Bishop and Mrs. Frank C. Cummings join in
the festivities of Flat Rock A.M.E. Church's 150th birthday party Sunday
at the sanctuary between Fayetteville and Peachtree City. The bishop was
the principal speaker during the anniversary commemoration of one of the
county's oldest congregations. Photo/Carolyn Cary
As a part of its 150th birthday party, the Flat Rock A.M.E. Church hosted
its bishop, the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings, retired. He is the 95th bishop
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
A number of guests were in the audience including Fayette County Commission
Chairman Greg Dunn, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown, state Senator Valencia
Seay (D-34), and Fayette County School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis. They
were given chairs of honor behind the pulpit, which they shared with the
pastor of Flat Rock, the Rev. Edward J. Johnson Jr., and Bishop Cummings.
The church turns over its leadership of the services to its youth on each
fourth Sunday, and they constituted the choir, leading the call to worship
and the congregation singing.
Bishop Cummings used the youth-led service to emphasize his message, using
Jesus as the example in life.
“When I was a child,” he said, “I had a great aunt who would
make all of us sit quietly in church, made us behave, and told us we were
setting an example.
“I ask these youth to follow Jesus’ example by being servants
to others. He set this example by washing the feet of the disciples.
“He set an example by honoring His parents. You must do likewise, because
they have been where you want to go.
“You have to learn to take a chance, and to trust Jesus when doing
so. He is not going to lead you in a wrong direction. Let Him show you the
way, and you will do something useful with your life,” he added.
When guests on the podium were given an opportunity to speak, Sen. Seay
said she was glad that the Lord laid it on her heart to be present. She added
that she was pleased for the church youth for being in the right place at
the right time. She presented the Rev. Johnson with a proclamation from the
Georgia Senate.
Commissioner Dunn said he was honored to be at a place that was celebrating
its birth and its life over 150 years. “Just a few days ago, I left
the hospital with some heart problems and I was given seven prescriptions.
After being here this morning I feel a lot better than I have in a long time,
and can probably throw those prescriptions away.” He presented a proclamation
on behalf of the county commissioners.
Mayor Brown said that “our future is only as good as our investment
in our children. The fabric in my jacket is made up of thousands of tiny
threads woven tightly together. That is the history of this church. From
1854 many people added threads to the church, generation after generation,
and a tightly woven church is now in place.
“Thank you,” he added, “for being a light in this county.”
Superintendent DeCotis pointed out that many of the employees of the Board
of Education were in the audience, and named each one, including one who
retired last year. He said that it was important to teach youth that “they
do not stand alone, the importance of turning the other cheek and offering
forgiveness, and it was important not to hurry the Lord.”
The traditional dinner on the grounds followed the morning service with
over 100 people participating. A 3 p.m. service was also held, with the Rev.
Michael Baldwin, Christians for Change Baptist Church, Riverdale, as the
principal speaker.
