A. Marquis Hairston, Sr. Ordination & Installation Program

Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr.

“That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.” ~1 Samuel 3:4 Pastor A. Marquis Hairston, Sr., 25, is a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a native of Martinsville, Virginia. From a little child, Pastor Hairston knew that God’s hand rested heavily on his life. Reared in the admonition of the Lord by his paternal grandparents, he learned the ways of holiness and quickly applied them to his life. From the age of 6, Pastor Hairston was a tither, a praiser, and from his grandparents’ back yard, a Minister. When he wasn’t playing with his friends, or his computer, he was often found standing in his yard with a karaoke machine and a home-made robe, preaching the latest sermon from his Pastor. One day while preaching to his friends, the Holy Spirit consumed him and he began to cry and speak in other tongues. This day, he was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and began his journey in ministry.

Pastor Hairston is a very gifted singer and organist. With a heart like David, he prides himself in being a praiser, a worshipper, and a man who seeks to please God in all he does.

Pastor Hairston was baptized in Jesus’ name, according to Acts 2:38, on February 24, 2002 under the pastorate of the Late Bishop Roger L. Jackson at the Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, Virginia. On November 13, 2005, Pastor Hairston said “yes” to the will of the LORD and accepted the call that was on his life from birth; to preach the Word of God. On April 15, 2006, he preached his initial sermon at the Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church, in Dry Fork, Virginia, under the pastorship of Rev. Dr. J. Rolan Cohen, Sr. In November 2009, he was ordained as an Evangelist by Apostle Alice Caldwell at the Tabernacle of Praise Ministries in Charlotte, NC. In 2012, Pastor Hairston was designated as an Elder by the Real Life Ministries of Raleigh, NC under the pastorship of Overseer Judson Medlin-Fraley. Also in 2012, Pastor Hairston became the Establishmentarian of the Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc., and on January 10, 2014, The City Church was born. Pastor Hairston, with the heart of a servant, works diligently in the areas of ministry in which God places him, and does everything he can to aid in the growth of the KINGDOM. Pastor Hairston is the proud father of one son, Antonio M. Hairston, II. It is Pastor Hairston’s vision that God will use him to bridge the gap between teens and young adults. He believes that it is the will of God for him to bring souls to Christ. His testimony is that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Don’t judge him by his stature, but judge him by the way in which God uses him.

THE ORDINATION & PASTORAL INSTALLATION OF

Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr.

The ORDER OF DIVINE WORSHIP Saturday, May 31, 2014  6:00 PM

Apostle David B. Lay, Presiding Greater Harvest Full Gospel Global Deliverance Church, Atlanta, Georgia Founder & Presiding Prelate *Prelude ............................................................... (sacred music) .................................................................................... Musicians

**PROCESSIONAL** The Hairston Family Visiting Clergy Program Participants BCOZ Leadership The Ordinand The Apostolic Council **Opening Selection .............................. “Forever You’re My King” ........... Rupert Haughton & Renewed (see page 11)

**Call To Worship....................................................... .................................................... Apostle David B. Lay Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.

People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it.

Leader: We have come together in the name of our Lord Jesus.

People: We will worship our God in Spirit and in truth.

Leader: Oh magnify the Lord with me...

All:

We will exalt His name together!

**Invocation................................................................... ...................................... Apostle Christopher Lesley, Citadel of Love Worship Center, Boston, Massachusetts

**Hymn of Celebration...................... “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” ....................... Choir & Congregation (see page 11)

READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE *Old Testament ................................................... Joshua 1:1-9 ............................................ Rev. Shawn Torres, First Nazareth Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Reader: The Word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be unto God! *Responsorial ...................................................... “Doxology” ...................................... Choir & Congregation (see page 11)

4 *Please sit prayerfully with no excess noise or movement.

