The Third Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association held its 27th annual banquet on Saturday evening, March 22, at the Third Shiloh Mission Center, 219 McLendon Drive, Washington.

Rev. G.L. Avery, Moderator of the Association, presided. Kay Frances Finnell was the chairman of the banquet. The purpose of the banquet was fellowship and fundraising for the paving of the parking lot at the Center. This year's banquet theme was "Claiming the Victory Through Christ."

The speaker was Rev. Clarence Moore, a native of Greenville, Mississippi, and current pastor of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Augusta. He is the president of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia and an outstanding speaker. He held the attention of a capacity house as he spoke from Matthew 7:13-14, and Proverbs 14:12, on "What seems to be right, ain't always right."

Other ministers attending the celebration included Rev. Demetrice Porter of Marks Tabernacle; Pastor Charles Belton of Mt. Carmel and Cherry Grove Baptist churches; Rev. Paul Hill of New Springhill Baptist Church; and vice-moderator, Reginald Hunter.

Churches in the Third Shiloh Association are Cherry Grove, Flint Hill, Gibson Grove, Heard's Chapel, Hilliard Station, Mount Carmel, Mulberry, Marks Tabernacle, New Springhill, Pleasant Grove, Springfield, Twin Oak, and White Rock Baptist churches.

Mrs. Oree Dee Willis of Tingall, was voted a lifelong member of the Association for many years of diligent service and devotion to the organization.

Committee members were Kay Finnell, chairman; Rachel Jackson, secretary; Oree D. Willis, Elizabeth Bufford, Albert Rucker, Joe Pearl Coleman, Melvene Binns, Mamie Norman, and Rev. G.L. Avery.

The building was decorated for the occasion by Designs by Gail and featured white columns, greenery, bamboo baskets, a wrought-iron trellis, and many arrangements of greenery. Tables for dining were covered with white linen cloth runners, palm leaves and ivy, along with a variety of flowers.