PRBC - Freddie Davis 47th - Program DRAFT V5

Message From The Desk Of R E V E R E N D

FREDDIE DAVIS “And of his fullness have we all received, and grace for grace.” – John 1:16 kjv It is and has been by the grace of God who has sustained this marriage of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and this Pastor, Freddie Davis, for these 47 years. For this I am truly thankful and without the slightest inkling of hesitation, I give all the praise and the glory to God our Heavenly Father!

However, giving due honor to God does not negate the necessity of recognizing and giving honor due to others who have given their all for the benefit of this ministry.

First, there is one person who made unparalleled contributions to this ministry for 45 years: my beautiful, strong, and supportive wife of 61 years and 8 months, First Lady Margaret Davis, who the Lord called home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. I thank God for how He used you sweetheart for His glory. Well done, good and faithful servant of God! Furthermore, this pastor has enjoyed the resolute and essential support of the three pillars of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, in the persons of Deacon Chairman Otis Coates, Deaconess Chairperson Dorothy Mayfield, and Trustee Chairman Alphonso Stephens. I can honestly say that I have had the devoted support of our 29 Deacons, 52 Deaconess, and 30 Trustees.

I have been richly blessed by the loyal and zealous support of our 15-member Ministerial Staff chaired by Rev. Brinda Rothwell.

To this assemblage of resolute and anointed preachers, you have contributed greatly to this ministry.

I am especially proud of the work of my four pastors, Rev. Darrin Freeman, Bishop Regretta Ruffin, The Late Rev. Richard L. Davis Sr., and Rev. Jerry Coleman. They have made their own individual imprint in ministry.

To our Administrative Staff, Sister Hazel Jackson and Rev. Rita V. Elmore, thank you for your many years of efficient and untiring service.

Sister LaVerne Baptist has led the New Members and the Culinary Ministries with tenacity and resilience, having likeminded dedicated members; Sister Mary Douglas Brown has turned the church health ministry into a year-round outpatient medical empire and attracting others who serve fearlessly.

All Praise to our God! Other staff who have worked showing great enthusiasm and perseverance includes Deacon Bruce Ford and the Media Ministry, Trustee Derrick Rawls and the Custodian Ministry, and Deacon Darrin Cook, Operations Manager and the Security Ministry; Brother Nathan McFall, Minister of Music and the entire Fine Arts Ministry have brilliantly worked together as a team to the glory of God.

Message From The Desk Of R E V E R E N D

FREDDIE DAVIS (CONTINUED)

Furthermore, to all the ministries, ministry leaders, along with the entire church membership, you all have toiled tirelessly over these past 47 years to create an atmosphere geared towards spiritual growth and the unity of the body of Christ.

Thank you also for honoring the Lord through your service, your giving of tithes and offerings, and showing love for one another. God gets the glory!

I especially thank God for 33 years of The Better Way Program which has had a positive effect on more than five thousand souls. Rev. Dr. Jesse Clay, Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Board, and Trustee Lynnwood Powers, the Acting Director all continue to provide support for those in recovery.

In November 2022, Pilgrim Rest voted to accept two of my biological daughters, Reverends Connie Gore and Kimberly Ford to serve as pastors of this branch of Zion going forward.

This was indeed a mighty movement of God! To my family, my four daughters, Brinda, Connie, M. Fredericka, and Kim, my wonderful and supportive sons-inlaw, my nine grandchildren, and my ten great-grandchildren (and another one is on the way), thank you for loving me, praying for me, and standing with me in the work of the Ministry.

To my sister, Mrs. Maggie Lane who came up from South Carolina to celebrate with me, my brother-in-law,

Dosie Workman and my two Aunties, Bernice Dinkins who resides in South Carolina and Amelia Kirkland who is here with us tonight; and to my nieces, nephews, and other relatives, thank you for the time spent in prayer on my behalf and thank you for being here to celebrate the rewards of God’s blessings on this ministry. Praise be to God! To my chairperson for this retirement gala, Sister Renae Whitaker, you have given spectacular oversight in planning and implementing this excellent celebration. And to the entire committee, thank you, job well done!

To the Pastor’s Aid Ministry also led by Sister Renae Whitaker, I greatly appreciate each of you for your many years of service and valuable support to this servant of God. To say that I have been blessed would be an understatement. HALLELUJAH! Lastly, as I journey into this new season of my life, I leave you with this Doxology: “ 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.

