Women of Wisdom in the Word Recognized

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “It’s not by accident we are celebrating women and using the word wisdom.”
These words, delivered by Pastor Byron E. Williams, Sr., resonated throughout Baptist Temple Church Saturday morning. “In the Bible, wisdom is not masculine, but feminine; since God made woman last, he actually made her first, and at the base of that creation was wisdom.”

It was that very potent quality that was celebrated at the “Women of Wisdom in the Word” Celebratory Brunch, where a host of impressive women, who have unselfishly and diligently contributed to their churches and communities were recognized.

“We have come to honor those who have honored us,” said Lady Sheila Davis, Mistress of Ceremonies, as she welcomed in the impressive crowd on hand. Among those being honored were Mrs. Billie Marie McLearn, Community Award Recipient as well as Trustee Maxine Perry Moody, “Great is thy Faithfulness” honoree. Described by Perry as having “an unusual love for the Church,” Moody was further drawn as someone who “No one knows how much she does to make the Church work every day.”

“Wisdom comes from studying and learning the Word, keeping it in your heart,” said Moody upon acceptance of her honor, along with an assortment of gifts from varied guests touched by her actions and being. “Ladies if you truly want to get wisdom, you must get Christ.”

Nine other women who were paid tribute to were; Sister Vernetta Livingstone-Coppedge, Sister Mary Frances Washington, Sister Barbara Delois Dance-Artis, Mildred Reeves, Mother Sarah Pinesett, Sister Florence Cotten, Mrs. Geraldine Shivers-Williams, Sister Alyce Lynette Mauldin, and Olivia Madison Hall-Williams.

Many of the women hail from large families; a significant number went on to have several children themselves, as being a righteous, positive role model was paramount in their lives.

The products of strong, proud women, the “Women of Wisdom” continued to pass those values down to their biological children as well as youth in their Baptist Temple Church families. The power of their influence was evident Saturday, as many women heard their children speak or even sing them praise at the Brunch.

“Mom has been a role model for many women,” said Reeves’ daughter, Cheryl. “To know her is to be a better you; she has taught self-reliance and so much more.”

Delois’ son Darryl distinctly recalls his mother’s words that helped form his very foundation.
“Strive to be the best you can be, and always be respectful because that will take you a long way,” Delois instilled in her youngest son.

Still another recipient’s child alluded to the impact of her mom.

“You may not have thought I was listening, but I was,” she affirmed. “Believe me when I say I was listening, and I passed it all down to my children, and they did the same to their families.”

Two other children, Evangelist Sandra Mays-Moore and sister Ava L. Armstead, daughters to Guest Speaker, Evangelist Gloria Spencer, sung a beautiful melody, filled with praise for the mother they learned so much from and credit for the women they have become today.

Directly following the musical tribute, Spencer spoke.

“Real wisdom comes from someone higher than you or I, from real pain and experience,” emphasized Spencer. “Your light belongs in the light of God.”

Williams too elaborated still further, elaborating upon the fabric of wisdom that wove all of the honorees together.

“I say ‘thank you’ to all of you, both individually and collectively, for having not only traveled through your own personal wilderness, but for having blazed trails for the rest of us to follow,” Williams stated about the collective of female pioneers.

“We draw our strength from your strength; though we may grow weary, we will not give up because you did not give up.”