**Please stand until otherwise instructed.

*The Epistle ..........................................................I Peter 5:1-4 ..................................... Prophetess T.J. McCoy No Limits Ministry, Charlotte, North Carolina

Reader: The Word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be unto God! **The Gospel of Jesus Christ ........................... John 15:1-8 ........................................ Elder Gregory Gerald, Garden of Gethsemane Church, Charlotte, North Carolina

Reader: This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

People: Praise to you Lord Christ! **Celebration of the Gospel .......................... “Praise Him!” ..................................... Choir & Congregation (see page 11)

Selection .......................................................................... ................................................................................ Choir Statement of Purpose ................................................... ................................................ Overseer Corey Smith Citadel of Light & Deliverance, Columbia, South Carolina Pursuant the precedents of our Lord Jesus Christ, men and women of God who have been called into the vocation of ministry have faithfully submitted themselves to seasoned counsel and collective accountability in the Body of Christ. Since there is only one Lord of us all and only one baptism for us all, we have gathered in the Spirit of unity and the bond of peace to witness this ordination and installation as our brother assumes his official role in this vineyard of Christ. Today, Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr. accepts his sacerdotal responsibilities as a Presbyter in the Lord’s Church. The saints here are in prayerful support as this Apostolic Council executes the business of God’s Kingdom.

WORDS OF COMMENDATION Family Commendation Miss. Linda Hairston, Martinsville, Virginia

Community Commendation Mrs. Sandy Saunders, Alliance For Excellence, Danville Community College, Danville, Virginia

Church Commendation Bro. Chuckie Jr. Briggs, Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc., Executive Pastor

KINGDOM INVESTMENT Finance Committee Offertory Selection........................................................ ................................................................................ Choir Presentation of the Kerygmatist ............................... ........................................... Elder Levonzo Robinson, Vision Church of Atlanta, Georgia Selection of Preparation .............................................. ................................................................................ Choir

THE KERYGMA Affirming Pentecostal Church International Greensboro, North Carolina

5 *Please sit prayerfully with no excess noise or movement.

**Please stand until otherwise instructed.

The Ordination & Installation Ceremony Hymn of Consecration ................................. “Draw Me Nearer” .................................Choir & Congregation (see page 11)

Presentation of the Ordinand ................................... .............................................. Apostle Jeremiah Smith, The Remnant Church Fellowship, Charlotte & Winston-Salem, North Carolina “According to the Word of the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised to give HIS people pastors after HIS own heart who would feed them according to knowledge and understanding. The people of God believe that God has anointed a man in this city to fulfill His Word. On behalf of the Ecclesia present and in concert with the members of The City Church of Charlotte, North Carolina, we believe that Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr. has been called of God, commissioned by Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Ghost to preach and teach the Word of God to the advancement of the Kingdom. As a fellow laborer in the vineyard of God, I present him to this Apostolic Council to be ordained as an Elder in the Lord’s Church and to be installed to the office of Pastor of this local assembly.”

General Examination of Ordinand .......................... ................................Bishop Donagrant L. McCluney Ordination is exercised as a witness to your calling as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. As ordained clergy, you are entrusted with the souls of God’s people to nurture them in holiness that they may produce the fruit of righteousness set forth by your model.

Bishop: Ordinand:

Do you trust that God has called you to the life and work of ordained ministry?

Bishop: Ordinand:

Do you believe in the Oneness of God, and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Bishop:

Are you persuaded that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

Ordinand:

I am so persuaded, by God’s grace.

Bishop:

Will you be faithful in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and with the help of the Holy Spirit continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

Ordinand:

I will, God being my helper.

Bishop: Ordinand:

Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

Bishop:

Will you, in the exercise of your ministry lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?

Ordinand:

I will, with the help of God.

Bishop:

Will you be loyal to The Church of Jesus Christ, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to those who are called to cover your ministry?

Ordinand:

I will, God being my helper.

Bishop:

May God, who has given you the will to do these things, give you grace to perform them that the work begun in you may be brought to perfection. Amen.

I do so trust.

I do so believe and confess.

I will, with the help of God.

Ministry of Music......................................................... ..................................Rupert Haughton & Renewed The Bishop, facing the ordinand, calls the people to prayer.

Laying On of Hands & Anointing With Oil......... ......... Bishop Donagrant McCluney & Celebrants Pastors & Elders will stand prayerfully, bearing witness to the Pastoral Transition.

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THE INVESTITURE AS ELDER Collar

The collar, is a sign of consecration; a clear indication of being yoked with Christ. The collar is also a symbol of conformity to the will of Christ as expressed through his Church. Paul said in I Corinthians 7:22 NIV: “For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave.”

