By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Community members, youth and their families and Toledo Pride Prince Hall joined historic St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The community-centered program celebrated Christmas and St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Day.
“On behalf of our Pastor, First Lady and St. Paul family,” welcome MiKayla Evans, during the official service welcome. “We welcome all our guests. Glad that you are here with us. Welcome, welcome, welcome.”
Traditional devotion service opened the program, which was followed by a procession led by Rev. James Willis, Sr, the pastor of St. Paul MBC and members of Toledo Pride Prince Hall Masonic family.
The service continued with the youth choir, which sang ‘Joy to the Word’ and ‘Away in a Manager,’ Mylan Allen sang Isaiah 9:6, Zoey Harris led the Lord’s Prayer, MiKayla Evans delivered a welcome, Celina Winfield-White led the Christmas Litany, Kaitlyn Diggins said the announcements, Kendall Cooper led the scripture reading, Aydrn Brown assisted with Altar Call, Joyful Praises featuring Zane Harris and Ayden Brown presented a praise dance, Zane Harris delivered a Christmas Speech, and Aufwiedersehen Agee shared Merry Christmas.
Rev. James H. Willis Sr, pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and a leader in the Toledo Pride Prince Hall Masonic Family, delivered comments about St. John’s Day and the sermon for that Sunday.
“St. John Evangelist Day is December 27. We celebrate today the second fest,” noted Rev. Willis. “St. John represents an emotional sign of love. He’s notable to not forsaking Christ and was the first to reach Jesus’ tomb. He is also called the apostle of charity, and each group that was here today gave charity. That is what we are all about.”
Members of Toledo Pride Prince Hall Masonic Family along with members of Amazon Lodge, Composite Lodge, Jewel Chapter, Order of Pythagoran, Mecca Court, Mecca Temple and others all presented monetary donations to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Willis.
“Today, the message is to apply thyself to a pure heart like St. John,” shared Rev. Willis. Thank you to all our members and guests that are also in attendance. Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for celebrating with us this morning.”
