WS Chronicle

The congregation of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 30th Anniversary this past weekend.  Founding pastor and Pastor Emeritus the Rev. Dr. Charles W. Leak was also honored during the Founders Day celebration.

Leak says he was called and equipped by God to carry the good news to all and to perfect the saints for the work of ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ at Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  He served in that capacity from 1967 until 1987, when he founded Solid Rock.

Leak was senior pastor of Solid Rock for 20 years. The church is now led by Rev. Waymon L. Monroe Jr., who has served the congregation for the last 10 years.  Monroe says he looks to Leak as a mentor and father figure in his life and still leans on him to this day for advice.

“He is almost like a seminary teacher because of the advise in all demographics of the church,” Monroe said.  “He has been very supportive in having the congregation support me as they supported him for 20 years.  His humility is very admirable.”

On Saturday the church held a musical celebration in which they invited several groups to perform.  The Salem Heirs, Phillips Chapel Choir and Minister Mike featuring Focus were some of the groups that performed Saturday.

“Some of these groups have been around for a long, long time,” Monroe said.  “The symbolism behind that is celebrating the history because this church has a rich legacy of community involvement.”

Sunday morning service was where the church celebrated its anniversary. Monroe delivered the sermon during the service.  Mayor Pro Tempore Dr. Vivian Burke presented the church with a resolution congratulating the congregation on its 30 years.

During the Founder’s Day service that afternoon, Leak’s good friend Rev. Samuel Cornelius delivered the message. Cornelius’ sermon centered on the Lord making a way.  He touched on the 30 years the church has been in existence and even though the road may be tough, you have to stay the course. 

Dr. Leak says that the church started with about 30 members and they now have about 200.  He said he couldn’t be more excited for the church to have now celebrated 30 years.

“I happily led the church for 20 years and couldn’t be happier with how things are going,” Leak said.

Monroe and Leak have a special bond.  Monroe said his progression over the last 10 years has a lot to do with the leadership that Leak has displayed.  He said he learned a lot from Leak as far as balancing his personal life while also taking care of business at the church.

“What I have learned from him is to not take disappointment personal,” Monroe continued.  “He has taught me the importance of staying connected and loving people.”

Monroe said he wanted to thank his wife and family for their support over the years and says he was very happy with how the festivities over the weekend turned out.

“I feel like we are moving in the right direction,” said Monroe.  “This weekend was great, from the singing to the preaching.  Overall, we are a strong ministry and we have a lot of potential and the future is bright.”