By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
The community came out to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pastor Cedric Brock and First Lady Debra Brock of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, October 15 at Premier Banquet Hall on Heatherdowns. Over 200 people filled the space and were greeted by purple and gold decorations.
The banquet program featured a welcome message from the officers and members of the congregation, a portion of the welcome reads, “On behalf of Mount. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, we greet you with open hearts of welcome. We are very happy to have you here with us as we share in the 30th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor Cedric Brock and First Lady Debra Brock. This afternoon as well as in our daily lives the hope of our efforts, lies in our oneness. We thank you again for leaving your homes to spend this time with our honorees. We invite you to join us at Mount Nebo at any time.”
In addition to honoring Pastor and First Lady Brock, the celebration acknowledged Bridge Builders, individuals who helped in their ministry over the years. The Bridge Builders were: Cecelia Adams, EdD, Mother Freda Banks, Mother Lula Bennings, Ruby Butler, Crystal Ellis, Mother Beatrice Grace, Deacon Seldon Hill, Minnie Hollenshed, Edna Hudson, Fannie Markey, Mother Mardis Newsom, Edward Sanders, Geraldine Scrutchins, James and Bessie Taylor and Betty Williams.
“The Bridge Builders are members of Mount Nebo that have encouraged me and my family, gave me constructive criticism, gave me wise counsel and built a fence of prayer around us. They built us up. So today it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge our history. I appreciate those individuals. I also appreciate and honor my wife. Thank you to our First Lady. She is amazing,” shared Pastor Brock.
The program opened with instrumental music by Kalvin Hughes Trio. Bishop Darrell Sheares, the Pastor of Fresh Wind Church, served as Master of Ceremonies. The celebration continued as the Bridge Builders and honorees were escorted by family members and congregation members.
“Let’s thank the Lord as we thank some special people. I believe that Pastor Brock and First Lady are excited to see us here tonight but as believers we must first give God the glory,” shared Bishop Sheares during opening remarks.
The celebration included the delivery of the welcome and musical selections by Mount Nebo Church, special acknowledgement by Rev. James Willis the pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, special presentations from congregational ministries, congratulatory remarks from dignitaries, and words of gratitude by Pastor and First Lady Brock.
“God has truly blessed Dr. Brock. 30 years is a long time. I am grateful for Dr. Brock and we’re all here to honor you. We appreciate you. When a person has reached an anniversary of this magnitude, we must congratulate them. I congratulate you and appreciate you, as you continue to do what God says for you to do,” said Rev. Willis, fellow IMA (Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance) member with Pastor Brock. Cedric Brock serves as the president of the IMA.
“Congratulations Mom and Dad on your 30th pastoral anniversary at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. I wish I could express all the love and appreciation I have for you. It feels like there are so many things I haven’t told you nearly enough. Things like, how blessed I’ve been to have parents like you. You’ve sacrificed a lot and worked so hard to make things better for me and our whole family. I appreciate it so much. I feel so lucky to be able to turn to you, to look up to you and to cherish you forever. I’m grateful for so many things you’ve done, so many times we’ve had, and so many remarkable things about you. I hope you’ll always remember. I think you’re the best parents there could ever be and I want to thank you for the bottom of my heart for doing all you’ve done for me, the church and the community,” from Kiarra Brock.
