HISTORY OF THE DEACONESS BOARD

 

In 1903, the first deacon board was organized at Cedar Landing. During this time also, the first deaconess board was formed. The deaconesses were the wives of the men on the deacon board and included Mrs. Richard Speller, Mrs. Simon Mebane, Mrs. Plummer Speller, and Mrs. Robert Small.

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In 1905, when more deacons were added to the deacon board, their wives became deaconesses and the members of the deaconess board were Mrs. Austin Watson, Mrs. Solomon White, Sr., Mrs. Harvey Rascoe, and Mrs. Albert Speller.

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In 1959, under Pastor Addison Williams, Mrs. Mary Speller (Tom), Mrs. Fannie Miller (James), Mrs. Eunice Pugh (James) and Mrs. Inez Watson (Eugene) became members of the deaconess board. Mrs. Zetella Watson also joined the deaconess board.

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Pastor Williams later requested that the president, Mrs. Zetella Watson look among the congregation to identify women with the qualifications of a deaconess to assist with the work load. With the addition of new members, the membership of the deaconess board was: Martha Watson, Lee Alma Watson, Sarah Williams, Mary V. Bond, Dr. Willa D. Hunt, Mattie Speller, Alice Ballance, Estella Stewart, Dorothy Wilder, Hannah Wilder and Emma Pugh.

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The president following Mrs. Zetella Watson was Deaconess Mattie Speller. Under her leadership the women traveled a lot. Deaconess Mattie Speller transported the members as they went throughout the community performing their duties and serving God.

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Under the leadership of Pastor H. H. Murrill, The Deaconess Board continued to grow. It was during this time that Deaconess Doretha Williams and Deaconess Phefie Small became deaconesses and served their positions diligently. As a result of the hard work of the deaconesses, we now honor our Senior Citizens annually and sponsor Black History programs.

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In 1987, Cynthia Speller, Rosa Speller and Gail Wilson became members. In 1993, Lori Speller joined the deaconess board and became president. After 1996, Sudie Bowen, Cynthia Rodgers, and Mary Basnight became deaconesses. In 2001, Carolyn Outlaw, Vashti Cooper and Delores Roberson were added to the board. Denise Nicholson also joined the deaconess board during this time.

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Deaconess Lori Speller served as President from 1993-2011. Other officers were, Cynthia Speller, Vice President, Delores Roberson, Secretary/Treasurer and Denise Nicholson, Time Keeper. Other members added to the board were Naomi Bazemore, Joanna Rascoe, Mildred Turner and Fannie Parker.

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The Mother Board, (Mature Saints of the deaconess board), was also formed and included Mattie Speller, Alice Ballance, Fannie Miller, Inez Watson, Mary Jordan, Sarah Williams, Phefie Small, and Sudie Bowen.

 

Activities sponsored by the Deaconesses included: Mother and Daughter Banquets, Summer Enrichment Programs, and Couples Banquets.

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In 2011, Deaconess Cynthia Speller was elected President, Vashti Cooper, Vice President, Delores Roberson, Secretary/Treasurer and Joanna Rascoe, Time Keeper. They served in their respective positions until 2015.

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In 2015, Shirley Taylor, Dora Mitchell, Linda Bond and Dorothy Spivey were added to the Deaconess Board. Officers during 2016 are, Cynthia Speller, President, Fannie Parker, Vice President, Shirley Taylor, Secretary, Deloris Roberson, Treasurer, and Dorothy Spivey, Time Keeper.

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The Deaconess Ministry served as program committee for the Church’s 150th Anniversary celebration during March 2016 with Deaconess Fannie Parker and Deaconess Shirley Taylor serving as Co-chairs.

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Deaconesses are responsible and devout women in the Church. They are women filled of the Spirit and Power of God. They are women of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They are fearless women who neither support nor sponsor evil.