Hospitality Ministries 

"Pulling Down Strong Holds and Building Up Relationships" (2 Co. 10:3-8)

Under the able direction and supervision of the Senior Missionary Society, the inspired young women of the Jr. Department felt somewhat limited in their scope and role in the Mission. They wanted to expand their mission outreach. In 1948, eight members of their group met in the home of Mrs. Ella Morehead with Mrs. Estella Haughton Bell, President of the Senior Missionary Society, to discuss their ideas, viewpoints, and desires to increase their role and services. It was agreed that the Jr. Department could become a separate group, and as a result the Hospitality Club was organized under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Davis while worshipping at 601 Douglas Street. In the beginning, meetings were held in individual member's homes. In time the membership grew so large that meetings were transferred to and held weekly at the church.

During the three-year period that worship services were held in the basement, The Hospitality Club played a significant role in the Building Fund Program as one of the major fund-raising contributors in the erection and completion of the upstairs sanctuary, we were often referred to as the "$100.00 a Month Club." Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month. One meeting is set aside for business. The other meeting is dedicated to the study and discussion of the Bible.

In 1994, Rev. Coleman changed our name from Hospitality Club to Hospitality Ministries. We thank him for his insight. The change of one word - from club to ministry - caused our purpose to become more ingrained within our hearts. While we know there is work to be done by us here in the church, we know there are many outside these walls that need our help and need to know the word of God.

When we take food to the poor, that is an act of showing hospitality and ministering. When we give a word of kindness we are showing hospitality and ministering. When we open our bible to teach someone we are showing hospitality and ministering. Our daily actions can determine whether or not someone hears about Jesus Christ. Our handshake, our warmth, our walk, our friendliness can make the difference in someone's life. True service to God is living the principles of Christ in everything we do.

Our name "Hospitality Ministries" describes our purpose. The first word of our name "Hospitality" means we want you to feel welcome and comfortable in the physical sense, especially when you enter church. However, that is not our primary concern. The second word "Ministries" references our true meaning. Our desire to take care of your needs in the spiritual sense of knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Bertha Crawford serves as President of the Hospitality Ministry.

by: Mrs. Ella Morehead (deceased) and Mrs. Vergestene Cooper

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" 1 Peter 4: 9-10