Elder’s Cross

Suspended from a black chord, this cross is worn in the shirt pocket of the Elder, symbolizing that the passion of the Christ will remain closest to his heart.

Cassock

The cassock, is known as the working garment or the serving garment. It is a long, form-fitting garment. The black color, the color of the Elder/Pastor, represents death to sin and reminds the wearer that he is yet a servant. Jesus said in Matthew 20:26-28: “...whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Cincture

The cincture is a belt-like garment worn around the waist. It s a symbol of girding, strength and servant hood. It also represents humility as Christ girded himself to wash the feet of the disciples. The fascia hang on the left side to represent one’s services to Christ are close to your heart. In John 13:3-5: “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Pastoral Commitment ......................................................................................................Apostle David B. Lay Apostle:

Pastor-Designate Hairston, do you believe in your heart that God has ordained you to be the Pastor of The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc.?

Pastor-Designate:

I do so believe, having the witness of the Holy Ghost.

Apostle:

Are you prepared to lead this people according to the Word of God at the expense of your own opinion and/or the common consent of the general populace?

Pastor-Designate:

I am and have so determined by the mandate of God.

Apostle:

Will you faithfully and consistently preach the Word of God, and guard the integrity of your appointment as the Divine charge of God to watch for the souls of His people according to His Holy Word?

Pastor-Designate:

I will by the grace of God.

Apostle:

Will you reprove and rebuke the people of God with all long-suffering and diligence knowing that God will judge all who mistreat or scatter His flock?

Pastor-Designate:

By the power of the Holy Ghost, I will endeavor to love and nurture God’s people.

Apostle:

Will you encourage this people to do the will of God, and train them by word and deed so that they may follow you as you follow Christ?

Pastor-Designate:

With all that is within me, I will serve the people of God.

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Charge to Pastor-Designate............................................................................................ Apostle David B. Lay “In light of the commitment you made before these witnesses, I now charge you before the Living God and the Lord Jesus Christ to feed this flock of God, and take the oversight thereof.

Do it because the Lord has placed the love for it in your heart and the call to it on your life. Your number one priority is to please your Savior, hence I charge you to resist the love for material wealth, and flee the lusts of your flesh, the lusts of your eyes, and the pride of life. You cannot serve God and mammon! You must always be sober about WHO is in charge of this body of believers. These are the people of God, therefore I charge you to walk worthy of the vocation of God to serve this house: for by so doing, you will become an example of discipleship to those who are called to follow you. Be faithful unto death, and the Lord will give you a crown of life.”

THE INVESTITURE AS PASTOR

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Rochet

The rochet is a white linen garment with loose-fitting sleeves. It symbolizes purity and the priesthood of the office. It also represents that the wearer is the chief worship leader of the house. It is always worn over the cassock to cover "the mess" that is accumulated during serving. It covers it, but never condones it as it is taken to God in prayer. There are two bands (in black for the Pastor) that go at the end of the sleeves to hold them close. These are a reminder of the death, burial and resurrection as the wearer lifts his hands to lead the people in worship. This Pastor tonight, stands as Priest and Prophet. II Samuel 6:14 says: “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.”

Chimere

The chimere is a loose, sleeveless robe worn over the rochet. It is symbolic of the prophet’s cope /mantle, and represents the prophetic nature of the Pastoral office. The leader of the house prophetically holds the whole vision of the house, and stands as the Priest and Prophet. As the Priest carries the prayers of the people to God, the Prophet carries the Word of God Back to the people. Joel 2:28 says: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”

Tippett

Sometimes called a preaching scarf, it is a wide stole-like scarf. A Bishop`s Tippet is either seven inches wide, symbolizing perfection, or nine inches wide, symbolizing judgment. The Pastor`s Tippet is five inches wide, which represents grace. Romans 10:14 says: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Cross

Primarily the instrument of suffering on which Christ died and redeemed the world the cross is symbolic for whatever pain and endurance that a Christian undergoes, and voluntarily accepts, in order to be joined with Christ and co-operate in the salvation of souls. The cross is suspended by a cord (color symbolizing position or rank). Jesus said in Matthew 16:24: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Zuchetto

The zucchetto is a small round skullcap, and is the covering representing that the wearer is covered by the mighty hand of God. I Peter 5:6 says: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”

Ring

A token of covenant between the Pastor and God. It is based upon the scripture concerning the prodigal Son and demonstrates favor upon the person who is wearing it. It is worn on the right hand and is a primary symbol of the Office of the Episcopacy. This Pastor stands as the Bishop of this house.

