Trustee Rice Acknowledged by Masons for 50 Years of Service

 

On August 13, 2017, members of the Free and Accepted Masons, Inc. of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and Brunswick Lodge #108 made a surprise visit to the 11:00am worship service. They came to Mercy Seat to celebrate and commemorate the 50-year membership of their brother, Trustee Henry Rice. Former Grand Master Willie Seward presented to Trustee Rice a certificate of recognition and a pin in acknowledgement of 50 years of service as part of the Virginia Masons. Trustee Rice’s wife, Mrs. Sadie Rice and daughter, Ms. Dale Lewis were also in attendance. Congratulations Trustee Rice!

Homecoming 2017

The 2017 Mercy Seat Homecoming and Annual Family Rally was held on July 9, 2017. Rev. Dr. Danny L. Boyd provided the message for the occasion. The Mercy Seat senior choir provided music under the direction of musician Donald Mills.
 

Rev. Boyd Celebrates 5th Anniversary as Pastor of Mercy Seat

On March 19, 2017, the Mercy Seat Church family honored Rev. Dr. Danny Boyd in celebration of his fifth year of serving as pastor of Mercy Seat. Rev. Dr. Freddie Terry of Lone Oak Baptist church and Mt. Zion Baptist Church was the guest minister and members of Lone Oak and Mt. Zion Baptist churches formed the guest choir. Mercy Seat auxiliary leaders and church members made presentations to Rev. Boyd in acknowledgement of his dedicated service during the previous five years.
Program from Pastor’s Anniversary

 

Homecoming 2016

The 2016 Mercy Seat Homecoming and Annual Family Rally was held on July 10, 2016. Minister James Edwards, Jr. (pictured above) of Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA provided the message for the occasion. He was introduced by his wife, Minister Dr. Toni Turner Edwards. The Mercy Seat senior choir provided music under the direction of musician Donald Mills. Click here to view additional photos.

 

Mercy Seat Acknowledges 2016 Graduates

On Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the 11:00 am worship service, Pastor Boyd and the Mercy Seat church recognized members of the 2016 graduating class. Congratulations to all!  We pray that God will continue to bless and guide you as you enter the next chapter of your lives.  See complete list of graduates below.

Download (PDF, Unknown)

 

Men’s Day Celebration

The Mercy Seat 2016 Men’s Day celebration was held on Sunday, June 12, 2016.

Pictured left to right: Franklin Knight, Archer Knight Jr., Deacon Bernard Knight, Trustee Howard Short, Floyd Wynn Jr., Trustee Henry Jones Jr., Trustee Thomas Knight Jr., Pastor Danny L. Boyd, Carolyn Ramsey, Deacon Jerry Knight, Deacon Charles Mason, Deacon Harry Williams, Trustee Gregory Knight, Trustee Johnny Knight, Deacon Isaac Coleman, Jr. and Kerry Wynn, Sr.

 

Mercy Seat Celebrates its 145th Anniversary

Members and guests celebrated the 145th Anniversary of the founding of Mercy Seat R.Z.U.A. Church on April 12, 2015. The day began with Sunday school, followed by the morning worship service led by Rev. Danny Boyd and accompanied by the Male Chorus. Rev. Boyd’s message, in line with the anniversary theme asked, “Where do we go from here?” After the morning service, worshipers enjoyed light refreshments outside under a tent while waiting for the Anniversary Service to begin. Sister Dora Wynn served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the Anniversary Program and God’s Community Praise provided uplifting musical selections throughout the service. Sister Michelle Walker welcomed everyone to the event and Mr. Marvin Jones gave a response to the welcome address.

A number of commendations and congratulatory letters were sent by State and local officials in observance of the Church’s 145th Anniversary; however, State Representative Roslyn C. Tyler chose to attend the service in person. She presented to Rev. Boyd (and the church) a framed copy of a House Resolution passed by the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly acknowledging the many accomplishments of Mercy Seat during its 145 years of existence. Trustee James Hicks then provided a historical narrative of the progression of Mercy Seat and displayed a replica of the first church that was constructed by Trustee Henry Rice. Deaconess Margaret Hicks, a descendant of the founder of Mercy Seat, John M. Bishop, provided reflections of the role of her descendants in the development of Mercy Seat.

Bishop John L. Ghee, presiding RZUA Bishop (and Former Pastor of Mercy Seat) was the guest speaker for the Anniversary service. Bishop Ghee gave an inspiring message about the importance of our church history and the power behind the name of our church, which references “the mercy seat” or lid to the arc of the covenant. Guest ministers who participated in the service included Rev. L. Daniel King (former pastor), Rev. Rita Houston and Rev. Phyllis Graves. The festivities concluded with a formal sit down dinner in the fellowship hall.

Thanks to all the members and guests who joined us to celebrate this milestone occasion. We are especially grateful to the members of the Anniversary committee for organizing such a memorable event—Dora G. Wynn, Delores L. Tyler, Michelle D. Walker, Dorothy Yancey, Julia Evans, Shirley Jackson, Ann Knight, Doris K. Johnson and Maggie Williams. Click to view additional Anniversary photos

 

Home Mission Members Honored

On Sunday, November 9, 2014, a special presentation was made to members of the Home Mission Circle (President, Mrs. Ann Knight) for years of service and dedication to the auxiliary. Members recognized were Mrs. Mittie Willis, Mrs. Hattie B. Knight, Mrs. Catherine Booth and Mrs. Mattie Wynn (not pictured– Della Wynn accepted on her behalf). Each honoree received a certificate and a bouquet of flowers.

 

 

Youth Service and Back to School Cookout

Mercy Seat held its Second Annual Youth Service and Back to School Cookout on Sunday, August 24, 2014. This activity was open to Mercy Seat youth and youth from the community. Minister Kevin Hutchinson was the guest speaker for the youth service. Members were asked to donate backpacks and other school supplies which were distributed to all the youth in attendance.

 

 

Scholarship Award

Congratulations to Ms. Takaya A. Lewis! Ms. Lewis was the recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Mercy Seat Sunday School. Ms. Lewis plans to attend Southside Virginia Community College. The award was presented to Ms. Lewis by Deacon Bernard B. Knight and Rev. Dr. Danny L. Boyd on June 22, 2014.