Zion TravelersFirst Baptist Church 160th Anniversary

Zion Travelers First Baptist Church 406 Adams Street ~ New Orleans, LA 70118

Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr., Pastor

160th Church Anniversary

Sunday, November 22, 2015 12:00 NOON

Welcome to Zion Travelers First Baptist Church

THEME:

“The Church Still Moving Forward for Kingdom Building.”

SCRIPTURE: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, “All power is

given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Matthew 28:18 & 19

“Only What You Do for Christ Will Last!”

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Church Dedication Anniversary Prayer

By Paul Berchtold

Let us celebrate a grand feast, From the greatest to the least, Let us rejoice, on this happy morn, The special day our church was born.

God bless those who planted the seed, And those who gave to every need, And those who labored, with such care, To build this church, God’s House of Prayer.

May we follow their example bright, Generously live, do what’s right, Like them, may we give God our best, So our souls can find his rest.

May all who come find peace and light, May God’s presence and his might, Gently guard this Holy place, May all find joy, abundant grace.

Thank you God, for what’s been done, Here at this place, through your son, May your work, keep on growing, Love and peace overflowing.

Amen.

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From Our Pastor’s Pen I thank God for this day! Truly, we’re blessed, and as we look back over our lives, each one of us can say “God is blessing us right now.”

Our church, Zion Travelers First Baptist Church, has been set apart from the world to win souls for Christ. Since 1855 a free man of color had a vision to win souls for Christ. God has brought us this far by faith. As we celebrate the 160th Church Anniversary, we should rededicate our lives to recapturing the vision started in 1855.

Jesus speaks to us in Matthew 28:20b, saying “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.” We are living in a world that is highly sophisticated, and man is doing so much that is contrary to God’s word. We must be about our Father’s business, because the word of God is truly coming to pass!

To Bishop Darryl Brister and the Beacon Light International Cathedral Family, and to all our visitors who came to fellowship with us, I thank God for your presence. Thanks to the Anniversary Committee and our church family for working diligently on this historical event. May God continue to bless and keep you all in his care.

Remember, only what you do for Christ will last!!!

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr.

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Our Pastor Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr.

Since 1855, pastors have been striving to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

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Zion’s First Family

Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr. & First Lady Lillian Wormley-Scales 6

First Lady Lillian “Sandy� Scales

A Virtuous Woman Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

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Proverbs: 31:10-12 (New Living Translation)

Zion Travelers First Baptist Church, est. 1885 Celebrating 160 years

Order of Service Service Called to Order Devotional Period: Scripture Hymn of the Day Prayer Prayer Chant Selection ………………………………………………… Zion's Mass Choir Announcements ………………………………… Sister Maleica Scales Taylor Responsive Reading Congregational Hymn ……………. "Everyday Is a Day of Thanksgiving" Responsive Reading (The Grace of Giving) Worship by Giving (Tithes and Offering) Mistress of Service …………………………………… Sister Bernita Johnson Words of Welcome ………………………………………... Brother John Hill Response Visitor Congregational Hymn ………………………… "We've Come This Far by Faith" 8

Order of Service Continued Church History in Summary …………………………….. Deaconess Debra Lee Tribute to the Church ………………………………….. Youth of the Churches Program Offering Mime Ministry …………………………………….... Brother Damien Brown Selection ………………………………………………… Zion’s Mass Choir Introduction of Speaker ………………………………. Pastor Irvin Scales, Sr. Praise Worship ………………………… Beacon Light International Cathedral The Gospel Message ………………………………… Bishop Darryl S. Brister Beacon Light International Cathedral

Invitation to Discipleship Presentations by the Pastor Presentation …………………………………………… Deacon Ernest Mills Remarks ………………………………………….... Deaconess Gloria Nellon, Deacon Wilbert Johnson & Pastor Irvin Scales, Sr. Birthdays, Alter Call, Blessing of the Food and Benediction Please Join Us In The Fellowship Hall

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YOUR CHURCH IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT 1.

If it is a “GROWING CHURCH” it is because you come regularly with your children to learn.

2.

If it is an “ACTIVE CHURCH” it is because you give your time to promote its programs and activities.

3.

If it is a “SCRIPTURAL CHURCH” it is because you will settle for nothing less.

4.

If it is a “MISSIONARY-MINDED CHURCH” it is because you believe that the church is responsible to send forth the message of Christ to others.

5.

If it is a “FRIENDLY CHURCH” it is because you are a “Friendly Christian” and make it so.

6.

If it is a “CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CHURCH” it is because your pastor and leaders have taught that Christian Education is important for the training of the membership.

