Signed contract to build an educational center. Purchased a new piano for the Sanctuary. New robes were purchased for all choirs. The Pastor s Aid Club honored the Pastor with a birthday dinner. Purchased furniture for the conference room, narthex and church office. Installed rails to the Sanctuary s main entrance. Beulah Baptist Institutional Church 147 th Church Anniversary Committee Members Cheryl Bryant Robert L. Carpenter, II Rod Carter Robert Felder Tocka Hartsfield Traquita Hartsfield, Co-Chairperson Carolyn Osborn C. Kimberly Palmer, Co-Chairperson Keith Palmer Cherrie T. Paul Lillie Samuels

6 Sick and Shut-In Members ~ Chronology ~ Sis. Nancy Andrews, 2511 Riverside Drive, Tampa, FL Bro. Samuel Anthony, 1902 W. State Street, Tampa, FL (813) Sis. Georgianne Burns, Ybor City Health Care and Rehab Center 1709 Taliaferro Avenue, Tampa, FL Sis. Martha Darrigo, Palm Center Nursing Home 3612 E. 138th Avenue, Tampa, FL Sis. Eunice Floyd, 1315 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL Sis. Grace Francis, 3243 Dunstable Drive, Land O Lakes, FL Bro. Kenneth Franklin, 3306 E. 26th Avenue, Tampa, FL Deaconess Ethel Harris, 747 Star Pointe Drive, Seffner, FL Sis. Charlye Mae Martin, 205 Montego Circle, Riverdale, GA (770) Deaconess Leila Moss, Palm Gardens Nursing Home 3612 E. 138th Avenue, Tampa, FL Bro. George Bud Perkins, 9099 S. Starfish Avenue, Floral City, FL (352) Mother Thelma Pleasant, c/o Accentia Rehab Center 1818 E. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL (813) Bro. Charles Thomas, 3104 Old Spring Place, Tampa, FL Sis. Marion Washington, th Street, Tampa, FL Mother Gladys Watkins, Sunrise Village N 17th Street, Tampa, FL Sis. Johnnye Mai Williams, Excel Rehab & Nursing Center 2811 Campus Hill Dr., Room 511B Tampa, FL Please keep our sick and shut-in members in your prayers Reverend H.E. Jones became pastor. He organized the White Robe Choir which later became the first Negro church choir to sing on the radio station in Tampa. Some years later, this choir became Choir # Reverend W.M. Davis was called as pastor of the church. His first effort was to spearhead a drive to complete the new sanctuary structure Red Circle and Courtesy Clubs were organized The congregation moved into the newly completed edifice after many sacrifices had been made by the members through cash donations Dedicatory Services of the new church were held from October Participating in the services were representatives of national, state and local governments and ministries and supporters of Beulah from throughout the area Usher Board #2 was organized The Quarterman s Glee Club was organized Reverend W.M. Davis passed away. Reverend G.T. Martin was called to serve as interim pastor. The Youth Choir was organized Reverend A. Leon Lowry became the 13 th pastor of the church. The Beulah Baptist Church Federal Credit Union was organized. A group of ladies formed the A. Leon Lowry Club. The congregation purchased the Burn s Memorial Chapel and four and one half adjoining lots on Delaware and Cypress Streets in West Tampa, site of the new church The Children s Choir was organized The Mattie Jackson Courtesy Club was organized A committee was appointed to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the old building should be renovated or a new church erected Architectural plans and drawings were presented to the congregation for approval The congregation launched a sale of bonds to finance construction of a new church on Delaware and Cypress Streets Ground breaking ceremonies were held and work was begun on the new church building. The Sanctuary Ladies Auxiliary was organized A loan was secured from the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Tampa in April to complete construction of the new church. On Sunday, December 21, Consecration Services for the new church were held The Angelic Choir and Junior Usher Board were organized Launched the first Beulah Day as a joint financial effort for the men and women of the church Youth Choir was organized and named the A. Leon Lowry Tabernacle Choir. Became the host church for Chapel 8, a televised religious service of the WFLA Broadcasting Station.

