UCM Honors Christian Soldiers
By Jim Allen

ROCHESTER, NY-The United Church Ministry, Inc. presented another spiritual event filled with special moments during its Sixth Annual Pioneer Awards Dinner held at the Radisson Inn on September 2. Entertainment by outstanding gospel groups and choirs, including the Gospel Crusaders of Rochester, New York, Calvary Spiritual Church Sounds of Calvary choir and the New Bethel CME adult choir.

Emma Cox-Lovelace lit a candle and presented a moving tribute in memory of Wilma Boddie Beaman, a beloved social activist and humanitarian who passed in mid-August. Also, well-deserved recognition was bestowed on her mother, Ms. Lavinia Boddie, who received a standing ovation from the audience.

"Christian Soldiers" honored by UCM were both proud and humble as they were acknowledged for their good works in the member churches they attend. Viola Marshall Curry and John Hardaway made the presentations to members of nine churches: Rev. Samuel Wheatley (Calvary Spiritual Church), Deacon Peter James (Christian Friendship Church), Alvin Peterson (New Bethel CME Church), Glenie Prior (Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church), Sis. Diana Tatum (Triumph the Church & Kingdom of God), James Edwards (Pentecostal Memorial Baptist Church), Hazel Coleman (First Church Divine), Thelma Nichols (Memorial AME Zion Church) and Cora Thomas (Graves CME Church).

Likewise, the Community Awards highlighted very deserving people. Alean Rush Jackson of Memorial AME Zion Church was recognized posthumously with the Educator of the Year Award for her lifetime work as an outstanding educator in the Rochester City School District (she spearheaded the recruitment of black educators from southern colleges), at Nazareth College, within the local and district church education ministry and with the historic Bessie Hamm House. Dr. Andrew Ray, principal of Madison Middle School of Excellence, presented this award. He also presented the African-American Business Award to Geraldine Dixon, a member of Grace Unity Fellowship Church. She is a human resource manager at Roberts Wesleyan College and is the owner and funeral director of the Dixon Funeral Home.

Viola Curry presented the Community Service Award to Pauline Scott of the West Avenue Methodist Church, a mother of nine who still finds time to do tireless work in the spiritual community. Rev. John Reed was presented UCM's highest award, the Raymond L. Graves UCM Social Justice Award, for his steadfastness in confronting oppressive situations involving racism, unemployment and other social inequities in the black community. Rev. Graves acknowledged Rev. Reed as his right hand man who has been in the trenches with him for years.

Perhaps the most moving tribute was paid to Vernon Otis of New Bethel CME Church who received UCM's first Humanitarian Award. Despite his involvement in a near fatal accident several years ago that would have killed the average man, Rev. Graves said Mr. Otis not only survived, but has kept on serving the Lord and others in the church and community. "He still walks with a limp, but his faith in God held strong and with prayer and encouragement from his family and church community, Mr. Otis has become a beacon of faith and inspiration to others. He also has spent hours on end visiting the sick and shut-ins and helping whenever he can," Graves added.

The New Bethel Choir surprised Rev. Graves with a special tribute acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the spiritual community and the greater metropolitan Rochester area as well. Doris McCleary's rendering of The Wind Beneath My Wings, was outstanding. She dedicated the song to the president of UCM, for "being a 20-20, strong man standing watch over the Rochester community as a whole and for the black community in particular."

Monique Latimer, director of Latimer Funeral Home, received well-deserved plaudits as a volunteer coordinator of the event for the past six years. The Sixth Annual Pioneer Awards Dinner was more than a vehicle to honor Christian Soldiers. It was a rousing spiritual revival, which demonstrated that we have much to be thankful for and that service is its own just reward.

Congratulations to UCM for a job well done.