Maranatha Church in Tallahassee, Fla., held their 100th Year Church Anniversary Celebration, September 10-14, 2025. On Wednesday evening, September 10, the speaker was Byron Crockett, pastor, with the message “Calling all Youth.” On Thursday, September 11, a Meet, Greet, and Fellowship was held. On Friday, September 12, the guest speaker was Andre McCloud, pastor, sharing “Recommit, Revive, and Restore.” A Consecration/Anointing Service was conducted by Eric Clarke, pastor for Maranatha Church. On September 13, Maranatha’s service commenced at the Old Enrichment Center in Tallahassee with the Maranatha Celebration Mass Choir.
A musical selection was given by Michelle Cleveland, daughter of the late Harold L. Cleveland (1952-1955), former pastor. Herman L. Davis Sr., D.Min., was the Sabbath School lesson study facilitator. Tyrone A. Boyd, pastor, presented the evening Vespers. Greetings were given by Chris A. Burney, D.Div., president of Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention, 17th presiding moderator at Old West Florida Primitive Baptist Association, Inc. Barry Black, Ph.D., 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate and the first African American and Seventh-day Adventist to hold this office, was the guest speaker for the Sabbath divine worship service, with “Living the God Inspired Life.” Black told the congregation that the whole law can be summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He also shared to let the Holy Spirit guide each life to avoid doing what the sinful nature craves (Galatians 5:14, and 1 Corinthians 6:19), and to remember the body is the temple of God, and the Holy Spirit lives within. He ended by saying, “The sinful nature wants to do evil. It is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.” There were approximately 1,000 people in attendance.
Herman Davis Sr., acknowledged the clergy/pastors in attendance: Andre McCloud, Tyrone A. Boyd, Harold Cleveland and family, and the Caesar Robinson family. Former Campus Ministries Maranatha leaders were also acknowledged: William Alberry III, Charita Bullard, Ruth Campbell, and John Washington. The Occasion/Our Church History in Review was done by Nydia Ntouda.
Walter W. Niles Sr., Maranatha’s anniversary committee chair, presented a plaque to McKinnley Crockett III, deacon, for dedication of services to Maranatha; Jasper Musgray, elder for 50-plus years of dedicated service to the mission of the church and being the oldest member of the church; Elana Jones, elder, honoring the dedicated service and answering the call to leadership; and Jan Gillette Rouse, for 50-plus years of dedicated service to Maranatha.
The evening service consisted of a gospel concert featuring the Bethlehem Singers, singer William “Bill” Snead, and the Lawson Singers. On Sunday, September 14, there was a celebration banquet co-hosted by Monique and Wally Baby. Greetings and recognitions were given by Jan Rouse and Crystal Lynn Hayes. Lili Forbes gave special music, a Youth & Young Adult Excellence Awards service was held, and a People’s Choice Awards. A special honorarium presentation and silent auction results were given, with closing remarks by Niles. The closing prayer and benediction was given by Lucious Hall, pastor.
Maranatha members thanked all for celebrating 100 years of God’s faithfulness with them. The week-long programs were exciting and a blessing. Maranatha is living the vision today, created by the founders who have come before them. Maranatha has come this far by faith!
South Eastern Conference | December 2025
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