Congregational Covenant ............................................................................... Bishop Donagrant McCluney The City Church will stand.

Bishop:

Do you now pledge your love and loyalty to this man of God who is placed over you to watch for your souls and accept him as the official Pastor & Prelate of The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc.?

People:

We do so accept him, believing this to be the Will of God.

Bishop: People:

Will you submit to the authority of his office in spite of other relations you may have with his person?

Bishop:

Do you willingly commit your souls to his watch, understanding that he is henceforth accountable to God for you?

People:

As it pleases the Lord, Elder Hairston is our Pastor.

Bishop:

Will you cooperate with the vision of the house as it bears witness with the Spirit of God within you and is made clear through your leader?

People:

We will cooperate as it pleases the Lord.

Bishop:

Do you now commit yourselves to the faithful support of this pastor through your prayers and finances, so that as he nourishes your spirits, he will not go wanting of his physical substance?

People:

As the Lord prospers us, so shall we prosper the Man of God.

We will submit, God being our Helper.

Charge to the Church ...................................................................................... Bishop Donagrant McCluney “In light of the commitment you made before these witnesses, I now charge you before the Living God and the Lord Jesus Christ to be subject to the leadership that God has placed over you. He is responsible and accountable to God for you; but for you to be grievous to him is to impede the process of your own growth and blessing. (Hebrews 13:17) Take care of the man of God for he is God’s gift to you. A kingdom divided cannot stand; hence, you are hereby charged to dwell in unity, endeavoring to maintain the peace of God among you. Walk humble before your God and be sober about your adversary. Love one another as Christ has loved you, and help each other grow in the things that please the Lord. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Prayer of Consecration .....................................................................................................Apostle David B. Lay Official Declaration ...................................................................................... Bishop Donagrant L. McCluney “By the will of God, pursuant the will of this people, and in the company of this Holy aggregation, we do hereby declare you an Elder in the Lord’s Church, and Pastor of The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.”

GREETING OF THE NEW PASTOR DEDICATION OF ANTONIO MARQUIS HAIRSTON II (see page 10)

Vote of Thanks .............................................................................................. Pastor A. Marquis Hairston, Sr., The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina

Benediction ............................................... “Always Remember Jesus” ........................................ Pastor Hairston (see page 11) Recessional *You are invited to greet the new Pastor & Family in the Vestibule at the rear of the main sanctuary.* *Light refreshments will be served.*

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The Baby Dedication Ceremony Psalm 127:3 proclaims that "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. We not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God. We are told in 1 Samuel 1 that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. In Luke 2:22 we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord. In the same way, I, Pastor Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr. and Lady Crystal Nicole Hairston, today bring our son, Antonio Marquis Hairston II, presenting first ourselves and then our son before the Lord our God. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 tells us: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Ephesians 6:4 says: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Bishop: Mom and Dad, love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach Junior to do the same. As you love God, one another, and Junior, you will model before him a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your son Antonio Hairston II to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do."

Parents:

We do.

Bishop: So that Junior may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you Mom and Dad, vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord?

Parents:

We do.

Bishop: Modeling this kind of love cannot be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, this mother and father call upon the help of this family. I now direct my questions to you. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help this mother and father fulfill the vow they have just made concerning this child? If so, please respond by saying "we do."

Family: We do.

(Mom hands child to Dad for Prayer of Dedication) (Presentation of Certificate)

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Processional

Hymn of Celebration

FOREVER YOU’RE MY KING

MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE

I love You, forever With all my heart I love You, forever Forever You’re my King

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!

Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away, Oh let me from this day be wholly Thine!

