HISTORY OF PASTOR'S AIDE MINISTRY 

 

The aim of the Pastor's Aide Ministry is to assist the Pastor financially, with prayer, encouraging words and actions, with an ultimate goal of making sure that he is able to care for his flock.

 

The Cedar Landing Pastor's Aide Ministry was organized under the leadership of Pastor H. H. Murrill. Brother Charlie Stewart was the first Pastor's Aide President, Sister Inez Watson, Secretary and Sister Willa B. Hunt, Treasurer. Many great things were accomplished under the leadership of Brother Stewart. He was steadfast in aiding the pastor during the construction of the new church and made sure the pastor's essential needs were met. Brother Stewart, being a businessman, became overloaded and passed the torch to Sister Alice Ballance. He continued supporting the Pastor's Aide Ministry in every possible way.

Under the presidency of Sister Ballance, Sister Margaret Wysonia Watford served as Secretary, Sister Fannie Ward, Treasurer, and Sister Inez Watson, Devotional Leader.

 

The Pastor's Aide Ministry was under the leadership of Sister Ballance when Reverend Shelton Ray Barnes became the pastor in 1986. As a young Pastor, the Pastor's Aide Ministry asked him how the ministry might assist him as their new pastor. They were encouraged by his humble reply that he would like the ministry to continue providing the same love and respect  shown  to  previous pastors. The ministry resumed the mission of providing spiritual, emotional and financial support to their new under shepherd.

 

The ministry supported Pastor Barnes as he moved the church from two to four Sunday Morning worship services each month and worked diligently with the building committee in getting the Annex added to the church which also included a much needed private study and bathroom for the pastor.

 

Pastor Barnes and his family were treated to special dinners and banquets and showers of gifts during birthday celebrations. The Pastor and the ministry took trips together and one very memorable trip was visiting Raleigh and having lunch with Senator Frank Ballance. We received a standing ovation from the Senate Floor in Raleigh. The Pastor's Aide Ministry did not forget to show love and support to our associate ministers.

 

Sister Ballance relinquished her presidential office in 2003 and Sister Fannie Ward became the ministry President, Sister Mildred Turner was Vice President and Brother John T. Ward, Treasurer. Sister Margaret Wylsonia Watford served as Secretary until her death, after which her daughter, also a pastor's aide member, Sister Margaret W. Askew, agreed to serve as Secretary in memory of her mother. Under Sister Ward's capable leadership, the Pastor's Aide Ministry continued to assist Pastor Barnes spiritually, financially, with prayer, encouraging words, and actions.

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Sister Mildred Turner was elected President in 2004 following Sister Ward's resignation with Brother Albert Barrow as Vice President, Sister Shirley Taylor, Secretary, Brother John T. Ward, Treasurer and  Sister  Inez Watson,  Devotional   Leader. The Pastor's  Aide Ministry under Sister Turner's leadership, served and supported Pastor Barnes with willing hearts and courage in the face of adversities as he continued to lead and shepherd his flock. Pastor watched over and promoted the health, safety and growth for his members along with providing comfort and the spirituality through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We shared in the First Family's sorrows and joyfully celebrated special   occasions   with   them   such   as   anniversaries,   graduations,   birthdays   and   holidays.

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We strive to serve the First Family and the Associate Ministers to the best of our abilities as we work together, fellowship together and pray together. Everything that we do is done through prayer, dignity, love and harmony for the benefit of our God and Great Under Shepherd, Pastor Shelton R. Barnes and his family.

 

Under the leadership of President Mildred Turner, in 2005, the Fellowship Hall was dedicated to Pastor Barnes in recognition of his 19th Pastoral Anniversary.  The hall was named THE SHELTON

R. BARNES FELLOWSHIP HALL. His picture was hung in the Fellowship Hall, his name placed on the door and he was presented a plaque as a keepsake during the celebration.

 

In 2006, the Pastor's  Aide coordinated Pastor Barnes' 20th   Anniversary Celebration which was held at the Senator Bob Martin Agriculture Center in Williamston, NC.  The event was elegant and very well attended.  It provided an evening of celebration and enjoyment for all as honors were bestowed upon our pastor for 20 years of faithful service.

 

In 2007, the beauty of the church was enhanced by putting a new face on the Pastor's Study. New furniture was purchased, the study was painted and new carpet installed due to the diligent efforts of the Pastor's Aide Ministry.

 

With heartfelt condolences, we extended our prayers to our pastor and his family in the passing of his father, Brother Lorenzo Barnes in 2008. The church and the Pastor's Aide Ministry extended great support during this time. A chartered bus was provided to transport members and friends to the memorial service of Brother Barnes.  Our pastor and his family continue to be in our prayers.

 

In June 2008, Sister Mildred Turner resigned as President and Sister Patricia Cherry agreed to serve as President with Sister Mary Pelzer, Vice President, Brother John T. Ward, Treasurer, and Sister Shirley Taylor, Secretary.

 

Sister Cherry and the Pastor's Aide Ministry referenced God's guidance to continue to assist and support  the  pastor  in  spreading the  Gospel.   The  Pastor's  Aide  Ministry produced  a  Ministry Handbook and a revised copy of the ministry's mission and goals.  Several members have become Emeritus/Honorary members as new members joined the ministry. Under Sister Cherry's presidential leadership, the  Pastor's  Aide Ministry planned  and  celebrated  our  Pastor's 25th Anniversary in June of 2011.

 

In 2014, Sister Mary (Pelzer) Speller became the ministry's Presidential Leader, Sister Dorothy Spivey  Vice  President,  Sister  Shirley  Taylor,  Secretary,  and   Sister   Fannie   Parker, Treasurer. Effective March 2014, Sister Shirley Taylor resigned as Secretary and Sister Patricia (Cherry) Wynn accepted the office of Secretary. As of 2016, Sister Speller continues to hold the office of President. Sister Dorothy Spivey resigned as Vice President in 2016 and Sister Deborah Freeman accepted the office of Vice President.

 

2016 was a year of excitement at Cedar Landing as we celebrated Pastor Barnes’ 30th year of pastoral service and our church’s 150th year of service to God, Mankind and the community. The ministry began planning our Pastor’s thirtieth Anniversary Celebration in January 2016 with a gala event scheduled for June 2016 at the Bob Martin Agriculture Center in Williamston, NC. Over the past few years, younger members have been inspired with great enthusiasm to join the ministry in the will of God's work. We give thanks for such glorious blessings from our heavenly Father and our Pastor.