by Sandra F. Beckard and photos by John Wilson
When thinking of a 90th Anniversary, the first thing that comes to mind is a Wedding and the traditions that go with it, especially the gifts. The contemporary/modern gifts are Diamond/Emerald or Granite.
Granite is one of the world’s most famous rocks and has been used for thousands of years for everything from buildings to sculptures. A diamond is a gemstone that implies great devotion and long-term commitment. Emeralds are precious gemstones from the mineral beryl, which is rare and associated with rebirth and renewal. If one of these stone gifts could describe Union Chapel, it would be the “Diamond,” symbolizing strength, love, and good health.
As part of a month-long celebration of 90 years of existence, on Friday, August 11th, Union Chapel Church had a Fellowship Banquet in their Fellowship Hall where former and current members could reunite to join and share the love with their forever family. The Mistress of Ceremony was Attorney Rochelle A. Conerly, with Entertainment provided by Dr. Reginald Jackson, Director of the UAB Gospel Choir.
The celebration continues with a “Ministry Basketball Tournament” on Friday, August 18th, at 6:00 pm in the Church Gymnasium; the Annual Church Picnic on Saturday, August 19th, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the pavilion; a “Cruise In Car Show” will be held in the parking lot from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. On Sunday, August 20th, the anniversary celebration will culminate at 9:00 am and 12 Noon.
Worship Services with Pastor Gregory Haygood of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, located in South Bend, Indiana, will be the guest speaker at the 9:00 am service.