My shelter, forever In time of storm My shelter, forever Forever You’re my King

Responsorial

Your mercy, forever Shall follow me Your mercy, forever Forever You’re my King All the glory and the honor Belongs to you!

All the glory and the honor Forever You’re my King

PRAISE HIM! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus! Blessed Savior!

He’s worthy to be praised!

From the rising of the sun Until the going down of the same.

He’s worthy! Jesus is worthy!

He’s worthy to be praised!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus! Blessed Savior!

He’s worthy to be praised!

Celebration of the Gospel

Hymn of Consecration

DOXOLOGY

DRAW ME NEARER

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Praise Him all creatures here below!

Praise Him above ye heavenly host!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen!

Verse 1: I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith And be closer drawn to Thee.

Benediction

ALWAYS REMEMBER JESUS Always remember Jesus, Jesus!

Always remember Jesus, Jesus!

Always keep Him on your mind!

Refrain: Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Verse 2: Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the pow’r of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, And my will be lost in Thine.

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This organization shall be known as THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF ZION EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES, INC., with the first and headquartered church being called,

“THE CITY CHURCH OF CHARLOTTE�.

Our status shall be autonomous, and sovereign, determining our own affairs.

The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. shall be covered and advised by an Apostolic Council, selected through prayer and divine instruction by God to our Apostle, Pastor A. Marquis Hairston, Sr. The Apostolic Council will provide advisory support to The Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. and its Leader, until a Board of Elders is established within the general assembly of our Church. The council consists of the following prelates:

Bishop Donagrant L. McCluney, MDIV, MAT, Episcopal Chair Apostle David B. Lay, D.D., Senior Apostle Overseer Judson Medlin-Fraley, Commending Pastor The City Church will adopt a methodology of Episcopal Polity, where our Leader hears from God on our behalf, and we the congregation, follow him as he follows Christ.

Apostle A. Marquis Hairston, Sr. serves as the Establishmentarian & Presiding Prelate of the Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. and is vested as the Bishop of our house.

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Bishop Donagrant L. McCluney, Bishop Donagrant Le’Prist McCluney was granted the gift of life on January 13, 1968 in Shelby,

North Carolina. He is the second of three sons born to Bishop John Lee and Missionary Dianne McCluney. Being entrusted to the Hand of the Lord and reared in the nurture and admonition of God’s Holiness, he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of seven and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of nine.

On July 1, 1984, this young Man of God preached his initial sermon, "Give Us a Chance", and served the Presbytery of the Christian Fellowship Church of God for sixteen years until such time that he would be consecrated to Holy Episcopacy. Bishop McCluney was duly consecrated to his Administrative Office in October 2001 under the righteous hand of the Most Reverend Bishop Freddie Bernard Marshall and a college of ten other consecrated Episcopates.

Bishop McCluney attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; a Masters of Divinity degree in Homiletics and Worship at the Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia; a Masters of Arts degree in Elementary Education at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and is presently a PhD student in the Leadership Studies Program at NC A&T. Having been instrumental in establishing and sustaining several local churches, three Bible schools, two national youth leadership conferences, and seven Pentecostal reformations, Bishop McCluney is happy to serve the Kingdom of God as Associate Presiding Bishop of the Affirming Pentecostal Church, International and founding facilitator of The Progressive Community Collaborative, Incorporated.

His deepest desire is to walk worthy of the vocation wherein he is called, making full proof of the ministry within him. The anthem of his soul is “Yes, Lord!” while the intent of his work is to see the power of God manifested in the life of the Church.

Kerygma (Greek: κήρυγμα, kérugma) is a Greek word used in the New Testament for preaching. It is related to the Greek verb κηρύσσω (kērússō), to cry or proclaim as a herald, and means proclamation, announcement, or preaching.

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LETTER OF COMMENDATION

Mrs. Linda Hairston

On Behalf of the Hairston Family “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.” ~ Isaiah 61:1-2 At a very early age, Marquis was a very special child. I remember him sitting on my grandmother’s lap with two casts on both legs, due to his feet being corrected. My grandmother, at the age of 91 years old and totally blind, would say, “This is a special child,” and she would rub his head and feet. Deep down inside my soul, I knew and could feel, each time she touched him, she was praying God’s blessings on him.

