On Memorial Day weekend 2023, the members of the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church on Highway 65 North (along with several Christian friends) came together to honor two of the finest citizens among Madison Parish. These people of whom I speak are the Rev. and Sis. Herman Haywood. This pastor and wife team have been serving the flock of Pleasant Hill for two years. Pastor and Sis. Haywood picked up the mantle behind two more of Tallulah’s finest citizens who have swapped time for eternity - the Rev. and Sis. H.J. Williams.
I was blessed to be given the role of master of ceremony. The guest clergyman was the Rev. Johnnie Robinson Jr. The musical guest was the chips off the old block - the Powell Brothers. And do believe me, Madison Journal readers, the Powell Brothers did what they do best - sing! The officers of my neighbors at New Light rendered a powerful devotion. After this and the worship offering were raised, the house was in order. Sis. Johnnie Martin gave a heartwarming welcome. And Sis. Ermal Washington responded graciously. After Sis. Versa Duncan gave tributes from the church, Sis. Carolyn Dixon’s granddaughters told the congregation in song something that’s ever so true in times like these - I need just a little more Jesus!
Sis. Ruby Mason of the Mt. Able Missionary Baptist Church (on request of Sis. Duncan) sang the gospel ballad which she has been known for as long as I can remember - “Give Me My Flowers”. At that time, Sis. Duncan gave Pastor and Sis. Haywood a beautiful bouquet of flowers, as well as some goody bags. As Pastor Robinson rose to give the message, he paid tribute to the late H.J. Williams (which was well-deserved!). The Rev. H.J. Williams will always and forever be missed in my heart. Rev. Robinson spoke from Isaiah 6:8 fro the words, “Send me - I’ll go.” A powerful word from a powerful man of God (and a pretty good gospel singer, too!) Congratulations to the Haywoods on two years of faithful service to the members of the Pleasant Hill M.B. Church.
I do miss the days of Sis. Haywood working for Uncle Same at our local USPS (except the days when they sent me bills!). And I miss the days of Pastor Haywood and Pastor J.J. Williams working side by side. But, do know that our Christian friends at Pleasant Hill are in fantastic hands with Pastor and Sis. Haywood. Continue to grow together as God’s chosen vessels in the body of Christ (both at the Pleasant Hill M.B. Church and beyond!).
God Bless.
- Karl J. Thomas, Contributing writer
