By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church held its annual Men’s Day Celebration on March 7-8, 2026. “Men of God Walking in God’s Will” (Ecclesiastes 5: 15-17) was the theme of this year’s celebration.
“Those words speak directly to the heart of godly manhood,” wrote Senior Pastor James H. Willis, Sr. “God has entrusted each of you with the power of choice – choices that shape families, strengthen the church and influence generations.”
The weekend celebration began on Saturday moning with a Drive -By and Eat-In Breakfast. Congregants and friends joined Pastor Willis and guest pastors Otis Gordon and Damon Horton for a breakfast buffet prepared by church staff.
Also on hand was State Rep. Elgin Rogers who shared some thoughts with those gathered. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21), he said in opening his remarks. “It’s not about Elgin, it’s about the people you can help,” he added.
Rogers’ message on Men’s Day Weekend was to inform attendees that he has introduced a bill that will focus on men’s health. “Take Your Dad to the Doctor and Dentist Day,” is the title of the proposed legislation which was inspired by the recent passing of his own father.
Rogers also spoke of some funds he has managed to bring home to Toledo to assist the YWCA in their capital campaign and for the MLK Kitchen for the Poor for the operating expenses.
“The only way we stay together is if we stand together.,” he added in closing.
On Sunday, service began at 10:45 with a musical selection from the Men’s Day Choir, then a Call to Worship by Bro. Jason Fisher.
Deacon Chrles Mathews followed with the invocation and Brother Demitrius Haynes welcomed the congregation and guests. After the recognition of those guests, the Men’s Day Choir presented another musical selection.
A scripture reading by Deacon Thomas Kirby and an Offertory Prayer by Deacon Michael Evans led to the introduction of the speaker by Pastor James Willis.
The Sunday speaker was Toledo Councilman John Hobbs, III.
Hobbs was appointed to City Council in 2020 and subsequently won election to retain his District 1 seat in November 2023. He serves as vice chair of the Regional Growth, Developmental & Small Business Enterprise Committee and chair of the Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee, among other assignments.
Hobbs, a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School and The Ohio State Barber College, earned a bachelors degree in Public Relations from the University of Toledo.
He is the founding Pastor at Dominion Fellowship Church, where he has served for over two decades.
Hobbs address to the congregation followed the event’s theme – “Men of God Walking in God’s Will.”
This year’s Men’s Day Celebration was organized by Deacon Bobby McDole, chair, and Deacon Joseph Diggins, co-chair.