Amen.” – Jude 24-25 kjv

Pastor Emeritus Freddie Davis

Order of

CELEBRATION Introduction of Toastmaster..................Reverend Rita Elmore Toastmaster Greeting..........Reverend Dr. Robin A. Toogood, II Introduction of Guest & Honoree...........................Toastmaster Invocation..............................................Deacon Raymond Pool Reading of the Word...................Deaconess Marcella Williams The Occasion...................................................The Vines Family Selection by Positive Young Men of God Greetings: Caleb Lucien President, Hosean International Ministries Lead Pastor, Evangelical Free Church of Cap Haitien Bishop Talmadge J. Thomas Lead Pastor, City of Zion, the Mount Zion Church, Toledo, Ohio Blessing of Food.........................Minister LaWanda Harrington Selection by Tammi Adair Philson Dinner is Served House Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing Double Entree Herb Salmon and Hen with Stuffing Candied Yams Broccoli Dessert: Key Lime Cheese Cake Beverages: Coffee and Tea Introduction of Keynote Speaker..............Rev. Freddie Davis, Honoree Selection by The Freddie Davis Ensemble

Keynote Speaker: Archbishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, Washington, DC Selections by Ronnette Harrison-Rollins

Greetings: Reverend Dr. John D. Chaplin Pastor, Progress for Christ Baptist Church, Washington, DC Reverend Dr. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. President, Baptist Convention of Washington, DC & Vicinity Pastor, Zion Baptist Church, Washington, DC Reverend Dr. Stephen E. Tucker President of National Capital Baptist Convention Washington, DC & Vicinity • Pastor, New Commandment Baptist Church Introduction of Special Guest Artist.........Deacon Otis Coates Selections by The Sensational Nightingales Special Presentation to Honoree: Deacon Otis Coates, Trustee James Allen & Deaconess Dorothy Mayfield Remarks: Renae Whitaker, Chairperson Remarks: HONOREE/PASTOR FREDDIE DAVIS Benediction..................................................Archbishop Owens

Keynote Speaker

ARCHBISHOP ALFRED A. OWENS, JR. Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. is a native Washingtonian and a product of the D.C. Public School System. After graduating from Cardozo High School, he continued his education at Miner’s D.C. Teachers College with a Bachelor’s degree in English. In 1985, he satisfied the course requirements for a Master of Arts degree in English from Howard University. He also received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Degrees from Howard University School of Divinity.

In 1966, Bishop Owens founded Christ Is The Answer Chapel which merged in 1976 with the Mt. Calvary Holy Church forming what is now known as Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church. Archbishop Owens has been blessed to see the membership grow from 7 members in 1966 to an adult membership of nearly 8,000 persons. Because of his faithfulness and diligence in ministry, Archbishop Owens was consecrated a Bishop in the Mt. Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc. in 1988, and was appointed as the Vice Bishop in 2001. In 2008, the year of New Beginnings, Bishop Owens was elevated to the position of Presiding Prelate and Senior Bishop of the Mt. Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc., and was enthroned to that position on August 20, 2009. In 2021, he retired from the Position as Presiding Prelate and now holds emeritus status with Mt. Calvary Holy Church Of America, Inc. Throughout his 50 plus years of serving in ministry, he served as the Dean of the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops from 2000 - 2020, on August 20, 2009, he was elevated to the esteemed position of Archbishop and Vice Regent of the Joint College. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Divinity, where he taught classes in the field of Homiletics and Church Leadership and Administration.

Because of Archbishop Owens’ sincere belief that the ministry of the church must stretch beyond the four walls of the sanctuary, Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church has remained on the cutting edge of relevant ministry within the community. Under the pastorate of Bishop Owens, an alcohol/drug abuse program was established, named Calvary’s Alternative to Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CATAADA HOUSE); the church also operates, The Susie Elizabeth Crowder Owens Empowerment Center which houses both a food and clothing bank, and several other outreach and social service ministries, which is an extension of the Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr., Family Life Community Center.

For 35 plus years, there was a Calvary Christian Academy, which educated children from infants to the eighth grade.

Additionally, Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church was one of the first ministries in the nation’s capital with an HIV/AIDS Ministry that provided counseling and medical assistance to those in need. As an advocate for higher education, Archbishop founded Calvary Bible Institute in 1988, which combines quality education with biblical teaching, producing Christian leaders who will make a difference.

Through a divine partnership with Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary and Graduate School, Calvary Bible Institute offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, since 2016.

Archbishop Owens’ preaching ministry has caused him to travel extensively across the United States and to such foreign territories as Africa, Canada, England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the West Indies. He is the instrument the Lord used for the Mt. Calvary Holy Church to be located in California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, London, Trinidad, Jamaica, Ghana, and India. In addition to his extensive travel, He is also the author of Sermons for a Victorious Life, and Help Thou My Unbelief. His autobiography, Doing Good in the Hood: The Life, Legacy and Leadership, of Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr., was co-authored by Dr. Barbara Reynolds and released in 2007.

