Saint Peter AMEC Church Anniversary: “The Rock” Church in the Valley Celebrates 139 Years
Desiree V. O’Bryant
Matthew 16:18 reads, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, better known as “The Rock” Church in the Valley, enjoyed a day of celebration, worship, and thanksgiving for 139 glorious years.
The Church Anniversary program commenced on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The theme for this special occasion was “One Church, One Family.” The Worship Leader was The Reverend Anthony Angelo Dixon, II, Pastor of Saint Peter. The worship experience began with the Ringing of the Bell by the generational family members of Saint Peter. Saint Peter Anniversary Celebration Ensemble performed the morning praise and thanksgiving. The gifted musicians were Brother Jabarri Johnson, pianist; Brother Nicholas Ross, percussionist and Brother Grant Alexander, Saxophonist. Pastor Dixon II led the Opening Acclamation and The Litany of Empowerment. “How Great is Our God” was the morning hymn of praise. After singing the hymn, Sister Frances O’Bryant delivered a spiritually moving prayer. The Liturgy of Word was read: The Old Testament, Sister Desiree O’Bryant, The Epistle, Sister Raven Johnson, and The Gospel- Brother Gerald Ellison, Sr. Finally, The Anniversary Ensemble blessed the congregants in song with “Thank You, Jesus.” It was a time of praising and thanking God.
Brother Ashley Ballard, Anniversary General Chairperson, gave a celebratory welcome and the occasion. He exclaimed that the church is very much alive and not dead. He talked about the vision and the mission of Saint Peter, which is “to minister to the needs of all people by creating a loving environment that will touch and transform lives.” He then paused for a special presentation that involved interactive participation. He presented each church member with a cup of colored sand representing each member’s generation (i.e., Millennial, Baby Boomers). The church members collectively poured their colored sand into a vile. The vile symbolized unity and signified that the church is a dwelling place for all generations. Sister Willie M. Johnson fervently prayed for unity in our churches, homes, and families.
Eagerly awaited was the presentation of “The M.E. Singleton Service Award.” This award is presented annually in memory of Brother Merchant E. Singleton, a faithful servant to St. Peter and the community. Brother Ballard presented the first award to Sister Yvonne H. Ellison. He stated she was most deserving of this award because of her loyal, faithful, and distinguished service to the church. The Anniversary Core Steering Team: Sister Raven Johnson, Sister Bianca Ballard, and Sister KenShayala Johnson presented the second award to Sister Cydne Gee, for her selfless acts, creativity and for being an advocate for those who do not have a voice. Pastor Dixon also shared his remarks of gratefulness to Sister Gee, adding that she was a trailblazer.
The Reverend Dixon introduced the anniversary messenger, Reverend Doctor Jeffery B. Cooper who serves the African Methodist Episcopal Church as General Secretary/Chief Information Officer. Doctor Cooper holds a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University School of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Graduate Theological Seminary. He is married to The Rev. Joanne E. Williams-Cooper, M.D.; they are the proud parents of four children and five adorable grandchildren. Doctor Cooper’s preached “Things to Come” from John 14:8-14. He reflected on Jesus telling the disciples that he must leave and go with his Father, and whoever believes in him will do even greater things.
The Reverend Dixon and Brother Ballard gave remarks. A delightful dinner awaited congregants in the Ulric George Fellowship Hall. The Reverend Doctor Harvey R. Williamson is the Presiding Elder of the Macon Georgia South District , and the Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson is thePresiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District .
Photo: Rev. A. Angelo Dixon, II, First Lady Melissa Dixon, Sister Carolyn Sampson, Rev. Joanne Williams-Cooper, M.D., and Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper
