In celebration of Mount Calvary Seventh-day Adventist Church in Huntsville, Alabama 40th Anniversary (1982-2022), the church took this opportunity to celebrate by having all previous conference presidents and pastors to return share in the three-month celebration beginning October 2022. Pastor Benjamin Jones, Jr., president of South Central Conference, started off the celebrations by speaking on October 8th, and former pastor Rupert Bushner, DMin. capped off the celebration by speaking on December 17th for the Grand Anniversary Sabbath. All the speakers shared a soul-stirring inspirational message.
The Anniversary Committee which was chaired by Josette Paschal and co-chaired by Lorna Knight, met monthly since August 2021 to plan and execute the Anniversary celebrations.
There were four honorees chosen. Two church individuals, Vera Bartholomew, a current member, and Yvonne Gidden a former member. They were chosen for their tireless efforts in serving the church’s senior citizens and community needs. Two community honorees were Royal Funeral Home and Albert’s Flowers. Mount Calvary Church honored Royal Funeral Home, represented by Mrs. Karen Jones Smith. Royal Funeral Home graciously opened its doors to the church to worship while the current church purchased land and obtained building plans to build the church. The first church pastor, Elder Eric C. Ward, and the funeral home team relationship with James A. and Barbara Hundley Jones were valued and an integral part of Mount Calvary’s historical story.
Well wishes were received from numerous businesses including Southern Union Conference with a proclamation sent by Ron C. Smith, PhD., president, Pastor Benjamin Jones, Jr., president of South Central Conference, and Royal Funeral Home, which were displayed in a special historical souvenir booklet. Honorable Devon Keith councilman of Huntsville City District 2 provided a proclamation on behalf of the City of Huntsville and Mayor Battle and the respective councils.
The church was very grateful for the beloved baptized souls and the support of the members and community residents during the years. Carrie Oats and Estefania Howell, church members, were extremely instrumental in soliciting several ads in support of the event. The Grand Anniversary Sabbath was a wonderful day for Mount Calvary as it highlighted its history. An evening elegant gala climaxed the wonderful experience. The strategic mission of Mount Calvary was celebrated, “Moving from friendship to membership, to fellowship, to discipleship.” The anniversary celebration reminded and recommitted the members of Mount Calvary to its mission.
