By Staff Writer
Voice & Viewpoint
Under the leadership of Deborah Allen Bradley 2014 Women’s Day Chair, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church honored 12 Women of the Cloth at its Annual Women’s Day Luncheon. The theme was: Mighty Women of God Nurturing HIS Purpose as Women of Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Grace, Charity and Good Works. The foundation scripture was “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by HIM, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the world of truth”, ll Timothy 2:15
The 2014 Women’s Day Luncheon was held on Saturday, June 21st in the RBA Fellowship Hall at Bethel. The standing room only crowd dined to a succulent meal of grilled chicken, sliced beef, vegetable medley, new potatoes, a mixed green salad and balsamic dressing, homemade rolls, peach cobbler and ice cream. The room was beautifully adorned in bold colors of orange, green, purple and white.
The Honorees were Rev. Ramona Banks, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Clarice Christian, Immanuel Chapel Christian Church; Rev. Alyce Smith- Cooper, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church;
Rev. Catherine Crosby-Payne, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Donna Davis, Walker Chapel AME Church; Rev. Denise L. Jackson, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Josephine Mills, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Raichera McCray, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Debra Watson, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Ja’nice Davis-Winston, Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church; Rev. Vera LaGrone-White, Fulfillment Worship Center Church and special recognition given to
Rev. Ann Watson, Retired – A.M.E. Pastor. All honorees received certificates of recognition from Councilperson Mrytle Cole and Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber. Rev. Annie Watson was issued a Proclamation from Mayor Kelvin Faulconer declaring June 21st Rev. Annie C. Watson Day in the City of San Diego. In addition, she received a special letter from Bishop T. Larry Kirkland of the 5th Episcopal District congratulating her on being an honoree and recognizing her many years of service to the ministry.
Mistress of Ceremony, Danya Bacchus of NBC News Channel 7 showed why she was named one of the most popular news casters on TV today. She was a consummate pro, very poised and gracious. Inspiring entertainment was provided by Patrice Rieves, Bethel’s Director of Music, Norma Handy, Music Director St. Stephens Cathedral Church of God in Christ and Benita Jemison, Children’s Choir Director, Mt Erie Baptist Church.
With closing remarks offered by Rev. Leslie R. White, Senior Pastor Bethel Memorial AME Church, it was a grand affair enjoyed by all.
Photos by Darrel Wheeler
