With great delight, the Holiness Tabernacle Church family celebrated 15 years of ministry with Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.! With the theme: Passing Down the Mantle of the Legacy of True Holiness, the month of October was set aside to lavish this great leader with words of love, gifts and other financial blessings.
“My desire during these services is for the saints to leave feeling revived in their spirit,” declared Pastor Pruitte about the special occasion. True to his expectation, each service ushered in the presence of the Lord – where praise, deliverance and victory abounded!
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Pastor and First Lady Vivian Pruitte were welcomed with cheers and resounding applause as they entered the main sanctuary during each of the three anniversary services. But while the services were designed to honor Pastor Pruitte, the men and women of God were careful not to forget the One who deserved total praise. Songs that highlighted the awesomeness of God, including “High and Lifted Up,” “More Than Anything” and “Bless the Lord,” helped usher in a spirit of thanksgiving.
During the time of expressions, the Holiness Tabernacle family shared why they love and respect Pastor Pruitte. Deacon Jeffery Howard, one of the long-standing members of the church, opened the first service with words on behalf of the Men’s Department.
“Pastor lives and preaches holiness,” Deacon Howard began enthusiastically. “In fact, I like to think his middle name is Eddie B “Holiness” Pruitte!” He then spoke about the traits he admires in his leader, including Pastor’s “lead by example” attitude and the love he demonstrates toward his wife, First Lady Pruitte.
In true Pruitte family humor, the Pruitte daughters talked about the attributes they inherited from their father on the second night of services.
“When it comes to driving, I got the lead foot,” joked eldest daughter Sister Daelena Paxton. Down the line the Pruitte women continued with their light-hearted roast of some of the traits they each received from their parent. After the congregation enjoyed a few chuckles, the ladies went on to share some of the more positive attributes they’d gained.
“I got my love of children and working with the children’s ministry from my dad,” continued Sister Delia Pruitte. Whether it was love of music, ability to handle finances or sharing the same birthday, the sisters lovingly thanked their father for leaving an indelible print on their lives.
“Under Pastor’s leadership, the public relations department has flourished,” said Sister Dayan Araujo, president of the department. She went on to talk about the trust Pastor has in the team as they publicize the life-changing work of the church. “I look forward to going to higher heights with Pastor,” she continued.
President of the Mission’s Department, Missionary Myrna Howard, shared expressions on the final night of the anniversary services.
“[Pastor’s] vision is to transform lives so that they may come to know Jesus,” she spoke with emotion to the congregation. “Without his guidance, I don’t know how I would direct the Mission’s Department.”
Not only did Holiness Tabernacle honor Pastor Pruitte, but other churches travelled from near and far to join in the wonderful celebration – a testament of the impact that he has made in the lives of many. Coming in their own unique way, each guest spoke to the theme – and the importance of living and passing down the mantle of holiness.
Pastor Ruben Young and Holy Communion COGIC, from Hampton, Va., kicked off the services. Rather than speak himself, however, he gave the opportunity to First Lady Young, who spoke about being perfected in the faith.
“It’s about a workout!” she declared. “At times we can’t be elevated [by God] not because we haven’t been called, but because we haven’t been proven.” She went on to talk about having our faith perfected and passing the tests that God allows to come our way.
“Everybody has a dance, holler and tongue, but not everybody has a holy life.” She reminded the members that it is a combination of working our faith and living holy before the Lord is what will keep us.
On the second evening of the anniversary services, Pastor Calvin Harris and the Reconciliation COGIC family came from Richmond to celebrate with the saints of God.
Opening with a somewhat provocative statement, Pastor Harris began, “it seems like holiness and sanctification have become a cuss word in the church.” He went on to say that sanctification is a misunderstood word and that’s the reason we run from it.
“We have to give folk the Word [of God], and the best way is through our actions. We can’t talk a good game, but not have a life behind it,” he continued, with sincerity.
On the final night of the services, Pastor Wayne Cream and the Holy Mt. Zion Temple of Deliverance COGIC family came from Fredericksburg, Va. to close out the special services. He continued the theme of holiness, calling it “a way of life and not a denomination.”
“Too many people [claim to be] saved and sanctified, but we can’t tell the difference between them and the world!” Pastor Cream declared. He went on to remind the saints to chase after God and not after things.
At the conclusion of the anniversary services, Pastor Pruitte offered sincere thanks and appreciation to his family, the membership and all in attendance for showering him with love and supporting the work of the ministry. Those who have observed Pastor Pruitte serve in this most sacred position of spiritual leadership, however, know all too well that the real thanks belongs to God – for equipping this man of God to help pass down the mantle of true holiness!