Pilgrim AME Church Celebrates Its Annual WMS Day
By Rev. Dr. Priscilla Irene Boswell, Second Episcopal District
The Lela M. Jackson Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of Pilgrim AME Church celebrated its Annual WMS Day on November 10, under the anointed and capable leadership of its president, Sister Margaret Maske, who also is the current WMS PME Director. The honorable guest speaker was Second Episcopal District (SED) Supervisor Mother Arelis Antonia Beevers Davis.
Expounding on the WMS theme of “God’s Commission, Our Mission, Our Calling,” Mother Davis exhorted congregants to be intentional about making disciples for Christ, relieving the suffering of others, and fulfilling our calling. She encouraged us to get back to the basics of prayer and Bible study, stop gossiping, and be a voice for the voiceless. As Christians, she said, we must not accept the world as it is. Rather, we must fight, make a difference, and press on.
Mother Davis said so much more, all of it in a loving, kind, and humble way. After her sermon, the people gave her an enthusiastic standing ovation of approval and gratitude. Shouts of thanks and praises to God could be heard for the powerful move of His Spirit among His waiting congregation.
The pews of Pilgrim were brimming with all manner of worshipers, including children, youth, adults, family, friends, and neighbors. Among those present were the Rt. Rev. James L. Davis, the servant bishop of the SED; Dr. Deborah Taylor King, Connectional WMS President; Dr. Shirley Cason-Reed, 9th Connectional WMS President; Ms. D. Faye Conley, SED WMS President; Mrs. Jeanette S. Hite, Washington Conference Branch (WCB) President; Ms Essie Thompson, WCB First Vice-President; Ms. Renee Brooks, WCB Third Vice-President; Ms Margaret Perkins, WCB Parliamentarian; and Ms. Blanche Baucham, the executive assistant to the Connectional President.
The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, the pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church and civil rights activist, was also present. Also present were several WCB officers from Ebenezer, Real Power, Ward, Reid Temple, First AME of Gaithersburg, Adams Inspirational, Seaton Memorial, Campbell, Turner, and Gaskins Chapel, along with special guest Ms. Mary Jackson from the Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. The attendance was momentous because never have so many WMS dignitaries worshipped together at Pilgrim.
After the worship service, which included singing, prayers, litanies, and a special tribute to Pilgrim member Sister Jessie Kay for her exemplary WCB WMS work, a wonderfully delicious dinner was served for all to enjoy. More than one person was overheard to exclaim how much they enjoyed coming to Pilgrim because they always receive a blessing.
The Rev. Vernon R. Ware, the pastor of Pilgrim, thanked everyone for their presence, as well as commended those who had worked so hard to make this year’s celebration successful and historic. He gave God praise, thanks, and glory for all the great things He has done, is doing, and shall continue to do for His people!
Photo credit: Brother Lawrence Harrison
