Jerald Adams was serving as a deacon at Bellview Heights Baptist Church, Cullman, when he felt called to be a pastor.
And this past Feb. 20, he celebrated 40 years of serving in that very role.
Adams celebrated this milestone with members of his current church, Paden Baptist, Gadsden, as well as family, friends from his previous churches and believers who came to Christ under his leadership.
Before he went to Paden in 1996, Adams served four other Alabama Baptist churches as pastor: Panama Baptist Church, Vinemont; New Friendship Baptist Church, Arab; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vinemont; and Baldwin Heights Baptist Church, Cullman.
During the celebration organized by Paden members, photos of past missions trips and church ministries were shared. Two of Adams’ favorite hymns — “The Old Rugged Cross” and “The Longer I Serve Him” — were sung.
His wife of 48 years, Joyace, also made a commemorative quilt for the occasion. It featured photos of each church Adams has served as pastor as well as a copy of his license to preach.
“The day was filled with just a lot of wonderful memories,” he said. “It’s just been an honor for me to be able to serve.”
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