Around the age of 5 or 6, Marquis and his sister Jasmine, came to live with my parents, Annie and Harry Hairston. This was the time we all really saw the calling on his life. This is when his journey began.

At first we all thought, being a child, he was playing. He always would run through the house with a towel, sheet, or anything he could find to tie around his neck and make a robe.

Living with my parents, they taught him how to cook, keep his clothes clean, and dress to impress. My mom taught him how to iron his clothes and made sure those creases were straight in his pants, collars starched on his shirts and sleeves were pressed and everything in place. Marquis’s mom, Kathy White, always made sure he had the best of everything. On Sundays, he was always in a suit, tie, and shoes shined. On school days still everything had to be in place: blue jeans and pants creased to perfection and starched shirts. He always had to be dressed - not like the other kids - but dressed in Sunday shoes, not tennis shoes.

In school he was such a quick learner, that he would finish his work and clowned with the other students. This kept him in the principal’s office. Then he would sing out, beat on desk, and praise the Lord during classroom time. Then came Sunday mornings; in my parent’s home, you went to church; not only church, but Sunday school, Bible study, revivals, and second services.

Marquis began to study God’s Word and a lot of times got in trouble, because he really knew more than the teacher and we all knew how that could go. He was noted a Mr. Know-It-All, when in reality God was preparing him for this day. He would sit on the first pew on the right side of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ridgeway, VA, and when our Pastor, Rev. Dr. J. Rolan Cohen, Sr. would stand up to preach, Marquis would begin writing. On Monday evenings after school, he would get all the children my mom babysitted, and would go to the back yard, where he had built an altar on the picnic table. He made a cross, and they took the chairs from the deck and made a Sanctuary. Jasmine, Ashley, Michelle, Todd, and other community children would sing, shout, and Marquis would preach the sermons Pastor Cohen had preached that Sunday. He didn’t just preach to the neighborhood children on Mondays, but every day. Every Sunday he sat in the same seat and wrote the preached sermons. He got so good at writing out the sermons, that Pastor Cohen would call my parents’ home and asks Marquis when he preached a certain sermon, the topic, and what scripture it came from. The neighborhood children enjoyed having church so much, that every day; they would knock on my parent’s door and ask if Marquis could come out so they could have church. One day my daddy went out on the deck, because all the children were singing and shouting so loud that he stated to them, “Marquis, ya’ll stop all that playing and get in this house.” Marquis answered my daddy and said, “Papa, I ain’t playing!” and my daddy said he could see and feel that the Holy Spirit was all over Marquis and all the children. My daddy said he turned, went back in the house and told my mother, “Annie they are not playing, I’m gonna leave them alone.”

Also in school, his dad, Tony - my brother - tried to get Marquis involved in sports: baseball and football. That didn’t work! When the ball was hit out in the field, Marquis would be singing, and clapping his hands and not even paying attention to the ball coming his way. In school, on every oratory paper, he talked about the Lord. Marquis was an old man in a child’s body when it came to proclaiming the word of God. Pastor Cohen, saw the hold God had on his life and helped to nurture him in studying God’s Word. It was Pastor Cohen who ultimately licensed Marquis to preach on April 15, 2016, while pastoring the Guildfield Missionary Baptist Church in Dry Fork, Virginia.

Even though it was hard for the carnal mind in people to see the work of God in his life, he was ridiculed. But it never deterred him from standing on what the Lord was giving him in dreams and visions: to become a man of God. The road has been rough for Marquis, but he stands.

He has made mistakes, but he stands. He has been lied on, but he stands. He has been incarcerated, but he stands. He’s tried many tasks and no one stood by him, but NOW, God has elevated him to a position in life that no man can take away from him. It is in his soul, body and mind to live for Christ. As an Aunt that has seen him though it all, I feel it so befitting to let him know that on behalf of his family, the blessings that are before are great! Things will not be easy being a Pastor, but continue to study, think before you speak and most of all always keep God first in your life, and always seek his guidance on everything. You are so deserving of being a Pastor.

Welcome to the House of the Lord, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on.

We Love you and you have our support.

Linda Hairston

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Pastor Hairston with Aunt Linda, Sisters, Jasmine & Kristel; and son, Junior.

