Surprise party honors Guthrie
Singing, clapping, laughter and praise filled the air for a special occasion at Greater Christ Temple Rapture Preparation Cathedral — a surprise celebration of Bishop Nealon Guthrie’s 60 years of service.
More than 50 well-wishers gathered Sunday afternoon at the church, built in 1987 under Guthrie’s leadership at 1321 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Pastor Sandra Russell made the trip up from Atlanta with several elders of her New Jubilee Harvest Church.
“We had to come and be a part of this,” a smiling Russell said.
Sister Elaine Owens arranged for a limousine to bring the 90-year-old to the festivities, telling him it was a fundraiser to help her with medical expenses. She spoke of his decades of commitment to the congregation, beginning with his arrival in Rome in 1957.
“The Bible says give double to the shepherds who watch over you,” she told the crowd before Guthrie was brought in and led down a red-carpeted aisle as the choir sang.
Rome City Commissioner Milton Slack was among the speakers who praised Guthrie’s life of example and mentorship, presenting a proclamation honoring the clergyman’s contributions to the community.
Greater Christ Temple RPC had just 12 members when Guthrie, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, moved to Rome.
The congregation at the little church on Flannery Street grew steadily over the years. Guthrie notes with pride that their move to the larger space on MLK Boulevard reclaimed the site of the notorious Peggy’s brothel as hallowed ground.
Guthrie retired in 2015 as bishop of the 30th Episcopal District of the State of Georgia, but remains active as a spiritual leader in Rome. He was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement and Chosen Pastor award at the 2015 Gospel Choice Awards.