Ebenezer AME Church was the setting on Sunday afternoon March 19 for the first Annual “A Few Good Men” Honors and Community Recognition program. The program was originated by host Rev. Jeanette DeLoatche Phelps, based upon the Old Testament story of Gideon defined in the Hebrew scripture as “A mighty man of valor.”
Rev. Phelps, along with the Board of Stewards and Pastor’s Aide Ministry, selected nine men from the Roanoke Valley whose excellent community work and public service has not only provided improvement to the diverse Roanoke community, but has also given kind and supportive services to Ebenezer AME Church and its ministries through the years.
Honorees included Rev. Paul Andrews; Presiding Elder Emeritus James Beatty, H. Clarke “Duke” Curtis, Michael French, Stanley R. Hale, Byron Hamlar, Robert Harper, Willie Logan and Rev. John Word, Sr.
Honorable mention awards were presented to guest speaker Rev. Grayland Snead, pastor Bethel AME Church, Rocky Mount, VA and Rev. Edgar Saunders, Jr., a local Deacon for Ebenezer AME Church.
The congregation, comprised of nearly eighty community citizens, members and friends, listened attentively as each honoree’s notable narrative was presented by Rev. Phelps with her own special flair. Attendees responded to the uplifting accounts with resonant applause which filled the occasion with a spirit of celebration.
Music was provided by the distinguished Male Chorus of Ebenezer and by the talented Combined Choirs of Bethel AME Church, Rocky Mount.
Other notable participants recognized included Mary C. Terry, lay president, and Senior Church Father Junius Gaither.
The Women’s Day Committee arranged a beautiful reception held in Hale Fellowship Hall that perfectly capped the program.
