Church marks centennial with gala, parade, performance by Anita Wilson
Christian Baptist Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend with a variety of spiritual and entertainment festivities.
The centennial gala is 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center. Grammy-nominated gospel singer Anita Wilson will headline, along with local jazz musicians Chester and Jarius Daigle.
Nicole Simien, event coordinator, said guests can expect a full-scale banquet, including a catered dinner, along with praise and fellowship commemorating the church’s anniversary.
A parade is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the church’s north location, 202 North Franklin St. A family picnic will follow at 1 p.m. at the south campus, 4460 Fifth Ave. and will offer free food and games.
Sunday’s events start with an 8 a.m. service by the Rev. Edward Alexander Jr. at the south location, followed by an 11 a.m. sermon at the north location by Milton Ceasar of St. Mark Baptist Church in Jonesville, La. At 3 p.m., Byron Broussard, of The Love Center in Atlanta, Ga., will deliver the anniversary message during a special sermon at the north location.
Simien said Ceasar and Broussard were invited as guests because they “grew up in Christian Baptist Church.”
“They’re a part of our history,” she said.
Tickets for the gala are $100 and can be purchased at www.christianbaptist.org. To register a float in the parade or for more information, call 478-6423.