05/26/2026
What a Mighty God We Serve!
Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church gathered on 4th Sunday, May 24, 2026, for a powerful and historic worship experience as we celebrated our 151st Church Anniversary, Pentecost Sunday, and Holy Communion Observance.
This was not just another Sunday it was a God-ordained, faith-filled, history-making moment. We came together to celebrate 151 years of God’s faithfulness, to remember the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, and to gather at the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion, remembering the sacrifice, blood, body, and love of Jesus Christ.
Our worship opened with a spirit of gratitude and expectation as we declared our Anniversary Theme:
Anchored in Faith. Restored by God. Moving Forward by Faith.
Brother Edward Stevens started us off by playing uplifting praise songs as we entered into the sanctuary. We were blessed through the Sunday School Recap by Deaconess May Stevens, a powerful Devotional Service led by Deacon Norman Harris, Deacon George Stevens, and Deacon Donnell Golphin, and praise and worship that helped usher us into the presence of the Lord.
Our Call to Worship reminded us of the holiness of God, and our Responsive Reading from Psalm 100:1-5 KJV called us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
The congregation lifted our theme song, “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand,” reminding us that through every generation, every trial, every transition, and every triumph God has kept Palmyra.
We were also blessed through words of Welcome and History by Sister Ollie Thomas.
The Altar Call was led by Elder Mabel Burford, followed by a heartfelt partial sermonic solo, “I Trust In God,” ministered by Deacon George Stevens. Pastor Sandra Stevens Smalls then shifted the service to the Introduction of the Guest Speaker, which was graciously given by Elder Ramona Johnson, preparing the congregation to receive the Anniversary Message from The Honorable Mayor Dr. Van R. Johnson, II.
Our hearts were stirred by the Anniversary Message delivered by The Honorable Mayor Dr. Van R. Johnson, II, who preached from Matthew 16:18 with the powerful subject:
“Hell No!”
He reminded us that the church is still standing because Jesus declared, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” His message encouraged us to say:
Hell no to people.
Hell no to problems.
Hell no to the pit.
Mayor Johnson reminded us that we are celebrating our survival, and according to Revelation 1:18, we have the keys, the authority, and the power through Christ to survive, stand, and keep moving forward.
Palmyra, after 151 years, the church is still alive, still standing, still growing, and still giving God glory!
We heard greetings from Deacon Norman Harris, followed by a powerful selection from the Voices of Joy. We were also blessed by special greetings from Sister Merry Belford, who shared the history of the land and the journey to becoming Palmyra. We also received greetings from 1st District Commissioner, The Honorable Commissioner Marion Stevens. Once again, the Voices of Joy helped bless the service through song.
We extended the Invitation to Discipleship, read The Church Covenant, and observed Holy Communion together as one church family.
Deacon Norman Harris then led us in singing “He Has Done Great Things for Me,” one of Palmyra’s beloved testimonial songs, reminding us to look back and thank God for all He has already done.
Special thanks to everyone who helped make our 151st Church Anniversary Weekend so beautiful and memorable. We thank Nathaniel D. Smalls for the flyers, balloon arch and column, and the new “We Are Palmyra” backdrop that was delivered while we were in service look at God! It was placed in the fellowship hall after service, and it added such a beautiful touch to our celebration.
Thank you to Brother Damien Bryant and Elder Joe Johnson for capturing pictures, to the ladies of Palmyra for preparing and serving the food, to Deacon George Stevens for updating the bathroom mirrors, and to Deaconess May Stevens for the beautiful decorations, new Bibles, and hand fans.
To everyone who prayed, served, supported, gave, invited, showed up, and helped make this weekend absolutely amazing thank you. We give God all the glory!
A special thank you to our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Robert Brown, for his continued love and legacy, and to The Honorable Mayor Dr. Van R. Johnson, II for blessing us with such a timely and powerful Word.
To sow into our 151st Church Anniversary, please visit Givelify and search for “Historic Palmyra Missionary Baptist Church.” Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.
After 151 years, we can still declare:
God has been faithful.
God is faithful.
And God will continue to be faithful.
We are anchored because God has held us.
We are restored because God has healed us.
We are moving forward because God is not finished with us yet.
We Are Palmyra!
Honoring Our History. Walking by Faith. Moving Forward by Faith.
