Mount Hermon AME Church (Fort Lauderdale) Celebrates the Rev. Henry Green’s 40-Year Anniversary
A ruby anniversary is a special milestone and one of great achievement. Spending 40 years committed to anything, especially shepherding God’s people, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is a reason to celebrate. Rubies are thought to possess an eternal inner flame which is a symbol that the passion is still very alive and strong after 40 years. The ministry of the Rev. Dr. Henry E. Green, Jr. continues to encompass this passion after his 40 years as a pastor and presiding elder.
The pastor had a superb Ruby Jubilee Committee that planned, organized, and orchestrated an entire weekend to commemorate the Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr.’s 40 years as a pastor and presiding elder in the AME Church. There were three bishops, who all positively influenced and impacted his ministry, who served as the keynote speakers for the weekend.
The weekend kicked off on June 1with a Ruby Jubilee Banquet. Bishop Philip R. Cousin, who gave the Rev. Green his first assignment as a pastor, was the evening’s messenger. His message was entitled “The Significance of 40 Years.” He thrilled those in attendance highlighting and paralleling 40 day or 40-year experiences with Pastor Green’s 40-year journey.
The Rev. James C. Givens (one of his sons in the ministry and a close friend) was the banquet’s Master of Ceremony. There were special expressions and anecdotes by family and friends. The Rev. Dr. Walter T. Richardson; the Rev. Dr. David Green; Bishop Samuel Green, Sr. and his sons; the Rev. Henry Green, III; and Philip Green all rendered special tributes.
The celebration culminated with Sunday services on June 3 with Bishop Robert V. Webster delivering the 7:30 am message entitled, “Dream Makers.” Bishop Webster recounted past dreams and that he is still a dreamer.
Bishop Frank C. Cummings delivered the 10:30 a.m. message entitled, “The Power of Love.” He expressed that love has been an important factor in his ministry and is necessary for success in the future.
The worship services were Spirit-filled and all who attended were thrilled and inspired by the words of the speakers. The Rev. Green received proclamations from Congressman Alcee Hastings, State Senator Perry Thurston, State Representative Bobby DuBose, Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, and Mayor William “Bill” Edwards of South Fulton, Georgia.
The Rev. Green expressed his sincere appreciation to his wife, Jennifer, for her support over the years of his ministry. He thanked and related how each bishop had inspired and encouraged him. He is grateful to the Ruby Jubilee Committee and the entire congregation of Mount Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale for their efforts and an awesome celebration weekend. The Rev. Green is thankful for his past 40 years but said, “With Jesus, the best is yet to come!”