7.

If it is a “SOUL WINNING CHURCH” it is because “You” are a Soul Winner in your daily life. So, please remember that “Your Church” will be exactly what you and other members make it!

Church’s Motto:

ONLY WHAT YOU DO FOR CHRIST WILL LAST!!!

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Announcements SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT 3:00 PM: Louisiana Freedmen’s Christmas Social at St. Bernard Community Baptist Church.

SUNDAY, DECEMNER 6, 2015: Immediately following service: Youth Meeting FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015: CHRISTMAS DAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 AT 10:00 PM JOINT NEW YEARS SERVICE. Place TBA SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 AT 10:30 AM: First Sunday service of the New Year.

Please Keep In Mind And Attend If Possible Sunday School: Sunday morning at 9:00 AM BTU And Prayer Service: Tuesday at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM

Have A Blessed Week & Continue to Pray!

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Remember our sick & shut-in; if you can’t visit, take a moment to send them a card. Let them know you’re thinking of them.

The Following Are Under Our Continual Prayers *PASTOR SCALES The Parents of Sandy Scales President Obama and Family Rev. Elliott Williams Brother James Adams and Sister Beulah Cobb The mother of Rev. Sherman Washington Ileisha Anthony needs a kidney and is on the list for a donor The Mother of Deborah Lee Brother Peter Scales Sister Mary Johnson, mother of Gerald Johnson Calvin Robinson son-in-law of Sister Nellon.

Zion Travelers First Baptist Church *Sister Clattie Pollar *Sister Betty Rogers *Deacon Sam Albert *Sister Angel (Angie) Coleman *Brother James Russell, Sr. *Member of Zion Travelers First Baptist Church

Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church *Deacon Charles Casimere *Member of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church

And All Unsaved Persons

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SELECTION 4

THE REVELATION OF THE CHURCH MATTHEW 16:15-20

Minister:

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Congregation:

And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Minister:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven,

Congregation:

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Minister:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

ALL: Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

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SERMON NOTES

SUNDAY, ___________________________, 2015 PREACHER OR SPEAKER: __________________________________ Text: __________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________

Notes: __________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Everyday Is A Day Of Thanksgiving CHORUS:

Everyday is a day of thanksgiving, God’s been so good to me, everyday He’s blessing me.

Everyday is a day of thanksgiving; Take the time to glorify the Lord today.

BRIDGE:

He keeps blessing me, blessing me; He opens the door that I might see, He’s blessing me.

He keeps blessing me, blessing me Take the time to glorify the Lord, glorify the Lord, Glorify the Lord today.

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SELECTION 30

Minister:

How is that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship. Luke 16:2.

Congregation: The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalms 24:1 Minister:

The Silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of host. Hag. 2:8

Congregation:

Every beast of the field is mine, and the cattle upon the thousand hills, I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

Ps. 50:10-11.

Minister:

Congregation: Minister:

A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. John 3:27.

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me.

But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Mal. 3:8

Congregation:

Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all they increase. Prov. 3:9.

Minister:

Bring ye all the tithes into the store house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of host, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Mal. 3:10.

Congregation:

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Cor. 8:9

Minister:

Upon the first day of the week, let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. I Cor. 16:2

Congregation:

Everyman according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7

ALL:

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, “It is more blessed to Give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

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The History of Zion Travelers First Baptist Church "FROM WHENCE WE'VE COME"

It is a fact that God's Word says in Romans 2:11, "For there is no respect of persons with God." God in His infinite wisdom looked down from heaven into the heart of a man of color by the name of Thomas Peterson. Even though there are some things that we still do not know about Thomas Peterson, we do have some knowledge of him.

We do not know who his parents were, but we know that he was born a slave. We don't know who taught him how to read or write, nor when he became a "free man of color" but, we do know that he accepted Christ into his life and became a baptized believer.

Thus, we do know, he was truly a born again Christian. We don't know when he was inspired by God to become a pastor, but we do know that he was willing to let God use him in a mighty way. The organizer of our church, Rev. Thomas Peterson, known by many as "Father Peterson" was a great organizer and a man with a vision.

In 1855, one of only a few slaves was free men of color. It was during this time that Father Peterson was inspired by the Holy Spirit to purchase a portion of ground located at 406 Adams Street, in the City of New Orleans. At the time of purchase the ground used to be a cow pasture in the City of Jefferson. Current records show that at the time of purchase, his signature and that of the city official were the only signatures on the document. A few other members made their mark of an (x) on the document as being new land holders. We could only imagine how they rejoiced, knowing that one day they would build a church building to praise God in!!

