The Diaconate Ministry

Dea. George L. Brown Chairman

Dea. Terry Mayes Vice Chairman

Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Inc.

- Charge To The Deacon -

In order to exhort, exalt, and exemplify the office of Deacon, there are certain spiritual prerequisites that are essential. As Deacon you are hereby charged to have undying faith in GOD, full of the Holy Spirit, possess a kind heart, desire to serve, be faithful in all things, sober, and walk in humbleness. Without these qualities, all other gifts are diminished. Many aspire to be leaders, but ultimately fail because they never learned humility and how to follow. The role of the Deacon in relationship to the Pastor is two-fold. The Deacon helps the Pastor through his availability to serve and secondly, he helps the flock through services he renders. Most importantly, as Deacon you are hereby charged to seek WISDOM. Wisdom is the faculty of making use of knowledge, a combination of discernment, judgment, sagacity, and similar powers. Wisdom involves knowing GOD and subtleties of the human heart. More than knowledge, it is the right application of knowledge in moral and spiritual matters. It guides in handling dilemmas and complex relationships. In addition to all of this, Deacons must love their wives. Deacons must lead and rule their own household well and set proper and Godly parameters.

Deacons' Hymn

A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, Who gave his son my soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill, O may it all my powers engage, To do my master's will. Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live, And O Thy servant, Lord prepare, A strict account to give. Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely, By faith assured I will obey, For I shall never die. A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify.

History Of Our Diaconate Ministry

The church family of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. share an outstanding legacy through its Diaconate Ministry. It is believed that the Deacon Ministry was established around 1896. The first three Deacons were Deacon Neptin Steward, Deacon Elijah Grant, and Deacon David Edwards. These three are referred to as the first generation of Deacons. Deacon Neptin Steward's offsprings are very much a part of the Mt. Moriah family today, through his grandchildren, Sis. Elizabeth Steward-Edwards, Brother Willie Steward, and Deacon Joseph Steward. Deacon Edward Wilson's tenure as Chairman of the Deacon Board hallmarked the second generation of Deacons. Our own Deacon Edward Wilson is his grandson. Others to serve during this era includes, Deacon Epharam Brown, Deacon John Kelly (grandfather of Sis. Frances Pinckney). Deacon Joseph Steward, father of Sis. Elizabeth Steward-Edwards and the uncle of Brother Willie Steward and Deacon Joseph Steward (the current Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board). Deacon Willie Smith was the father of the late Deacon Walter Smith (husband of our own, Deaconess Carlotta Vermell Smith). Deaconess Smith is our current Church Mother. The third generation of Deacons began with the leadership of the late Henry Robinson. Deacon Robinson was the husband of our former church mother, Deaconess Dollie M. Robinson. The Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board serving with Deacon Robinson was the late Deacon Walter Smith. Deacon Smith became the chairman of the board following Deacon Robinson's tenure. Deacon Joseph Steward (current vice chairman) became chairman of the board following Deacon Smith. His administration ushered in Mt. Moriah's fifth generation of Deacons. Deacon Steward has given more than fifty years of service to the Deacon's Ministry. Great women such as Deaconess Dollie M. Robinson. Deaconess Carlotta Vermell Smith, and Deaconess Mable Steward laid the foundation for the outstanding Deaconess Ministry in placed today. Today, our Deacon & Deaconess Ministries must grow to meet the growing needs of our growing congregation. Under the skillful leadership of Deacon Winston H. Mack, the proud legacy lives on. On February 17, 2002 Pastor A.D. Robinson ordained 21 Deacons to the glory of God. The Ministry grew to 44 Deacons in 2006 with Deacon Charles T. Buggs as Chairman of the Board. Now the Ministry has 43 Deacons in 2007 with Deacon George L. Brown as Chairman of the Ministry.

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