Senior Pastor Sherri Cowley Scott (right) and Nashville’s own Rev. Propetess Venita Lewis. (photo by D. Culp)
The Clarksville, Tenn. based Martin Chapel AME Church celebrated their annual Women’s Day service with two separate, but equally impacting services. This year’s theme was modeled from various women of the bible and titled ‘The Princess of Battle: A Back to Basics, Biblical Attitudes Strengthened in Christ’s Salvation,’ focusing on foundations of faith, family, finances and fitness.
Rev. Sherri Crowley-Scott is the churches’ senior pastor. Stewarts of the House include: Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding Prelate Sister Susan Leath, M.D., Missionary Supervisor Rev. Alexander Gatson, Presiding Elder Rev. Donnie Williams, Local Elder Rev. William Poindexter, local deacon.
These are just a few of the many kingdom workers who helped to make the day and both services a success.
Each speaker, vocalist, and praise team member was thoroughly grounded in the chosen passage for the day’s event. “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me,” Micah 7:7, New International Version. Prior to the Women’s Day services, the church held a remarkable Fish Fry and celebrated Christ in song via ‘Gospel Explosion.’
The Princess Battle presentation was vocalized at the 2 pm service, and each one was unique and creative in its own way.
Some dressed in traditional African wear, while others used regular church attire with some to ‘the nines,’ commanding heads to turn as they each walked up to the podium to present their blessed message in their own way. Some of the women (Princesses) chose to use the first person version. Others augmented their presentation accordingly in their own special way. However, in either case, the messages were heard loud and clear.
The Princess Battle presenters included: Sister Zhiniya Boyd, a dedicated teen who presented an impacting liturgical dance (her aunt, Sister Lori Keesee, couldn’t have been any prouder of her); Sister Nadine Keesee; Sister Shirley Keesee; Sister Betty Poindexter; Sister Marie Pervis; Sister Flora Richborg; Sister Michelle Wilkerson; and Nashville’s own, Prophetess Rev. Venita Lewis. There were several musical selections and other program contributions, mostly by women.
However, a brother by the name of Brother John ‘Shownuff’ Young, blessed the event with his strong vocal gift.
Guests, visitors and presenters traveled from across the state of Tennessee, while others traveled a bit further for the memorable occasion. In true southern hospitality fashion, a full course meal was served to all in attendance and the line for seconds was almost as long as the first pass through.
Rev. Dr. Alice Crenshaw of Cleveland, Mississippi’s Solomon AME Church delivered the powerful message. At benediction time, an added warm welcome for anyone to worship and to visit with them anytime was extended. Martin Chapel AME Church is located at 870 Palmyra Rd., in Clarksville, Tenn. 37040