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How Our Church Got Its Name: We can imagine how our church got its name, Zion Travelers. Zion was used by biblical writers in many ways. Many psalmists used the term to refer to the temple built by Solomon (2:6; 48:2). People came to the temple in Jerusalem (Zion) three times a year to appear before God. Isaiah 2:204 say (Zion) would become the center to which all nations would come to learn of the living God During the time of slavery, they did not have but a few places free people of color could worship. They were willing to travel from near and far. They were called Zion Travelers, as people come from far and near to worship God here Those men, women and children who didn't know how to read or write, were willing to step out on faith by following the leadership and fulfilling the vision of their pastor, Father Peterson. God said that people without a vision will soon perish. We were told that Rev. Peterson used to swim across the muddy Mississippi to conduct services in Westwego, LA. Truly, Father Peterson was a visionary. In the midst of turmoil in the south with the slave trade, Father Peterson organized another church, Little True Vine Baptist Church, in the home of Bro. Martin Tilton on Avenue A, in Westwego, Louisiana.

It was called "Red Bean Row." He ordained Rev. Dolly Russell and installed him as their first pastor. In 1865, land was purchased to build their new church at 249 Sala Avenue.

The member changed the name to True Vine Baptist Church, currently pastured by Rev. Leander Johnson and is now called the Historic True Vine Baptist Church. Records also indicate that on May 23, 1869, Rev. Peterson organized another church under the name St. John Fourth Baptist Church, (which is now called St. John Institutional Baptist Church) and ordained Rev. Robert Jessup and installed him as pastor. The church is currently pastured by Rev. Dr. Louis S. Jones, also now the president of Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association.

Zion Travelers First Baptist Church was always Father Peterson's first love, "the apple of his eye." Rev. Peterson, on this very same church ground, organized the nationally known association, The Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association. As its founder and first president, Father Peterson's vision moved to another level. He saw there was a need for black orphans, who were born to free people of color who died and who had no place to live. Under his pastorate at Zion and president of a growing association, another vision came to past. A tract of land was purchased in the Carrollton area, nestled in a section called Gert Town on Audubon Street, between Colapissa and Oleander Streets. The orphans ' home was built. In later years, the very same structure was turned into a home for the elderly.

Church History continued – page 2

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The organizer of our congregation was truly a man of God with a vision. Father Peterson, the mid 1800s, in spite of the slave trade still in existence — stepped out on faith as a free man of color. He was determined to preach God's Word to those who were in chains and shackles, as well as to those who were not.

He preached to let them know that they were also bound by the shackles of sin, and they could be set free through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ if they would only believe!

Rev. Peterson worked untiringly. He was obedient to the Word of God when Jesus said to make disciples of men (Matthew 28:19-20).

Rev. Peterson was called from labor to reward on December 1, 1883.

Rev. Rodney Williams was elected pastor after the death of Rev. Peterson. He served faithfully until the Lord called him home. After the death of Rev. Williams, Rev. Dave Young was elected. After a period of time, a controversy came about. Rev. Young left Zion with a small portion of its members. Three blocks away, on Hillary Street, Rev. Young and his followers built Plymouth Rock Baptist Church.

Zion Travelers was a growing church of notoriety. The decision was made to build a sister church because of the membership. In 1871, Zion Travelers Second Baptist Church was built. This church is presently located at 3719 Laurel Street under the pastorate of Rev. Eric Lathan. After constant prayer for a pastor, Zion was blessed with the pastorate of Rev. E.L. Brown in 1906. He was known by many by the name of "Stump Brown" because of his height. Great pastors are not measured by their physical height. Rev. Brown was a powerful pastor and organizer as president within the ranks of the Louisiana Freedmen Association. Rev. Brown, with his large membership, had an outstanding choir known throughout Louisiana. After he became president of the Freedman Association, he converted the orphans' home into a home for the elderly. In later years, the association demolished the building because of decay. On July 3, 1922, the Lord called Rev. Brown to rest from his labors.

In 1923, another election was held at Zion with Rev. Frank Clark and Rev. Mc Waters. Rev. Mc Waters lost the election and with some members from Zion, he organized Beautiful Zion on Toledano Street. Rev. Clark rebuilt Zion's membership.

After rebuilding the church's membership, in January 1928, he rebuilt the church building. During the remodeling process, Rev. Clark replaced the coal heaters with steam heaters. He was also elected as president of the Freedmen Association. He fought a good fight until the Lord called him home in February 1932.

