June 2024, St. Louis, MO…., On Sunday, April 28, 2024, Washington Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated the lives of our nine members who are part of the “Nineties Club”. We call them the Awesome Nine!
The program was organized by the Women’s Ministry (Rev. Helen French, Director) and the Senior Ministry (Ms. Shirley Hamilton, Director).
The Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms. Shirley Hamilton. We were led in prayer by Rev. Niesha Thomas-Walker, and the scripture was read by Rev. Kimberly Reed. The Women’s Choir of Washington Metropolitan sang, “Oh, Oh, Give Thanks.”
We were then blessed with “Pearls of Wisdom” by four of the nine honorees who were present at the program.
Mrs. Janice Anderson was born July 31, 1933, and has been a member of Washington Metropolitan for 43 years. She recited her favorite poem, “The Black Man’s Plea for Justice,” by an unknown author. She learned the poem in the 7th grade. She wanted us to notice the difference in the issues at the time the poem was written compared to what we’re dealing with today. We’ve accomplished a lot but still have a long way to go.
Mrs. Claudia Rainey was born on August 18, 1926, and has been a member of Washington Metropolitan for 64 years. Her mom was a music teacher and passed away when she was a child. She inherited that love for music. Her father was Rev. Dr. Ossie R. Ellis, Sr. and, at one time, the pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Kansas City, MO. He was appointed Presiding Elder of the St. Louis District in 1945. In her life’s work in the church, she has honored both her mother’s and father’s legacies. She played a piano solo, “Yes, God is Real”.
Mrs. Ollie Tucker-Ward was born in 1930. She has been a member of Washington Metropolitan for 27 years. She says we should love God, treat others the way we want to be treated, have no other gods before us, be cautious in our speech, and live in the moment.
Mrs. Beatrice Young was born on December 15, 1933. She says that because of God’s strength, mercy, and grace, she has been here for 91 years. She has been a member of Washington Metropolitan for over 50 years. The children in her neighborhood were allowed to sing at Ellis Funeral Home. She visited Calvary Baptist Church with one of her friends, where she met Ollie Stewart (Tucker-Ward). She was invited by her to Washington Metropolitan, where she has been a member ever since. She has been a part of the Missionary Department, Lay Council, Cathedral Choir, and The Gospel Chorus. She invited us to read Proverbs 3:5.
Mrs. Stella Mosby Bouie was born on April 28, 1928. She has been a member of Washington Metropolitan for 70+ years and celebrated her 96th birthday today. She was the keynote speaker. She is the eldest of 15 children. She was like a mother to her siblings and would drive them everywhere. Her message was about “Blessings”. Her dad and her husband were her mentors. They taught her how to take care of herself. She says you should share your time with the young and the old. One day, you may be that person who is lonely and needs someone to “share” with them. Let people know who you are and where you come from. A lot of times, there is a blessing from someone you touched base with, and you have gifts you can share with the world. Others can receive blessings from you. God loves you because you are His creation.
The Women’s Choir sang “So You Would Know” with Ms. Annissa McCaskill, soloist. The musician played “Getting to Know You,” which is Mrs. Bouie’s favorite song. The program closed with remarks by the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Anthony Witherspoon.
We were then blessed with a wonderful luncheon prepared by our own resident caterer, Mrs. Cynthia Davis. It was a great afternoon.
Members of the Nineties Club who were unable to attend were as follows.
Mrs. Geneva Ogletree – born December 31, 1931 (member for 70+ years)
Mrs. Dorothy Lewis was born April 20, 1929 (length of membership is unknown)
Mrs. Anna Jean Bowen has been a member for over 50 years.
Mr. Charles Hawkins has been a member for over 50 years.
