On June 27, 2004 -- a picture-perfect Sunday morning -- pastors, parishioners and guests of Angel Visit Baptist Church in Mt. Royal, New Jersey gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church [SEE History].

Exterior of Angel Visit Baptist Church - decorated to celebrate the church's 100th Anniversary. Photograph by Janice Brown, June 2004

Among the first to welcome me to the celebration this morning were Rev. & Mrs. Hilyard Knox (the Interim Pastor and his wife) and Deacon William Johns.

Rev. & Mrs. Hilyard Knox and Deacon William Johns

Early morning events included both children and adult bible study.

The children's Bible Study class

These were followed by an inspiring and uplifting service as follows:

Anniversary Morning Worship Service - 11:15 AM
Call to Worship: Rev. Hilyard Knox, Interim Pastor
Processional / Ministers / Choir
Invocation
Congregational Hymn - "Blessed Quietness"
Welcome
Selection / Choir
Scripture / Prayer / Chant
Selection / Choir
Introduction of Preacher: Deaconess Edith Gray, Second Baptist Church, Paulsboro
Solo:Ms. Joan Randall
Spoken Word: Rev. Linwood Parsons
Call to Disciplineship / Altar Call
Offering / Love Offering / Offertory
Remarks / Benediction

Elma Hamilton, Angel Visit Baptist Church's oldest parishioner in 2004

Elma Hamilton, the church's oldest member, was honored by her family and the entire congregation. Following the service, dinner was served in the Roy Baylor Fellowship Hall.