Church History continued – page 3

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After the death of Rev. Frank Clark, Zion elected Rev. William Clark.

Rev. William Clark served for a short term and he was called to pastor a church in Oakland, California. After Rev. Clark left, the church elected Rev. Lawrence Riley, who was a great pastor and preacher. He too served as president of Freedmen Association.

During his pastorate at Zion, he served for 21 years until 1956. After Rev. Riley's tenure, Rev. Marion Brown was called.

He served for 9 months and was called home by the Lord. Rev. Brown was followed

by Rev. Percy Bias. He served for 2½ years. After Rev. Bias, Rev. Charles E. Gomez was elected. Rev. Gomez was baptized at Zion. During the time he served, he had the church to buy a central air and heat system. Rev. Gomez was also a board member with the Freedmen Association. He dutifully served for 34 years and on May 26, 1998, Rev. Gomez was called home by the Lord.

After Rev. Gomez 's death, members of Zion trusted in the Lord to rise up a son in Zion to bring them into the New Millennium. At the age of 52 years, on Friday, September 11, 1998, the Louisiana Freedmen Association installed Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr. as Zion's 11th pastor. On Sunday, September 26, 1999, Pastor Scales celebrated his first year anniversary. Pastor Scales is a member of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Freedmen Association and currently served as the Corresponding Secretary for the Executive Board of that Association. In order to enable us to become more aware of our Christian walk with Jesus Christ, Rev. Scales is striving to rightly divide the word of truth and stress spiritual consciousness. He has adopted the church's motto, "Only What You Do for Christ Will Last!"

Under Pastor Scales' leadership, the inside of our edifice has been painted, the exterior has been stuccoes & painted and major renovations are being made to the church's Fellowship Hall. Included in this renovation, Zion has two handicap accessible restrooms.

In June 1999, Zion members were blessed to go to the National Baptist and Training Union Congress as a group for the first time. The Lord has heard the prayers of Zion. We are blessed by God with a pastor who has a vision. The vision by our organizer, Rev. Thomas "Father" Peterson, became a reality in 1855 and will continue with Pastor Scales as the Lord brings us into the New Millennium!

Church History continued – page 4

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Former Pastors

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Former Pastors

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Deacons & Deaconesses

Trustee Board 22

Pastor Support Committee

E. L. Moore Mission #2 23

Usher Board

Minister of Music & Member Bro. Robert Pate, Jr. 24

Mass Choir

Youth on the Move Plus Choir 25

Youth of the Churches

Greater Bethlehem B.C. Family 26

Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church 1818 Shrewsbury Road Metairie, LA 70001

“We Are Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ�

To our Pastor, Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr. and the Zion Travelers First Baptist Church Family, Congratulations on your 160th Year Anniversary, a rich history. Continue to move forward for kingdom building.

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The Scales Family Congratulates Zion Travelers First Baptist Church On your

160th Church Anniversary In Loving Memory of Our Mother

Sis. Josephine Harris-Scales

& Our Grandmother

Sis. Amy “Da Dee” Kennedy

Your Loving Children & Grandchildren, Bro. Burnell Scales, Sr. Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr. Sis. Rosalind Scales-Mills Sis. Charlene Scales-Cooks Sis. Darlene Scales 28

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DINNER MENU

Tossed Salad Ham Baked Chicken Baked Macaroni and Cheese Sweet Potatoes Butter Roll Cake Cold Drink or Water 30

With Love And Deepest Appreciation Thank You We wish to say " Thank You" to Rev. Irvin Scales, Sr. and Zion Travelers First Baptist Church, for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to serve as the 160th Church Anniversary Committee. We further acknowledge and thank you for your participation, prayers and monetary donations. God's Grace and mercy has truly been guidance throughout the planning of this celebration.

To our guest pastor, Bishop Darryl S. Brister, and Beacon Light International Cathedral and invited churches, we wish to say a heartfelt thank you for continuing to show your acts of love to Our Pastor and Church family, we look forward to your support and fellowship each year. Our celebration would not be the same without your presence.

To God We Give All The Glory The 160th Church Anniversary Committee Deaconess Gloria Nellon Deaconess Debra P. Lee Deaconess Rowena Leggins Deaconess Alice S. Brinston Deaconess Pearlie Taylor Deaconess Clattie Pollard Deacon Wilbert Johnson Deacon Ernest Mills Deacon Samuel Albert Deacon Earl Hamilton Behold, how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity Psalm 133:1

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May God Forever Bless & Keep You! Remember, Only what you do for Christ will last!

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