The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones."

~ Henry Ward Beecher

In spite of what you might read or hear nowadays, the church is still the bedrock of good in every community.

Last Saturday, members of the black community honored three men of caring and distinction at the annual Juneteenth freedom celebration’s Black History Gala: the Rev. Eddie J. Tomlinson pastor of Good Hope Baptist, with 31 years of service; the Rev. Willie G. Tigner Sr., pastor of Bethel Grove Baptist Church, with 37 years of service; and the Rev. Hezekiah Benton, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, with 35 years of service.

That’s a combined 103 years of being shepherds to their congregations.

They have seen to it that two generations of Newton County residents have understood that their faith and their churches are indeed the strength of their families and community.

All three gentlemen, who have brought a special grace and leadership to our community, are truly men of God. We are grateful that our county has been blessed by their leadership.