Pastor's anniversary ends with 9 being baptized at 1st Missionary Baptist Church in G'ville

Gifts, along with praise and worship, highlighted the final worship service celebrating the 15th anniversary of Dr. Tyrone A. Blue and First Lady Cynthia Blue as leaders of First Missionary Baptist Church in southeast Gainesville.

“We come to you to say thank you for allowing us to see another day,” said Deacon Wayne Streeter during a prayer at the beginning of the service that included Deacon Walter Cason leading the congregation in the singing of a hymn. “Thank you for the strength, and continue to guide us and thank you for his (Jesus Christ's) sacrifice on the cross.”

The church's youth choir sang several songs and church member Irene Williams greeted parishioners from the pulpit.

“Thank you for coming to fellowship with us,” Williams said. “Thank you for coming to First Missionary Baptist Church where ministry matters to celebrate our pastor’s 15th anniversary.”

The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Deonia Simmons of Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

“I have a brother, a sister, a nephew and a family for life whenever I come back to Florida,” said Simmons, who has been friends with Tyrone Blue for 30 years. “We bless the family for being on the battlefield for 15 years. Continue to have your way Lord, and bless First Missionary Baptist Church and guide them.”

Simmons preached about the power of the name of Jesus.

Jesus’ name can be described in three words starting with the letter P: power, perfection and purpose, Simmons said.

“If it had not been for him, I would’ve never made it this far,” Simmons said.

He said people should use Jesus as an example of how to live righteously.

“Jesus is the best example for us to follow,” Simmons said. “If you want someone to be like, be like Jesus.”

Simmons said that following Jesus brings purpose into people’s lives.

“Have enough faith to call on him,” Simmons said. “People say they’ll call on him once they get their life together. When you call on him, that’s when your life will get together.”

After the sermon, Blue baptized nine parishioners in the church's baptismal pool.

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After the baptism, members of the church gifted certificates to those baptized and offered gifts to the pastor and first lady.

Blue ended the ceremony with final remarks thanking members of the church who helped make the celebration an event to remember.

“Thank you for all you’ve done to make this pastoral 15th anniversary special,” Blue said. “We pray that he continues to guide us for many years.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Blues honored as leader of 1st Missionary Baptist Church in G'ville