Archbishop Owens shares the pastorate of Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church with his wife of 50 plus years, Co-Pastor, Dr. Susie Carol Thomas Owens. He attributes much of his success to his wife and sainted mother, Susie Elizabeth Crowder Owens. A survivor of society’s statistics himself, Bishop Owens returns his gifts, education, and wisdom through the gift of mentorship. In the Mount Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc., he is not only a leader, but a mentor to pastors and young men. He has extended himself to impart and coach men who might otherwise not have anyone to look up to. He and his wife have been responsible for the care and nurture of 18 foster sons and daughters who have shared in their home, and they are the natural parents of Alfred Thomas and Kristel Moneek. They also have seven grandsons: Nathan, Darian, Nicholas, William, Kaiden, Kiyson, and Karter; and one granddaughter, Keiress. At the age of 76 his life motto remains, if I can help someone as I pass along – then, my living will not be in vain.

Toastmaster

REV. DR. ROBIN A. TOOGOOD, II Reverend Dr. Robin A. Toogood, II is the proud son of Trustee Patricia A. Richey and Robin A. Toogood. He is a native Washingtonian.

He has attended Purity Baptist Church all of his life. He is a product of Purity’s Sunday School, Junior Deacons, Junior Ushers and Youth Ministries. The late Pastor J. Terry Wingate was his mentor and helped him to realize his spiritual potential. Since acknowledging his call to ministry in 1994, Pastor Toogood has served as, Senior Associate Minister, Assistant to the Pastor and Assistant Pastor at Purity. He was ordained on September 16, 2000.

On November 29, 2009, Reverend Toogood was bestowed the high honor of being installed as the Fourth Pastor of Purity Baptist Church, his home church. Since that time, Pastor Toogood has served the people of God at Purity faithfully. Without hesitation he leads for the good of the church and has given both his heart and hand to ensuring Purity Baptist Church be all God has destined. Pastor Toogood sees his pastorate as the opportunity to steward the legacy of those Pastors who have served before him, as well as move the church in the direction God has set forth for this time.

Dr. Toogood has matriculated at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Trinity College, Nyack College, WOPBI, and Alliance Theological Seminary. To add to his earned doctoral degree he has recently been awarded a Doctor of Christian Education (honoris causa) by the Wayland Baptist Theological Seminary.

Pastor Toogood serves as: President, Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity; Vice-President, National Capital Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity; Vice-President, Mt. Bethel Baptist Congress of Christian Education; Board of Directors, D.C. Baptist Convention; Honorary Board of Trustees, Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity. He was bestowed the worthy honor of Pastor of the Year by the D.C. Baptist Convention. Recently, he was bestowed the honor of Man of the Year by the ICUA of WDCV. Pastor Toogood’s favorite scripture is “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. – 1 Peter 5:10

POSITIVE YOUNG MEN OF GOD In April of 1994 Positive Image started their journey as an a Capella gospel music ministry called “Positive Y.M.O.G.” (Young Men of God) in the halls, stairway, and sanctuary of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, and have been ministering through song and spoken word ever since. The group consists of 5 members, and now offer accompanied music along with their polished repertoire of a Capella sounds. They also have within their members church leadership. One being a minister, and two Elders (one of which is also a pastor). Their musical styling is influenced by traditional gospel, Negro spiritual, street corner harmony, pop, and jazz. They have, from the inception of their ministry, dedicated their musical talents to the building of God’s kingdom and restoration to the back-slidden through music ministry. Their fervent message is God still loves you and has not forgotten you! Come back to him, and truly live!

TAMMI ADAIR PHILSON Tammi Adair Philson is a native of Washington, DC. She is a founding member of the Gospel Soul Winners. Tammi received her introduction to gospel music at the 2nd New St. Paul Baptist Church in Washington, DC at an early age where she was a faithful member for over 40 years. She began singing in the youth choir to directing the youth choir, following in her mother’s footsteps. She is a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Washington, DC and sings with the Praise Team and Terry D. Streeter Ensemble. Tammi has traveled the United States and abroad singing the gospel. She has performed supporting vocals with Maysa, Kenny Lattimore, Jean Carne, Jeff Majors, Valerie Simpson and others.

She is married to Deacon Lowell Philson and has two daughters, Gabrielle and Ashley and two grandsons, Phoenix and Jayce.

Tammi’s motto is, if you put God first in whatever you do, there is no limit to your blessings.

