Edwardsville’s Oldest Black Church Hosts Missionary Celebration (Edwardsville, Illinois)

Wesley Chapel AME Church in Edwardsville recently hosted the Maggie Jones Women’s Missionary Society Annual Day, titled “Foot Soldiers for Christ,” on July 26. The event brought together members of the church and community to celebrate the society’s mission and service. The gathering included performances, awards, and speeches that highlighted the group’s commitment to outreach and community engagement.

Lady Gail B. Booker, First Lady of St. Paul AME Church in St. Louis, served as the guest speaker at the event. She was honored with an award by Program Director Dorothy Owens, who also played a key role in organizing the day. The event featured a variety of participants, including members of the Metro Area Professional Organization (MAPO) and their guests, who gathered for a photo and shared in the celebration.

The program included acknowledgments by Dorothy Owens, who emphasized the importance of the Maggie Jones Women’s Missionary Society’s work. The event also featured a performance by the St. Paul AME Church Choir from St. Louis and a men’s choir from Mt. Joy Baptist Church in Edwardsville, showcasing the collaborative spirit among local congregations.

Rev. Dr. Spencer Lamar Booker, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in St. Louis, introduced his wife, Lady Gail B. Booker, at the event. Vergia Burrell, who serves as the PME Director for Illinois Conference Women’s Missionary Society and Executive Director of MAPO, acted as the “femcee” for the occasion, guiding the event with energy and purpose.

The Maggie Jones Women’s Missionary Society has a long-standing tradition of service and outreach within the community. The annual day serves as a platform to recognize members’ dedication and to inspire continued involvement in mission work. The event reflected the society’s commitment to fostering unity and supporting the needs of others through faith-based action.

The celebration at Wesley Chapel AME Church underscored the importance of community and collaboration in advancing the mission of the church and its affiliated organizations. By bringing together various groups and individuals, the event highlighted the collective effort to serve and uplift the community through faith and action.

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