Ordained? A young man steps into the ministry
I am going to take time off from writing about the bad this week and go with the time- honored Sunday tradition of sitting in the pews and listening to the good word.
But on this particular Sunday, the good word for me was all about family and carrying on long, established customs.
That was how I found myself sitting in the pews of The Citadel of Refuge on March 28 celebrating the church’s annual Holy Gathering.
And what a celebration it was at the small church located on Smith Street in Middletown.
The floorboards were shaking, people were shouting and their voices were raised to the heavens as they danced and gave glory to God.
“This is a time of celebration and fellowship where we take the time and just bask in the glory of God together,” said the Rev. Tyren Gaskins, pastor of the church. “In 2021, this takes on an even more special significance, in that we have all been separated from each other due to the pandemic that has swept through our land. After a year of many worries, doubts, fears and tears, the Lord has allowed us to live and continue to prosper.”
The joyous occasion was about the ordination of Ministers Chamar Logan, Aurelia Franklin and Michael Walker.
The three ministers decided to devote their lives to spreading the word of God and this was the day they were being officially installed into a ministerial office.
“... I’m excited to see the great exploits you will do in the name of our Lord,” Gaskins told the newly ordained ministers.
I was there as the proud, great- uncle of 18year- old Michael. He is the son of my niece, Bourbon Walker.
And I was not alone; in addition to family members from Connecticut, other members of my family had flown in from North Carolina or driven from Virginia to support him and cheer him on.
We were swollen with pride as we watched the young man whose diapers some of us changed now wearing the cloth of the clergy and ready to spread and preach the Gospel to those willing to listen.
My brother- in- law, the Apostle Robert Smith, stood behind him with his hands on Michael’s shoulder as Gaskins performed the ceremony, which included explaining what was expected of him as a minister. He told them it would be hard work.
Michael’s great- grandmother, who slept with her Bible within arms reach, would have been jumping with joy.
And she would have been on the phone bragging to her friends how proud she was that Michael is off to Hampton University in the fall, where he will study psychology at the historic Black university.
But I have another reason for writing this column.
It occurred to me as I was sitting in the pews with my family, taking pictures and video of the ceremony, that I am now the elder statesman.
I can tell you, folks, that feels really weird but also very rewarding watching the two generations that came after me grow and prosper — and most of them making sound decisions about their lives.
In a time that is embroiled in chaos and division, it just feels good to see young people — family or not — carrying on the traditions that will serve them and society well and are so important to a balanced life.
On most Sundays, I write about problems we have with social issues and, sometimes, it appears as if there is no good in the world.
But as you just read, there are still plenty of good people handing down lessons and still plenty of young people willing to carry on one of the traditions that has kept families strong, bonded and committed.
Gaskins said while the pandemic had stopped his congregation from gathering together, nothing had stopped them from doing God’s work.
“We just kept on churching,” he said.
That is something Michael must remember to do as he takes on the responsibility of becoming a young minister — and I know he will.
Me? I am still swollen with pride at his choice.
Ordained? A young man steps into the ministry.
James Walker is the host of the podcast, Real talk, Real people. Listen at jameswalkermedia. com. He can be reached at
203- 605- 1859 or at realtalkrealpeoplect@ gmail. com. @ thelieonroars on Twitter