Church fans, a church bulletin, corsages for the ladies and a good chicken dinner are the makings of a good church event said Ralph Watson, founder of Classic Events.
On Feb. 27, at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg a large crowd gathered for the Classic Events Fifth Annual Black History Month Celebration “Salute to The Black Church.” Watson said Sunday church service was a special occasion as women donned fancy hats and corsages, wore white gloves and gentlemen had reason to wear a crisp white shirt and a tailored suit.
The evening program included all of the elements of a good church service. Reverend Mary Beasley delivered the prayer of invocation; Elder Kevin Bennett led the praise and worship service while the group Fresh Anointing brought the crowd to their feet with their beautiful gospel music.
Reverend Helen M. Jackson, wife of Reverend Andrew V. Jackson Jr. of the Webster Avenue Christian & Missionary Alliance Church served as mistress of ceremonies while her husband delivered the sermon.
The evening consisted of so many significant moments: the mine ministry of Davion Taylor, a nine candle tribute to the nine that lost their lives at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina last year, a moving poem written by Sister Kea Michaels and an inspirational performance by Sister Sheila Beasley.
The Hon. Dewitt Walton presented a proclamation from Allegheny County Council to Watson recognizing the work of Classic Events. The theme song for the evening was “We’ve come this Far by Faith,” a favorite of Watson’s late mother Shirley L. Watson. The evening was dedicated to her loving memory and inspiration.
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