THE FREDDIE DAVIS ENSEMBLE The Freddie Davis Ensemble (FDE), Brinda Rothwell, Patricia Robinson (deceased) Connie Gore, Fredericka Johnson, and Kimberly Ford, are the biological daughters of Pastor Freddie and (the late) First Lady Margaret Davis. Naturally the sisters all developed a love for gospel music while being raised by parents with a strong passion and love for traditional gospel music. It was in 1987, with encouragement from their father, the sisters formally organized and adopted the name The Freddie Davis Ensemble to honor their father and pastor. Mostly singing at Pilgrim Rest Baptist, their home church, the music ministry of the FDE has also supported the preaching ministry of Pastor Freddie Davis throughout the DMV, supported their sister Reverend Connie Gore as God made opportunity, and brought comfort and hope at homegoing celebrations of family and friends down through the years. We praise God for how He blends our voices to bless His Holy Name!!

RONNETTE HARRISON-ROLLINS Ronnette Rollins is a singer/songwriter, pianist, and radio personality. Fueled by her love for God and her passion to teach music and perform, Ronnette’s mission is to always reflect the love of God in everything she does, whether she’s singing gospel or R&B, playing classical piano pieces, or hosting an event.

Ronnette received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Towson University and taught music in the Prince George’s County Public School system. Currently serving as a radio host & show producer with Radio One. She lives by Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” For more information and booking, visit ronnetterollins.com.

THE SENSATIONAL NIGHTINGALES Anyone who knows anything about gospel music knows about the Sensational Nightingales.

Nicknamed “The Gentlemen of Song” and also known simply as “the Gales,” The Sensational Nightingales iteration commenced a string of hits that spanned the 1950s and 1960s, such as Somewhere to Lay My Head, See How They Done My Lord, On the Judgment Day, Morning Train and Burying Ground. I Surrender All (1984) stayed on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for two months.

The Sensational Nightingales have appeared at programs and festivals in Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and Tunisia. They toured Africa and in 1983 served as Ambassadors of Goodwill for the Arts American Program of the U.S. Information Agency. They were the first group inducted into the American Gospel Quartet Convention Hall of Fame.

My

STORY

GOD’S

Glory

The BEGINNING

Pastor Freddie Davis, the son of the late William and Maggie Davis is a native of Sumter South Carolina where he received a public education. It was there, in South Carolina, that he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Workman; together they had five beautiful daughters: Brinda, Patricia, Connie, Maggie Fredericka and Kimberly.

After relocating to Washington, D.C. Reverend Davis sang with the DC Aires, a local favorite gospel quartet group and united with the Second New Saint Paul Baptist Church. He served in various capacities under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Edgar L. Williams until he was called into the ministry in 1975.

In April 1977, Reverend Davis accepted the call to become the second pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and was installed on Sunday, July 3, 1977. He matriculated at the Washington Bible College in Lanham, Maryland, received a Bachelor of Theology from Northwestern College School of Religion of Washington DC, and a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity from the Richmond, Virginia seminary.

He served faithfully as Senior Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Washington, DC until his retirement on April 6, 2024.

Under his leadership as pastor, numerous accomplishments have been made but here are just a few:

His ACCOMPLISHMENTS & MILESTONES

• 1979 – Purchased lot at 4611 Sheriff Road, N.E. • 1983 – Held groundbreaking ceremony for new church home • 1987 – 1987 Marched into the new edifice at 4611 Sheriff Road, N.E. • 1988 – Elected President of the National Capital Baptist Convention of Washington, DC, and Vicinity • 1989 – The Better Way Program was founded • 1990 – Purchased and dedicated the property at 4617 Sheriff Road, N.E., which was developed into our parking lot • 1990 – Burned the mortgage for 4601 Sheriff Road, N.E.; the original site of the Pilgrim Rest sanctuary • 1992 – Preached the annual opening session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. • 1993 – Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Theology Degree • 1993 – Purchased property at 4607 Sheriff Road, N.E., with this purchase it blessed us with ownership of the entire 4600 block (odd side) of Sheriff Road, N.E. • 1995 – Earned Master of Divinity Degree • 1996 – Served as Chairman of the Foreign Mission Board of NCBC, Washington, DC and Vicinity • 1996 to 2000 – Purchased and dedicated the properties at: 4606, 4690, and 4708 Sheriff Road, N.E. • 2005 – Burned the Mortgage for 4611 Sheriff Road, N.E. the current worship location for PRBC • 2024 – Installed Reverend Connie Davis Gore and Reverend Kimberly Evette Ford as pastors of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Through Pastor Davis’s teaching, preaching, strong faith and God-inspired vision, Pilgrim Rest has matured spiritually and grown numerically in that, from 1987 until 2020 (from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down everything in March 2020), God blessed Pilgrim Rest to have candidates for baptism every fourth Sunday! Furthermore, because of God’s grace, 17 ministers of the Gospel have been licensed including three who are lead pastors of other ministries, 37 Deacons ordained, 52 Deaconess and 32 Trustees consecrated, and more than forty ministries for Christian service and development have been instituted under the leadership of this servant.

