SE Gainesville church celebrates 5th anniversary of death of its founder/leader
Compassionate Outreach Ministries celebrated the life and legacy of its founder, the late Bishop Larry J. Dennison, on Sunday.
Dennison died five years ago on Sunday's date, April 2, and the church he founded and built honored his legacy and vision with an inspirational and holy service at the church at 320 SE 43rd St.
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Hundreds of church members wore white, and had a blue or white ribbon pinned on the left part of their chest with a picture of the late bishop during the service that was presided over by the Rev. Michael Johnson, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Starke, and a lifelong friend of Dennison's.
"God has been so good to us when he gave us Bishop Larry Dennison,” Johnson said. “When he was here he had a vision and was on a mission. We thank God for you all for continuing his legacy.”
The church was founded in June 1985 by Dennison, who served as pastor until his death.
Dennison was a bold spiritual leader, said Karen Woods, who welcomed parishioners to the service.
“He was a father, a husband and a faithful servant to the Most High,” Woods said. “He gave us grace and he wanted us to focus on our relationship with God and foster our relationships with each other. He was an insightful leader like no other. He was like a shepherd who watched us with tenderness and with care. He knew that no one was perfect, but if one lived holy, they would have eternal life.”
Kim Barton, a longtime member of the church and Alachua County supervisor of elections, recognized elected officials who attended the service. They were Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut, Alachua County Commissioners Charles Chestnut IV and Marihelen Wheeler, Alachua County Clerk of the Court Jessie Irby, Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr. and Alachua County Tax Collector John Power.
The service also included members of the Dennison family, during a presentation titled "My Brother," talking about the impact Larry Dennison had on their lives and the lives of others.
The stories were told by his siblings Cleveland Dennison, a brother of his, and sisters Addie Davis and Ruth Russ.
"I just know he's up in heaven looking down on us,” Cleveland Dennison said. “He was in the church all of his life, and he was living a saved life even before he got married.”
He remembered his brother as a man with integrity who lived for the Lord’s will.
“You did not find him in places where the devil was in charge.,” he said. “He was always in places where God was in charge. If I was looking for a man of God, I would look to him.”
Russ, eldest of the siblings, said she was 10 years old when her younger brother was born, and remembers their father saying that he was born to be a preacher. She talked about how Larry Dennison would eulogize chickens when they died on the family's land.
“We knew he had a calling on his life,” Russ said. “I’m very proud of him. I was never ashamed to call him my brother. “
Russ commended the efforts her late brother made in leaving a legacy behind for the kingdom of God.
"He truly believed he was one of God's chosen bishops,” Russ said. “We must strive to live holy like God has commanded us to be.”
Davis also spoke about Larry Dennison's legacy.
“When He (God) calls you, the anointing comes with it,” Davis said.
Davis recalled seeing her late brother praying at the altar at the age of 14.
She smiled when she remembered how he would get ready to preach the word to the congregation.
“I miss seeing him when he walked out the office ready to stump on the devil's head and send him to flight,” Davis said. “We got to get it together to meet him. Even though he passed, his legacy lives on. Thank you to each and every one of you who carry on this great venture.”
Margaret Dennison, senior pastor of the church and wife of Larry Dennison, presented bronze eagle statues to the Chestnut family, owners of Chestnut Funeral Home, and to Bernard Phillip, co-founder and president of Phillip & Sons The Funeral Directors, of Melrose, for their service when her husband died.
The guest speaker during the service was Bishop George Bloomer of Bethel Family Worship Center in Durham, North Carolina.
Bloomer talked about how his friend Larry Dennison called on him to preach during a Palm Sunday service five years ago.
"I never thought I'd be standing here without him,” Bloomer said.
He said the sermon he preached five years ago was about staying in formation, and he commended the congregation for staying in formation for the past five years.
"We are here five years later,” Bloomer said. “Let me give you a hand clap for staying in formation. God said to never judge the success of a ministry by numbers, but by faithfulness.”
The scriptures he referred to during his sermon came from Deuteronomy 32:11 and Numbers 11:10-12.
Bloomer said it is important that people have a wilderness moment to strengthen their testimony as a believer.
"He takes you to the promised land by going through the wilderness,” Bloomer said. “If he told you about the wilderness, you wouldn't go. The wilderness experience will come before you experience the promised land. Some people won't be delivered by your preaching, but by your lifestyle.”
Bloomer talked about how God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites is indicative of how God will make a way for others to get though life.
“The ground is only dry for the ones who are called,” Bloomer said. “He makes a condition so bad that it forces you to leave. There are things you don't have to worry about. It will take care of itself. Everything you need, God will provide it. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. This is your time, your turn and your season.”
Margaret Dennison and her daughter and youth pastor Shawndria Dennison gave the closing remarks after the sermon by Bloomer.
"Thank you for staying in formation and helping me through the death of my husband,” Margaret Dennison said. “I love you, Compassionate.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: SE Gainesville church was founded by the late Bishop Larry J. Dennison.