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Apostle David B. Lay

Apostle David B. Lay was born June 12, 1951 in Memphis, TN, and then relocated to Chicago, IL at 13 months old, and lived there for 30 years. Apostle Lay received and accepted the call of God on November 25, 1967 to salvation after being saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, under the leadership of the late Elder Louis Boddie and Elder Henry Bracken, founders of the Greater Harvest M.B. Church of Chicago, IL. Now residing in Atlanta GA, Apostle Lay oversees several churches throughout the Atlanta, GA area.

Apostle Lay’s accomplishments are as follows:  Spiritual Care Professional and Consultant for Imani Project Pediatrics Department, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta GA  Graduated International Gospel Fellowship Institute of Biblical Studies  Received Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree/Masters in Judaic Messianic Protocol International Gospel Fellowship Institute of Greenville, SC;  Professor, Department of Religion: Chicago City College System, History of Religion I, II, and III - Olive Harvey College, Kennedy King College, Dawson Skills Institute, Chicago, IL;  Advisory Board Member/Community Ambassador, Pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA  Established an International/Evangelistic Fellowship in Nassau, Bahamas  CEO of Matrix Concepts and HIV/AIDS/STD/STIs and Substance Abuse Initiative  Founder of Greater Harvest School of the Prophets (Rahmah), Atlanta, GA  Dean of Rainbow Tabernacle Institute of Commensurate Studies, Winston-Salem, NC/Radio-TV Personality and Commentator  Professional in Residence Program at Hazelden Foundation, Milwaukee, WI, Certified in Chemical Dependency  Recently appointed first assistant for Vision Kingdom International under Prelate and Apostle O.C. Allen III, over Apostolic affairs  Father of three children (one daughter - LoriAnn, twin sons Shawn and Quan)  Prophet & Apostle in the Lord’s Church

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Overseer Judson Medlin-Fraley

“I have come to accept that I am a voice to and for a group of people; a group who has been looked over, locked out, left behind, and labeled everything but who they really were because others only see what they look like or have done, yet I see them for who they ARE. They don’t necessarily fit status quo or may not even care for the norm, but they are great nonetheless and will one day shake this nation. I believe in them and speak life to them!” ~ TheLifeSpeaker

At 32 years of age, Pastor Judson Medlin-Fraley is aggressively advancing the Kingdom here on earth, one day and one life at a time. A native of Altus, OK, he grew up in Greenville, NC and now resides in Raleigh. A first generation preacher, everything he has learned in ministry has been through first hand experience and by allowing God to order his steps. An ordained Elder and Pastor, he served faithfully under the leadership of his spiritual father, Bishop Freddie B. Marshall and the Greater Church of Deliverance in Winston Salem, NC, until being led to establish Real Life Ministries. He is highly sought after as a preacher for his simplistic yet revelatory teaching of Kingdom principles and as a public speaker, tackling hard topics in today’s society determined to reach anyone at any cost. Above all, he is grateful to God for this journey and seeks His direction for life, daily. His ultimate passion is the TOTAL-LIFE success of people. “theLIFEspeaker” as he is affectionately called, is a man after God's own heart helping to reach the masses with one message; "I have been all things, to all men, that some might BE (saved)..!"

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LETTER OF COMMENDATION

Bro. Chuckie Jr. Briggs

On Behalf of the Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. This is a very important task for me, and I am honored to stand before you tonight to publically offer words of commendation on behalf of my Pastor, and the Apostle of the Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, or The City Church of Charlotte, in the person of Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr. I stand before you today from two perspectives: one, the perspective of a member of this church; and two, as a proud Godfather. I met Pastor-Designate Hairston about 6 years ago, and from that moment, we have been connected in life and in ministry. I adopted him as one of four of my sons, whom I have endeavored to love and support. We have had ups and downs, disagreements and arguments, but one thing that remains is that unbreakable bond we share as brothers in Christ, and brothers in life.