A Humble Servant of God (His Character) Pastor Davis is a true man of God. Always humble, loving and speaks the truth. Cares deeply about the congregation he led for 47 years. He led from the front, always with the betterment of Pilgrim Rest at the forefront. He counseled with a listening ear and always provided spiritual advice.

Pastor Davis has performed countless weddings, preached numerous home-going services, and on occasion, traveled out of town to support those bereaved among the church family. Furthermore, he has supported so many by attending a multitude of birthday, retirement, and graduation celebrations. We thank the Lord for his faithful and dedicated spirit.

Here are just a few of the special characteristics of Freddie Davis: Faithful Reliable Empathetic Dedicated Devoted Inspirational Earnest-Hearted And the story continues…

Family Matters:

MESSAGES OF LOVE FROM THE DAVIS CLAN

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 esv Congratulations on your retirement; you have earned it.

We, your family, honor you for being: a super present, God-fearing and loving man who brings warmth and wisdom to our family with your caring nature and deep connection to God; a spiritual guidance for us and always providing words of wisdom; a teacher of good things like “always put God first”, “respect your elders” and “choose your company carefully”; a stable and dependable leader of your family; a counselor for our relationships and in hard times; a welcoming spirit to the newcomers; an open door when we need somewhere to go for peace and solace; an example of how to take care of things, how to listen, and to have patience with ourselves and with others; a man to emulate; not perfect but perfect for us; a really cool guy who knows how to get stuff done; a great man who takes the whole family out for dinner and still gives each of us a gift for Christmas and our birthdays; an amazing father figure to all of us; a man to pattern our relationships after, respecting and loving Mama, while teaching us how to treat our spouse and how we, your daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters, should be treated; a professional grade chef, car mechanic, handyman, electrician, painter, bus driver, motivational speaker, doctor, spiritual physiologist, role and fashion model; a Master of Prayer with a Doctorate in Worship; We are grateful to MAMA for all of her prayers to the Lord to keep you humble. We concur that humility is not thinking less of yourself; but thinking of yourself less. You have put the service of the Lord first for 47+ years and God has honored you by allowing you to retire from this assignment by His grace.

On this day, we honor you as Father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and Pastor.

Congratulations Pastor (Daddy), we love you.

Respectfully and lovingly submitted, The Family: Daughters, Sons-in-law, Grandchildren, and great grand children

Thank you and

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, I want to thank God for everything! Without Him none of this would be possible. It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Pastor Emeritus Davis in planning his celebration. I thank him for trusting me to be the chairperson of this momentous occasion to celebrate his legacy of 47 years of service to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and the DMV Community. I am truly honored to have this opportunity along with the Senior Pastor Retirement Celebration Committee to be a part of this occasion. We love you Pastor Emeritus Davis and wish you a long, healthy, and happy retirement.

Special Thanks To: The Senior Pastor Retirement Celebration Committee Renae Whitaker, Chairperson Rachel Morrison, Curtina Austin, Joyce Beckham, Minister LaWanda Harrington Trustee Oris Johnson., Tina Kingsberry-Conner, Joyce Reese, Donna Smith Carla Sollers, Araminta Stevenson, Nicole Wilson Members behind the scenes Rev. Rita Elmore, Trustee Chesha Gartmon Special Thanks to: The professional staff of Martin’s Crosswinds for your excellent service.

Photography by Gwen Flowers Stephen Fortune of Skycon Media (skyconmedia.com) for his patience and creative ideas in designing and printing of this beautiful retirement booklet that tells Reverend Freddie Davis’ story and gives God the glory.

Thanks to all of you who thought it not robbery to come out and support our Senior Pastor “Emeritus” as he celebrates his retirement. Just by your presence here this evening shows the outpouring of love you have for him. Everyone who has participated in this retirement celebration helped to make it a memorable success!

On behalf of the Retirement Committee, Pilgrim Rest and the Honoree, Pastor Emeritus Freddie Davis, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

In Loving MEMORY OF...

First Lady Margaret Davis • Patricia Robinson • Kendra Johnson Deacon William & Deaconess Maggie Davis (Reverend Davis’ Parents)

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 4611 Sheriff Road, NE, Washington, DC 20019 www.prbcdc.org • 202 396-8283

Reverend Connie Gore and Reverend Kimberly Ford, Pastors