Second Missionary Baptist Church in Mexico recently celebrated its 158th Church Anniversary May 25. This year’s celebratory theme was, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. KJV.

Mistress of Ceremony was Colette Kemp. Scripture Min. Rachel Owens. Prayer Rev. Penny Weston and the congregational song “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” led by Second Pastor Rev. T.L. Garner Jr., solidified the tone of the celebration.

Elder Aquilla U. Butler brought the greeting and welcome, stating she was doing so with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the numerous ancestors who formerly sat in the pews conducting the yearly functions of the church. Butler then noted those in attendance were “mostly their descendants and living legacies to continue in their footsteps.” She followed with the word “welcome” centered on universal language from German, French, Spanish, African and English.

Unique differences this year included the incorporation of a specially designed Dri-Fit T-Shirt commemorating the 158th Church Anniversary. Rev. T.L. Garner, pastor, said he believed “the concept of designing, and marketing the shirts would be a foundation to unify current, former, and friends of the ministry to; purchase, attend the event, and wear the SMBC branded message of #FaithStrong.”

Worthy recognition unfolded as SMBC Youth JT Lentz and Layla Gardner honored our oldest member, Brother Robert Pasley. Those 70 years old and upward were also recognized.

Praise Dancers “GODDLEE caused foot tapping in the pews. The SMBC Music Department, Choir and Sister Kendra Jackson-Thorton performed Special Music in preparation for the Sermon by Garner titled, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

A reception was held in the SMBC Café. Cake, punch, sweets, fun, family and faith filled the room. Attendees agreed that “Great Is God’s Faithfulness!”