Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 27, 2024 Celebrating a Century in Saugus The First baptist Church thanks God’s provisions in celebrating its 100 years located in town By Tara Vocino F irst Baptist Church celebrated 100 years on Sunday. Retired United States Navy veteran Rev. Leroy Mahoney, who was licensed to preach on July 12, 2009, led the special afternoon sevice. The previous six years Mahoney was the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. “Our secret is being okay with change,” Mahoney said. “We partner with a nonprofit to teach computer and financial planning classes.” They focus on community activities, such as feeding the homeless, educating the community and preaching the Gospel. Mahoney is the Founder and CEO of Community Tech Care Corporation, which is an organization set up to provide free classes to Saugonians in technology, financial literacy and human resources. Mahoney stressed the importance of community, adding that it’s not just about Sunday morning services. First Baptist Church opened September 21, 1924, and the church’s original location was 22 Robins Road, Saugus. They are members of American Baptist Churches USA. As for the anniversary, he said it’s very exciting to see how far the church has come since 1924. The Baptist tradition began in the early 17th-century during the Protestant Reformation in England. “The First Baptist Congregation is generally believed to have been founded in 1609 by John Smyth, an English Separatist,” Mahoney said. “Baptists emphasize individual faith, baptism and autonomy of local congregation.” Mahoney was installed as the Pastor of FBC on August 17, 2024. His wife is Deaconess Natavia Mahoney; their daughter is Shataya Pope. Mahoney is bi-vocational. While he is the Pastor of FBC, he is also Vice President of Information Technology at MIT Federal Credit Union. Music Minister Melvin Murphy said ministering music at First Baptist Church has always been a joy. “We strive to lift the hearts of those who enter the sanctuary through song and worship,” Murphy said. “Happy Anniversary, FBC.” The church has six staff and 86 members (45 are in person). Several Baptist churches joined in on the two-hour service, followed by a celebratory dinner. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Mother Margretta Green, 90, received an Appreciation Award for being the eldest church member from Reverend Leroy Mahoney. Shown from left to right: Kim Henry, Rev. Letitia Stroud, Monique Hicks, Mother Beth Cole Williams, Deaconess Natavia Mahoney and Sister Mattie Tyler. First Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Leroy Mahoney was licensed to preach on July 12, 2009. Shown from left to right: First Baptist Church Minister Ernest Dudley, Reverend Ed Bernard, Pastor Leroy Mahoney, Reverend Letitia Stroud and Reverend Bernard Stroud minister through music. First Baptist Church Rev. Ulysses Bernard Stroud read from Psalms 37:8. Music Minister Melvin Murphy sang praises to God. First Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Leroy Mahoney said it’s exciting to see how far the church has come in celebrating its 100th anniversary on Sunday. Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church Reverend Brenda Brown said they’re here to celebrate the goodness of God and a joyful occasion, adding that a hallelujah is always welcome. It was a full house in the sanctuary. Deaconess Nativia Mahoney and Reverend Leroy Mahoney. Sister Pat Campbell offered her congratulations.
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