Members of the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church Praise Team lift their voices to God in honor
of their pastor, Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks, on Sunday afternoon.

East Caney Baptist Church
Celebrates
Pastor Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks'
Crystal Anniversary

by: Bobby McDonald

All the pews were full and additional seating had to be brought into the sanctuary, as the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church honored Pastor Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks, for 15 years of service to the church and the Greater Hopkins County Community, at special services conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday. Hendricks came to the church in 1991, when the church had only nine members, most of them elderly women, and has grown the church to a significant flock of devoted Christians, that boasts an outstanding youth department and a wide-variety of community missions all across Hopkins County. Additionally, Hendricks is a viable and visible presence in the Hopkins County Community, as he promotes equality for all individuals and continually strives to uphold the example of the Lord.

 

A smiling and joyful, Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks pats his Godchild, as he is surrounded by friends, family,
and associates at Sunday afternoon's special service in his honor.

Later in the program, left, a somber Hendricks reflects on the many highlights of his 15 years of service to the East
Caney Missionary Baptist Church and Hopkins County, and right, he offers a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the many
challenges that the Lord has blessed him with, after coming to East Texas.

Hendricks commented, "Fifteen years in one place---During the past years, it has been joy to serve Christ at the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church. In this time and age, when many are more concerned about advancing themselves, rather than the Gospel of Christ, it's humbling that the people of East Caney have afforded me such an honor to be their pastor. That first message, 'Jesus: The Main Attraction," some fifteen years ago continues to be just as important now as it was then."

A host of individuals, family members, friends, and fellow pastors, paid tribute to Hendricks' work in the community, in his church, and among people of all walks of life. Judge Yvonne King, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and Pastor Hendricks was escorted into the sanctuary by Justice Jones.

Judge Yvonne King served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the program honoring Dr. Hendricks and
shared some personal encounters with him, as they both have served the community.

Brother Alarie Williams and his wife, Andria, welcomed the group gathered and told of many of the accomplishments that Dr. Hendricks had instilled in the members of the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church. They expounded upon his selfless approach to helping others and ministering to each and every member in the congregation.

A fellow laborer in the vineyard from the St. Paul Baptist Church, in Paris, delivered the
Response, at Sunday afternoon's special service.

A member of the St. Paul Baptist Church, Paris, Texas, gave the Response, as he told of Hendricks' willingness to work with other congregations in the area and how that he always conducted an "open door" policy to others, from his East Caney Church.

Left, the afternoon sun casts a warm glow on parishioners who gathered to honor Hendricks, and right, the pews were
packed with an over-flow crowd, a testimony to Hendricks' influence in the community.

Missionary Debra Goodson gave a long list of the highlights of Hendricks' service to the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church. She outlined the many accomplishment that he had made, all through the use of a strong belief in the power of prayer.
"Reverend Hendricks will always tell you to pray about anything that you desire to accomplish," she said. "He's been there for us when our children were born, when we were having marital problems, when we were bowed-down in sorrow with death, and then, he's been there for us in all the joyous occasions, too!"

Missionary Debra Goodson delivers a moving tribute of how Hendricks has grown the East Caney
Missionary Baptist Church from a mere 9 members to its current list of programs throughout Hopkins County.

Karrie Nuckols delivered a heartfelt message as she told how Hendricks was a friend to the entire Hopkins County Community. She told of his hours of ministry, when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and the ensuing months that accompanied her illness and death.

Sister Karen Vaden and Sister Lou Jane Robinson delivered a moving selection of scriptures that outlined Hendricks' devotion to the principles of the Bible and how he is a positive influence throughout East Texas.

Sister Lou Jane Robinson reads scripture from the Bible that outlines Hendricks' character and
influence in the community.

Pastor Kenneth Rogers, of the St. Paul Baptist Church in Paris, gave the sermon, for the occasion. And, choirs and praise teams from both East Caney and St. Paul's lifted their voices in praise to the Lord.

 

 

The group assembled in Hendricks honor lifted their praise to the Lord and thanked him for sending
Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks to Hopkins County.

The East Caney Missionary Baptist Church Choir delivers one of several praise selections that
were featured during the special service honoring, Dr. Hendricks.

Hendricks had been honored with a luncheon following the Sunday morning service, and members of the congregation had hosted a dinner in his honor on Saturday night.

Hendricks additionally serves on the Psychology Department staff at Texas A&M University-Commerce and a variety of other boards and community action organizations. A native of Louisiana, Hendricks was acutely aware of those victims who came to Hopkins County as refugees from Hurricane Katrina. He was lauded for his hours of tireless devotion to that cause, as he helped to find homes for those who desired to stay in the area, and helped to solicit donations of food, clothing, and furniture for them.

Sister Carolyn Thomas expounded on the many ways that Dr. Hendricks has influenced the community with
the Dr. M.L. KIng Awards, organized freedom walks, and ministered to the sick, the bereaved, and the
youth of all races.

"When my former pastor, Henry G. Woods, who is now resting in heaven, charged me with the Word, that small but commanding voice still echoes, 'preach and teach the Word and nothing else'," stated Hendricks. "How refreshing and gratifying it is to know that The Word yet sustains. Christ gives the command to forsake all and follow Him. Though my family continues to love and attempt to understand my calling, as a pastor, they, too, have sacrificed and stood with me. Thanks for their unyeilding love!"

Hendricks continued, "After fifteen years away from home, I've seen my 90 year old aunt and 96 year old uncle, Leon and Jessie Lee Downs, who raised me in a Godly home with nothing but total love, depart to a heavenly home. And yes, the departure of my parents, Mom Gladys and Dad John, find themselves in the presence of the Lord. My Dad would often sing and proclaim that 'The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow." It's true. Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County is an excellent place to serve God!"

Dr. Hendricks lifts his hand in praise, as the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church Choir delivers
a moving tribute to their pastor.


_____________________

Congratulations on 15 Years of Service
To East Caney and Hopkins County,
Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks!

Dr. Hendricks is truly a man of many talents!



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