On Sunday, April 26th, First Unity Missionary Baptist Church at 5129 South Indiana Avenue in Chicago overflowed with praise, fellowship, and gratitude as the congregation and community gathered to celebrate a monumental milestone — the 25th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor James C. Boyd.
Pastors, ministers, dignitaries, and dear friends filled the sanctuary to honor a man whose quarter century of leadership has left an indelible mark not only on First Unity, but on the broader ministerial community across Chicago.
A Night of Celebration and Encouragement
The evening was kept moving with energy and purpose by Pastor EJ Brown, who served as the celebration’s anchor, keeping the program on pace while offering his own heartfelt tribute to Pastor Boyd.
“A lot of times when we may feel like we want to quit, we look at Pastor Boyd and see how he’s still going on — and that gives us encouragement that we can go on,” Pastor Brown said. “If God can bring him through, then he can bring me through. Be encouraged, Pastor Boyd. Your labor is not in vain.”
The guest speaker of the evening, Pastor Howard Randolph of New Faith MB Church, stirred the audience with a timely and powerful message — reminding those gathered that while people have their limits, God does not. No matter what friends cannot fill in your life, you can always count on God.
Adding to the celebration, newly elected Congresswoman Donna Miller offered words of encouragement to Pastor Boyd, affirming his mission and urging him to continue moving forward in the work of saving souls.
A Pastor to Pastors
What made the evening especially moving was the outpouring of gratitude from fellow ministers who spoke openly about how Pastor Boyd has shaped their personal walks and their ministries.
“Everyone needs a mentor,” one minister reflected. “Someone who has been in the way — they can take you to the way.”
Rev. J.C. Boyd of Paradise MB Church brought a moment of warmth and humor to the room as he praised Pastor Boyd’s influence, noting that he is truly “a pastor to pastors” — someone fellow ministers can call on, confide in, and lean on in ways they cannot with just anyone.
“I want him to be encouraged to know how much he has really helped the brothers,” Rev. Boyd said. “Stay on the battlefield. Your labor is not in vain.”
To God Be the Glory
Twenty-five years is no small feat. Leading a congregation, serving a community, and being a source of strength for fellow pastors requires a commitment that goes far beyond Sunday mornings. For Pastor James C. Boyd, this anniversary was not just a celebration of time — it was a celebration of faithfulness, perseverance, and the lives transformed along the way.
To God be the glory.
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