105 Years Young: Church Matriarch Celebrates 98 Years of Membership
On August 13, 2017, the Admiration Thanksgiving Obedience Consecration (ATOC) African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dawson, Georgia, celebrated their 135th Church Anniversary and honored the matriarch of their house, Sister Grace Cutts, who at the ripe age 105, has been a faithful member for more than 98 years. The community-wide celebration was led by ATOC pastor, the Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper, II, and the anniversary chairperson, the Honorable Robert L. Albritten, mayor of the City of Dawson. The Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Sr., General Secretary/CIO of the AME Church, served as the guest preacher with the soul-stirring sermon, “The Best is Yet to Come.” The anniversary theme was “Honoring our Past; Claiming Our Future” and Joshua 14:11-12 served as the anniversary scripture.
Sister Cutts was born on March 2, 1912, in Dawson, Georgia. She is the daughter of the late Walter and Clara Richardson. She was married to the late Calvin Humphrey and the couple had one son, Calvin, who preceded her in death. She has two grandchildren, Calvin Humphrey and Dr. Kimberly Humphrey-Brown; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cherlye Granito Humphrey, and a second husband, Sammie Cutts.
A retired educator with over 45 years of service, Mrs. Cutts opened her home to many children during the day, continuing to teach them while their parents worked. She is a loyal and dedicated member of ATOC, where she joined in 1919, and continues to attend weekly services. Throughout the years, Mrs. Cutts made her presence felt in many ways. She taught Sunday School for over 44 years and served as the church pianist, church secretary, and a stewardess. Sister Cutts reads her Bible daily and proudly credits her Lord with her longevity.
During the celebration, Mayor Albritten presented Sister Cutts with a Proclamation from the City of Dawson recognizing her faithfulness and dedication to ATOC and her community. She also received several recognitions from U. S. Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Second Congressional District. Representative Bishop officially declared August 13, 2017, to be Sister Grace Cutts Day in the 2nd Congressional District.
As the matriarch of the ATOC Church, Sister Cutts regularly encourages parishioners, and the pastor, with words of wisdom and comfort. She is a beacon of hope and the embodiment of God’s promise in Psalm 91:16, “With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.” In an age of fickle church membership, Sister Cutts represents the very best of African Methodism. We salute you, Sister Grace Cutts!
