Memorial Scholarship Service honors Mack, college students
The scholarship winners stand with Christopher Mack, far left. From left to right are the scholarship winners Eboni Hosch, Erica Alexander, Trajan Doothit, Jada Moore, Maya Alexander and Kia Claggett.
Photo by Timothy Ramsey
BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY
THE CHRONICLE
Dr. Sir Walter Mack Sr. served as pastor for Emmanuel Baptist Church for nearly 33 years prior to his death on Nov. 27, 1982. To further honor the legacy of Mack and his commitment to the value of education, Emmanuel held its annual S.W. Mack Sr. Memorial Scholarship Service on Sunday, March 12.
Mack was a great believer in the value of education and set an example by earning several advanced degrees. He was also an energetic supporter of young people, from infants to young adults. The scholarship service ministry allows the congregation to contribute to the scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded in two categories: The Tuition Assistance Scholarship, which is a 1,000 scholarship, is awarded to the winner of an essay contest, and Textbook Scholarships to several students in the congregation.
Essay contest winner Jada Moore says she was honored to win the scholarship, especially with all the other contestants who entered.
“I just feel blessed that they chose my essay out of all that were submitted,” Moore said. “It helped me pay for school and my essay was about my grandfather because education was very important to him. He always said education was the key to success to whatever you want to do in life.”
The service included many of the S.W. Mack scholars who led the call to worship, morning prayer and Scripture reading. Mack’s son Christopher Mack attended the service. He thought the service was beautiful and deeply appreciates his father’s legacy being carried on with the scholarships.
“My father was so into education and supporting the youth, church and community, this scholarship fund allows that spirit to continue,” Mack said. “Emmanuel does a great job of keeping his legacy active. Any time an honor can be shared in an effort toward education is truly a blessing.”
The message was delivered by the Rev. Demi McCoy, who serves as an intern at Emmanuel and is currently working on a Masters of Divinity degree at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
“I would hope that people are empowered to act and move on behalf of those around them to create a better world,” McCoy said of her sermon. “I was more than honored to speak in front of the young people because I know how transformational a college education can be. Any chance I get to pour into someone who is on that journey, I’m going to hop on it.”
Church Pastor Rev. Dr. John Mendez said when he first came to Emmanuel, he made the determination to start the scholarship in honor of Mack because of Mack’s commitment to youth and education.
“He was beloved before I came and left something that somebody else wanted, I wanted,” Mendez said. “His family has been really supportive through the years and I had the distinct privileged to help nurture and develop his son after his father died. It was been a rich experience and I’m determined that his legacy will live as long as I am here.”
