“You provide the fire, I’ll provide the sacrifice. You provide the spirit, I will open up inside. Fill me up God! Fill me up God. Fill me up God. I wanna run over!” – Tasha Cobbs
And what a run over of spirit as Greater Fort Clarke Missionary Baptist Church (GFCMBC) celebrated the three-year anniversary of its young spiritual leader, Pastor Stacey Graham.
A near capacity crowd was brought to their feet by a charged gospel choir singing spiritual songs like Holy Ghost Power, Trouble in My Way, and Soon I Will Be Done. Electrifying old time clapping and congregational singing filled the pews as members and visitors joined the heel-tapping music, delivering all verses of well-known historic songs as well as newer tunes like Fill Me Up from popular artist Tasha Cobbs, perfectly lead by choir member Tiffany Morris. Her enthusiasm and emotional testimony brought tears and shouts of Amen from the fully engaged audience.
Head Deacon, Lonnie Scott lead the devotional service with readings and scripture setting the stage for a Black History moment performance by the drama department, under the direction of founder and author First Lady Pamela Graham. The portrayal of a traditional Baptist church service was yet another uplifting moment highlighting a service of celebration for the religious Graham couple.
Afterwards, Evangelist Sharon Foreman, dressed in a stylish pink embellished suit, with an uplifted spirit and soul, executed the familiar Christian melody Trouble of the World, accompanied by piano and soft drums, taking the crowd through an ignited worship experience. The audience embraced the performance with the magnitude of hearing a deliverance as recorded by Mahalia Jackson, a shout of hallelujah to Foreman.
Barbara Henry, a lifelong member of GFCMBC, said, “Just having a couple who loves the Lord, each other, willing to share the word, live the word and be a bright shining light on SW 91 Street and West Newberry Road is a blessing! 156 years and still shinning!” Henry said the church is moving forward with rebuilding membership and connections within the Baptist community to achieve positive goals of outreach and sustainability in the close Fort Clarke community.
The message was delivered in the same spirited manner by Rev. Standley Gillings, Sr. of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala. Rev. Gillings said he was delighted to be with Pastor Graham in his anniversary celebration, the two have long history and respect for each other.
GFCMBC, a historic African American church, is rebuilding its community connections and members, with Pastor Graham’s enthusiasm securing the foundational advances over the past three years. New programs and associations are allowing members to experience growth and day-to-day changes. Ministries are being formed as flourishing partnerships and relationships blossom due to the hard work and commitment of the Pastor and First Lady.
Susie Hankerson talked about the church under Pastor Graham’s leadership. “I can say that I really like Pastor and First Lady. Unlike many of the members who have known them for many years, I only became acquainted with them once he became our Pastor. They are friendly and loving and are very approachable. I am very happy with them being a part of the GFCMBC family.”
Upon entering the double wooden doors of the church, members and visitors alike receive a warm, welcoming greeting from white-gloved ushers who stand double duty every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Cynthia Williams, visiting from Panama City, said, “Fort Clarke sees their visitors. As I walked into the front door’s I could sense God’s love. The greeter welcomed me at the door, and as I found a seat, the Pastor was welcoming people in the congregation and came back and welcomed me to the service. I felt very at home at the Fort Clarke service.”
After the all-inclusive stimulating service, the thriving Women’s’ Ministry served a stellar Southern meal. Tender roast beef, rice covered with mouthwatering gravy, sautéed vegetable medley, potato salad, fresh rolls and iced tea made up the appetizing anniversary menu. Multiple home-made cakes, pies and fruit cups topped a diet where calorie counting took a silent back seat.
The anniversary royal blue and white theme adorned tables creating a lasting impression to embrace the catered affair.
Pastor Graham closed the service by saying, “Let us continue to keep God first. I thank you for three years and look forward to 30 more.”
View pictures of the Pastor’s 3rd Anniversary.