LIFESTYLE

Church honors local achievements

Staff reports

Kelly Williams and Sherman Jackson were acknowleged during St. Paul Baptist Church’s Annual Black History worship service.

The St. Paul Baptist Church annual’s Black History 10:30 a.m. worship service Feb. 15 began with the theme, “African Americans Making History in Ascension Parish.”

Pastor Rosevelt McMeller and the St. Paul congregation welcomed several prominent young people who are history makers in Ascension Parish.

Kelly Williams, is the owner and operator of Kelly’s Bakery, the first African American bakery in the city of Gonzales,

A. Denise Graves, is the first African American female human resources director for the Ascension Parish school system, and Sherman Jackson, is the first African American chief of police in the City of Gonzales.

Each of these speakers told the story of the people and circumstances involved in their history making travels.

The service also included a liturgical dance performed by Kiana Lomas, a pantomime by Adam Johnson and a solo by Penny Jones.

Bro. Peter Mitchell, 94, the oldest member of the church, was presented with a plaque.

Denise Graves was honored during the service.