WS Chronicle

In celebration of its 94th anniversary, Kimberly Park Holiness Church has chosen as a theme, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord,” from Psalm 92:1-5.

The history of Kimberly Park Holiness Church dates back to the year 1919, when the church was founded in a two-story framed building at Derry and Glenn avenues. There were 10 charter members who came together under the name of “Union Mission Sanctified Church.”

Elder Frank Caesar was the founding pastor; Elder W. M. Smith was the assistant pastor. Deacon Solomon M. and Nellie Caesar, Deacon Willie Caesar, Jim Caesar, Agnes Caesar and Winnie Gray (the church mother) made up the rest of the flock.

Since its founding, Kimberly Park Holiness Church has been under the leadership of several eminent pastors. After Elder W. M. Smith, Bishop S. M. Caesar led the church. He was followed by Bishop T. R. Rice, Bishop L. S. Tate, Elder Hilton Stone and Elder Paul Sherard. The church is now under the watchful eye of Elder Robert R. Edmond Jr.

A number of celebratory services will be held to mark the anniversary:

On Sunday, April 7, Associate Minister Mother Bettye Hash will deliver the word for the 11 a.m. worship service. At 4 p.m., the celebration continues with Ruling Elder Carolyn Lazenby and God’s United House of Prayer of High Point.

• Sunday, April 14, Evangelist and First Lady Carolyn Edmond will deliver the 11 a.m. message. The 4 p.m. service will be led by Bishop Apostle T. R. Rice, and the membership of Mercy Seat Holiness Church.

• On Sunday, April 21 at 11 a.m., Elder Edmond will deliver the morning message. The 4 p.m. service will be conducted by Miracle Mount Carmel Holiness Church’s Bishop Arnie Joyce from Kimber, West Va. Dinner will be served immediately following the morning worship service. The celebration will conclude on April 28, with Elder Preston Jones delivering the message at 11 a.m.