7 ~ Chronology ~ The formation of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church began the year before the establishment of a formal structure for its founding. The events leading to the church s establishment are peculiar to the times and characteristics of the Negro s quest for freedom of worship and dignity of the individual. The purpose of this chronology is to offer to members and friends of the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church a comprehensive record of the Church s achievements from 1865 to this year A group of Negroes, recently given their freedom from slavery, withdrew from the First Baptist Church of Tampa to organize a church that was given the name of Beulah Baptist Church. Land for a sanctuary was donated to the group lead by Mrs. Fortune-Ransome. The first pastor called to serve was Reverend Elder Hadley Reverend Hadley terminated his pastorate of the congregation and was replaced by Reverend Anderson who added several new members to the growing congregation Reverend Sinclair came to serve as pastor of Beulah for the next five years. The church was remodeled under his administration Reverend N.A. Johnson was called to serve as pastor of this growing congregation. His leadership covered a three year span during which time the church s membership continued to grow Under the pastorate of Reverend L.G. Carro, the original frame structure of the church was moved from its old street location to Harrison Street Reverend H. Holman was called and accepted the pastorate of the church. The church membership grew rapidly and extensively, necessitating a renovation of the building to accommodate the large number of worshippers. In the mid part of his pastorate, the church had to undergo a second renovation to serve its growing membership It was during this same period that Usher Board #1 was organized. Of great significance to the community, and a tribute to Reverend Holman, was the organization of the People Investment Company under the auspices of the church and the first Negro Investment of the City of Tampa. During the same year, an office building was purchased to house the People s Investment Company and other business activities The membership voted to purchase a new site for the church. Reverend Holman s pastorate climaxed with the great baptismal service in the Hillsborough River. Reverend J.B. Green became pastor and conducted a 45 day revival The church was incorporated as the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church (non-profit) Elder S.A. Norris became pastor. During his administration, the Floral Club was organized Reverend G.D. Griffin became pastor and increased the membership to a total of The property located at the corner of Tyler and Pierce Streets was purchased at a cost of $90,000 on which an 11 room modern pastorate was built The congregation contracted with the Tri-State Construction Company to erect a new sanctuary on the purchased site at a cost of $85,000. Beulah Baptist Institutional Church 147 th Church Anniversary Responsive Reading Litany (Leader) Who is our Resource as we seek to become empowered? From the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit, we will sing a New Song to the Lord as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) Help us to be ever-renewed by the New Song of the Gospel. And may it constantly lead us into a new life of caring for others. By your Spirit, we will sing a New Song to the Lord as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) Teach us to remember that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. We offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, our reasonable service of worship. By your Spirit, we will sing a new Song, O God as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) Remind us, O Lord, that when we love our brothers and sisters, we are also loving you. May we honor the widow, care for the orphan, visit the prisoner, feed the poor, love our enemies, leave off judging, and speak with Holy confidence as we share Your Word with guests, visitors and members in our midst. By your Spirit, we will sing a New Song of justice and mercy, O God as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) Father, because we know that you are the great physician, we lift up the bodies of our loved ones at home as well as those in this gathering in need of physical healing. By your Spirit, we will a sing a New Song of hope, O God as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) God, thank you for entrusting us with the stewardship of evangelizing to others. By your Spirit, we will sing a New Song of stewardship, O God as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) You have put a New Song in our mouth because your were slain and with your blood you purchased us for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have lifted us from the pit to sit with you in heavenly places. We will sing to the LORD a New Song, a song of praise to our God as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Leader) With every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, with our hearts, and our service, with our bodies, our substance, with our love, our gifts, voices, keyboards, drums, high sounding cymbals, stringed instruments, horns, basses, flutes, iphones, ProTools, blogs, imagination, storytelling, painting and sculpting, we SING the New Song as we work towards empowering the pew for the work of redemption. (Together) To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever! AMEN and Praise the Lord!

8 147 th Church Anniversary Order of Service Guests Greeting/Fellowship ~ Special Presentation ~ ` Deacon Anthony Quin Processional We ve Come This Far By Faith Call to Worship Gloria Patria Praise and Worship Hymn of the Morning Dwelling In Beulah Land Ushers, Ministers, Deacons and Choir Deacon Oscar Osborn Congregation Praise Team Congregation Verse 1 Verse 2 Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling, Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating, Then I know the sins of earth beset on every hand; Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand; Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling, Safe am I within the castle of God s Word, retreating None of these shall move me from Beulah Land. Nothing there can reach me tis Beulah Land. Verse 3 Verse 4 Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me, Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation; I am safely sheltered here, protected by God s hand; Hearing now His blessed voice, I see the way He planned; Here the sun is always shining, here there s naught can harm me, Dwelling in the Spirit here, I learn of full salvation, I am safe forever in Beulah Land. Gladly I will tarry in Beulah Land. Observations Tithes and Offering Offertory Prayer Doxology Selection Ride On, King Jesus Altar Call Introduction of the Preacher Pre-Meditation Selection Only A Look The Message Pastor W. James Favorite Ushers March In Sydney Benjamin Reverend Maurice Taylor Pastor W. James Favorite Deaconess Julia Edwards Reverend A. Leon Lowry, II Pastor, Circle of Hope Ministry Church Tallahassee, Florida Litany ~Chorus~ I m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky; I m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry; O yes, I m feasting on the manna from the bountiful supply, For I am dwelling in Beulah Land! Deaconess Evelyn Wright Hymn of Invitation Recessional Benediction & Blessing of The Meal and Congregation Reverend A. Leon Lowry, II Our Word to God Chant For Thine Is The Kingdom Selection Let Everything The Has Breath Announcements Sunday School Report The Occasion/Audio~Video Deacon Oscar Osborn Deaconess Cherrie T. Paul Jaedon Anderson Rod Carter SERMON NOTES Scripture: Subject: Main Points: