It was about 9:22am on Sunday, May 19th, when my wife, Juanita, and I arrived at the campus of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, #1 Mount Calvary Way (17 John Street) in Springfield.
I was invited to be Pastor Mark E. Flower’s special guest on the occasion of the 105th Church Anniversary. He asked me two months earlier if I would be available. After parking in Pastor Flower’s designated spot, I climbed the back stairway to the second floor, enroute to the pastor’s office. After a warm embrace, Pastor Flowers escorted me to his office. He then asked the question, “Did you park in my parking space?” My immediate answer was “No sir.” Then I said, “Of course, I did. I had no other choice, especially when you instructed me to do so upon my arrival.”
I was delighted to hear former Pastor of Mount Calvary, Rev. Dr. Johnny Wilson, preach for the morning worship service and hear Rev. Dr. Jeff Powell of Hartford, Connecticut preach for the afternoon service of worship.
Great music was sung at both services, morning and afternoon.
We enjoyed a great meal following the afternoon service. Phillipians chapter two, verses three and four remind Christian folk how to be faithful. The Apostle Paul exclaims, “Let nothing be
done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself.” (verse three) “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (verse four). These two verses speak volumes to the Christians at the church at Philippi. These two verses are very poignant. They remind me of the type of Christian brother that Pastor Mark Flowers is.
I acknowledge such because Pastor Flowers believes, “beyond a shadow of doubt” that these words of challenge by the Apostle Paul are addressed to him personally as a Christian Brother in Christ.
Pastor Flowers also honors my presence whenever I am at Mount Calvary. Whenever there are funeral services for deceased members of the church, he allows me to participate by leading the family members of the deceased one down the central aisle of the church sanctuary.
There was one other gorgeous highlight that was breathtaking. It was a ribbon cutting ceremony in the lower fellowship hall at the doorway leading to the kitchen. What a delightful experience. What a beautifully designed and renovated kitchen fit for kings and queens was unveiled. I was asked by Pastor Flowers to pray doing the event.
Pastor Flowers treats me as though I am still the pastor of this august body of believers. I thank my God for Pastor Flowers, for his love for me and my wife. Praise God for Pastor and Lady Renée Flowers. They both show respect for us with Godly grace.
We thank God for that glorious day at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church. ■