‘I feel very loved’
Local pastor is celebrated for 10 years of service
BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY
THE CHRONICLE
The congregation of New Bethel Baptist Church celebrated the 10-year anniversary of church Pastor Rev. Dr. Kendall D. Jones Sr. on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Guest minister Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Cornelius, pastor emeritus of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, delivered the sermon during the service.
Toward the end of the service Rev. Jones took the pulpit and thanked his family, starting with his mother. He reflected on the sacrifices she made for he and his siblings growing up. He thanked his wife, Mae, and children for the love he has received from them throughout the years. He also thanked the congregation of the church for the love and support they have shown, not only for him but for his family, also.
“I feel very loved and affirmed by the church. They give me energy to press on and continue for another 10 years or more,” said Rev. Jones. “The church has shown through the years their love and support for me, and I just want to continue to show my love and support for them and do the best that I can do as God has enabled me to do it.”
Rev. Jones recounted a story of when he initially met his wife and how he was struggling in school at the time.
He says with her help he turned those failing grades into four A’s and one B. “All that I am since we met is because of Mae Jones,” said Rev. Jones on the importance of his wife being in his life.
Rev. Cornelius’ sermon touched on why it is important for a church to celebrate a pastoral anniversary. He touched on the humility that a pastor must have in order to be successful.
“The great pastors are those who keep their eyes on Christ,” said Cornelius of what makes a good pastor.
Trustee Daniel Piggot Sr. was the worship leader for Sunday’s service. The mass choir sang hymns throughout the service and a presentation was made for Rev. Jones and his wife. Words of thanks came from assistant pastor Azuree Johnson-Dalton and others.
Before the church was released to go to the banquet, the congregation presented Rev. Jones with special gifts from the children’s church and a special gift of thanks to first lady Mae Jones. Rev. Jones’ two sons, Kendall Dwayne Jr. and Allan Jermaine were in attendance along with Rev Jones’ grandchildren Samara and Kendall III.
“I appreciate the love the church has shown us over the years,” said Allan. “I think with his leadership things will continue to go smoothly.”
Mae Jones added, “It was wonderful. He not only tells me beautiful things in public but he tells me he appreciates who I am and what I mean to him in private. He always gives me credit for where he is in life. He is a kind and loving man. He has a servant’s heart and he is the type of minister that’s there for the people.”
Many of the church congregation also participated in the celebratory banquet that followed Sunday’s service.
