Whenever Melinda Payne emcees an event, it’s a foregone conclusion that attendees should expect the unexpected.
Last Saturday was a perfect storm of fashion catwalks, community camaraderie and gospel music in Hotel Roanoke’s Crystal Ballroom. The purpose of the Nov. 18 gathering was to celebrate Blue Ridge Baptist Church’s 150th anniversary
Explaining how the event came to be, Payne said, “We felt it was necessary to do something special. A lot of churches do not survive that long. Collectively, our church planning committee agreed to do a gala.”
Approximately 175 attendees celebrated the occasion that was highly entertaining from start to finish.
The fashion show was a big hit. Among the roughly dozen models who participated were JoAnne Poindexter, Tiffany Wade and Annette Lewis. When Payne had to stall for time, she did so effortlessly.
Attendees also enjoyed a catered meal and a powerful performance from gospel singer Lasha’ Knox. Congregation member Wendall Harris currently lives in Atlanta. Through his entertainment business, he was able to contact Knox allowing her to perform at the gala.
Considered one of gospel’s most distinctive voices, when Knox was on stage, many pulled out cell phones to capture her striking performance.
Part of the gathering focused on the fashion contributions made by Black women over the years, something that Sarah Coleman greatly appreciated. “I attended the gala with my two teenage daughters,” she said. “I knew they were going to have fun, but it was important to me that they left feeling inspired too.”
Payne has a particular fondness for Blue Ridge Baptist as it’s the church she’s attended her whole life. “I travel from Salem to Blue Ridge Baptist in Blue Ridge every single Sunday,” she said. Payne reportedly has been church clerk for over 30 years.
She along with her sister Merle King, friends Judy Brown and Gracie Wilson all played vital roles in the event’s success. A lot of behind-the-scenes work was required, but Blue Ridge Baptist Pastor Marcus Huffman says it was worth it considering the event’s huge success. Huffman as been pastor of the church for nearly four years.
“Hosting the event was an absolute honor. From Mayor Sherman Lea’s most appropriate remarks to the fellowship choir being able to bless us, it was everything that I could have asked for and more,” he said. “We love to say that we are a small church that can do big things. The gala was the very core of that model.”