Pastor-Designate Hairston, about two years ago, shared with me the vision for what is known today as the Beautiful City of Zion, and I immediately pledged my support and participation from that very moment. I support him in ministry, and he supports me with the choir that I lead. I’ve watched this young man persevere through setbacks, trials, rumors, lies, and even truths that have formed to slow down or even stop the work of this ministry, but through it all, he has remained strong. Even in those private times, when I could see that his faith was being tested, I have had to remind him that he cannot stop now, because he’s come from a mighty long way. And, after every one of the setbacks he has faced in life and ministry, I can personally stand and testify on his behalf that he has gotten up, brushed himself off, and pushed forward.

When “The City”, as our church is called, was birthed, I saw people come, and I saw them go. We started in a small building here in Charlotte, and I watched Pastor-Designate work diligently to provide a space where everyone would feel comfortable. His motto is, “Excellence without excuse!” When we started, we provided our supporters with live stream capabilities, a fully functional website, flyers, programs, Facebook blasts, ALL of which were created and designed by Pastor-Designate Hairston. I’ve watched him be the preacher, the praise and worship leader, the musician, and even the janitor, all in one service. I’ve witness him take his own personal money and put it towards this ministry, even when I did not agree with it. I have watched him put his personal desires (and sometimes mine) on the backburner, for the sake of what he is convicted and fully convinced is the will of God for His life.

I’ve watched him gain, and I’ve watched him lose; I’ve watched him laugh, and I’ve watched him cry; I’ve watched him fail, and I’ve watched him succeed. Situations and predicaments have changed, but one thing that has remained the same is his zeal after the will of God for his life and this ministry. I joined this ministry because I believe in the vision that he has, even when I don’t understand it in its entirety. I understand that my job, as Executive Pastor, and more so as his godfather, is to follow, support, and encourage him as he follows Christ.

In conclusion, let it be known by all who hears and reads these words, that I, Chuckie Jr. Briggs, publically commend my Apostle, the Bishop of this house, and the Pastor that God has placed in our midst for the work to which he has been called. He is fit, prepared, and well able to execute the duties and responsibilities of the Pastoral office.

Sincerely, Bro. Chuckie Jr. Briggs, Executive Pastor, Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc.

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GOD'S INSTRUMENT

I see the hands that hold God's word And fold in prayer to seek His will.

I see the feet that walk the path And offers of praise as from lofty hill.

I see the hands that serve Him well, The ears that seek to hear His call, The mouth that speaks truth and wisdom, The busy feet that carry the message to all.

I see the heart that was pricked and entered When God's man answered the gospel call And yielded His life as a humble servant, A man who is willing, as was Apostle Paul.

I see all of this as he stands in the pulpit, An instrument through which God speaks The words of wisdom, of love and peace, To lead and guide all those whom God seeks.

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Location/Venue Apostle Lorenzo & Pastor Michelle Moore Greater Glory Worship Center 724-B Montana Drive Charlotte, North Carolina

Vestments Clara J. Collins & Especially Made, C.M. Almy ThreeStrand Ministerial Chords Mercy Robes Rosenfield Jewelry, Inc. Renzetti - Magnarelli Clergy Apparel

Sponsorship Provided By: William Singleton Alpha Male Nail Care Services For Men Office Depot Bishop O’Brian McCrae Apostle Christopher Leslie Apostle Ezra Brown-Harden Elder Brian Williams Pastor Drucilla Hairston & Spirit-Led Temple Conference Registrants via Eventbrite I, Pastor A. Marquis Hairston, Sr. and the Beautiful City of Zion Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. would like to thank everyone who made this historical and momentous occasion the success it was. To the Apostolic Council, Program Participants, Ecclesia, and Distinguished Guests who joined us, words cannot express how grateful I am for your presence and prayerful support. To Rupert Haughton & Renewed, and every singer and musician who offered your ministry gifts tonight, I say, “Thank you!” A special thanks to the staff and leadership of The City Church for always believing in me and for supporting me through thick and thin. We truly are better TOGETHER! Lastly, thanks to all my family, friends, and supporters who came from far and near to make this night a success. I could not have done it alone, and I certainly couldn't have done it without YOU! I am convinced now, more than ever, that GREATER THINGS HAVE YET TO BE DONE IN THIS CITY! In Him I Remain Faithful,

Pastor A. Marquis Hairston, Sr.+