100 Years of Leadership!

Centennial Countdown Kick-Off

In the spring of 2010, Pastor Khalfani Drummer appointed Trustee Gladys Harris as Chairperson for Gethsemane's 100th Anniversary or Centennial Anniversary Committee, and immediately engaged Sister Angela Bowen, Deacon William Brown, Brother James Coleman, Deacon James McCall, Deacon Sanders, Deaconess Verna Walker to serve as Chairpersons, and Sister Reba Pittman Walker as the General Coordinator of the Centennial Anniversary Committee.

Seventeen months later, we celebrate today's Centennial Countdown Kick-Off as we begin an exciting year long celebration focused on the rich history or our beloved Gethsemane Baptist Church.  Throughout the next twelve months, we will focus on the theme God's Blessings for All Generations as our church has been a sanctuary for preaching, teaching, and praying for almost a century. As we proceed on this journey, we know that God will continue to bless this generation.
  
Our Twelve (12) Tribes will assist as “Spiritual Ambassadors” Pastor Drummer each month during worship services and other church activities. Under the leadership of Deacon McCall and Sister Rosetta Clark, the Tribe of Reuben is the Centennial Ambassadors for September 2011.

Reuben was the first born son of Jacob and father of the tribe of Reuben; one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power…. ( Genesis 49:3).

Today each Gethsemane family will be gifted with a 16 – Month Calendar featuring the Tribe assigned to support Pastor K during that specific month. Additional activities will be added so please review the weekly bulletins and the website for updates. We invite you to begin exploring the historical exhibits located in Fellowship Hall and continue to visit it during the year as new artifacts will be added.

Gethsemane family and friends - enjoy our Centennial journey as we enjoy God Blessings for All Generations.

- The Centennial Anniversay Committee -

Celebrating the Goodness of God:
100Years!

As we embark upon a year long celebration of our 100th church anniversary, I can’t help but think about how this milestone in our church parallels similar milestones in biblical days when God brought His people to a certain dispensation or at a certain place. Can you imagine the excitement in the people of Israel when they were about to cross of the River of Jordan and enter the promise land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness? Can you imagine the “tippy toe” anticipation that Noah felt when he and his family were about to depart from the Ark where God provided them sheltered for 40 days and 40 nights as destroyed the world by water? Not only can I sense the excitement but I see radiant sparkles in the eyes of so many when I talk about our plans to celebrate our 100th.

Especially with the seasoned saints, I see the pride in their eyes and sense the joy in their hearts as reflectively trace the steps in the journey from Foggy Bottom to Fourth Street.

Milestones are times for celebration, and major milestones are times to celebrate in major way. Let us exuberantly celebrate the goodness of our God who has allowed our church members to witness 18 U.S. Presidents; Alaska and Hawaii become a part of the U.S; two World Wars and a half dozen regional wars; a vaccine for polio; and presently experience technological innovations unimaginable in the days of our founder, Rev J.T. Harvey.  Our members have survived a Great Depression, and a number of Great Recessions; and the September 11, 2011 attack at the Pentagon. They/we experienced the change from President Woodrow Wilson who condoned segregation in Washington DC to President Barak Obama who integrated the White House.

Gethsemane, just think about all that has occurred in the 100 years since God spoke to Pastor Harvey about planting a new church. We have had our trials and tribulations, setbacks and disappointment—but through it all God has blessed us! This is our season sing and shout, dance and prance, rejoice and to be rejuvenated. Often times in biblical days whenever the Lord, blessed his chosen people they responded by building an altar to worship God for the great things He had done. Let us let us began this season of celebration by going to our altar of sacrifice and praise and give thanks to God who has brought our church from a mighty long way.

Yours in His Service,
Reverend Khalfani Drummer, J.D., M. Div.

100 Years of Kingdom Building!

Motto
"Love one another as I love you by this shall all people
know that you are my disciples" John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Scripture for Growth
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)