Grace Celebrates 49th Pastoral Anniversary

It is finally here!

This week, Grace Baptist Church of Christ is blessed to celebrate its 49^th Pastoral Anniversary, recognizing the diligence, faithfulness and drive of Pastor Jacob Underwood and First Lady Thomasena Underwood for nearly half a decade. The Church body has expressed their upmost enthusiasm and appreciation for having the same Pastor and First Lady since 1962. On Sunday, October 23, the Church culminates its weeklong celebration with a highly anticipated pastoral anniversary service.

Mr. and Mrs. Underwood have worked tirelessly in the East New York community to provide spiritual and worldly necessities, such as housing, education and food. To this day, Grace Towers and New Grace Center remain staples in our community. Thanks to God that Pastor Underwood trusted in the Lord and remained focused and prayed up to pursue many social justice initiatives that were needed and scarcely delivered in East New York. Even in their absence, Mr. and Mrs. Underwood’s presence and commitment to God’s work is manifested from within the Church and through the community.

In Grace’s traditional grandiose fashion, there will be a myriad of guest pastors delivering the message throughout the week. From the Rev. Jesse Sumbry of King Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church on Monday October 17, to Pastor Walter Alston of Metropolitan Baptist Church on Friday October 21, congregants are encouraged to turnout and participate in a powerful week of praise and fellowship. The full schedule of services can be found in the comprehensive programs that were prepared by a hardworking committee of Grace members and distributed last Sunday. The program also includes a series of scriptures (Jeremiah 3:14-15; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 2:1-8; Mark 16:14-15; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:11-13; Titus 2:1-8), words from Pastor Underwood, a page honoring First Lady Underwood with a citing of the Book of Proverbs’ Virtuous Woman (31:10-31) and a special thanks from the Rogers and the Grace family.

As Co-Pastor Michael Rogers noted in his October 16 sermon, “We know how to throw a good party on our birthdays…But having a pastor to deliver God’s word for so long is something we ought to make a big deal about; especially in these times.”

Today we celebrate a history and a legacy that continues to unceasingly move forward. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Underwood and the Grace family, and thanks to all of our sister churches and supporters who have helped make the past 49 years a graceful and Christ-centered experience.