Greater Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church installs new pastor
Photo submitted
Special to the Outlook
The Greater Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church members held an Installation Service for new pastor, Elder Jimmy Wilson, on Sunday, Aug. 22 at the Old West Enrichment Center. Elder Jerry Payne, associate pastor at Greater Mount Zion and pastor of the Saint James Primitive Baptist Church in Thomasville, Ga., presided over the service.
More than 25 members of the clergy participated in the service, including Elder Jimmy and Mother Felicia Wilson and their families. The devotional service was conducted by Elder Lewis Anderson leading in the singing of the hymn, “A Charge to Keep I Have.” Elder Harry Cloud offered prayer. Vice Moderator Kenton Floyd read as scripture 2Timothy 4:1-8.
Greater Mount Zion’s Praise Team provided song service along with a guest soloist, Antavia Williams, Pastor-elect and Mother Wilson’s niece from Atlanta. Sister Jerrlyne Jackson gave the occasion, while Deacon Eugene Lamb Jr. shared reflections.
Elder Joe N. Malone, pastor of Shady Grove No. 2 Primitive Baptist Church, Elder Wilson’s home church, delivered the sermon, “A charge to keep I have” using scripture 2Timothy 4:1. He began by saying three things to the Greater Mount Zion members and Pastor Wilson: “Be Patient” “Be Patient” “Be Patient.” He proceeded to remind Elder Wilson of the three characteristics needed for a pastor: “responsibility, durability, and accountability” before elaborating on each.
Moderator Chris A. Burney led the clergy to form a circle around Pastor-elect Wilson for the installation ceremony, including prayer and words of encouragement. Following the ceremony, special presentations were made by the Greater Mount Zion mothers/deaconesses to First Lady Felicia Wilson and to Pastor Wilson by the Greater Mount Zion deacons.
Pastor Wilson gave remarks expressing his gratitude to the Great Mount Zion Church family, moderator Burney and all the Old West Florida Primitive Baptist Association clergy along with visiting clergy, friends, family, guests, and the installation committee, chaired by Sister Adele Manatee, with members including Sister Jackson, Deacons Theodore Penny Jr. and Jarvis Rosier Sr.
