First Baptist Church of Riverhead celebrated the installation Saturday of its new senior pastor, the Rev. Cynthia Liggon.
Liggon, a Riverhead native and fourth-generation member of First Baptist, is an ordained clergy of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York and USA. She holds degrees from St. Joseph’s College, from which she graduated as valedictorian, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary, from which she graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Divinity degree.
She succeeds the Rev. Dr. Charles Coverdale as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Riverhead church, who served the church and the Riverhead community in that position for 43 yearsuntil his retirement last month. Coverdale now serves as senior pastor emeritus.
Saturday’s ceremonies, both ebullient and solemn, formal and intensely personal, featured First Baptist’s renowned choir, a spiritual dance performance by the First Baptist Dance Ministry, musical selections by Elder Teddy Turpin and Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Maryanne McElroy, and the participation of a distinguished group of clergy from churches near and far, gathered together to celebrate and honor the new senior pastor. The ceremonies were witnessed by Liggon’s mother Emma Harris, her children Brenden and Lauren, and her sister Dhonna Goodale, along with dozens of extended family members.
A joyous Liggon, on the arm of Deacon James Branch Jr., made her way down the center aisle of the sanctuary to “I know who I am,” the upbeat anthem by Nigerian Gospel singer/songwriter Sinach.
In addition to prayer, scripture readings and reflections, the ceremonies included the passing of the torch from Coverdale to Liggon, the presentation of a Bible to the new senior pastor by First Baptist’s first lady, Shirley Coverdale, the presentation of a hymnal by longtime choir director, Rosa Palmore, the presentation of the robe by Deacon James Branch Jr., and the presentation of the keys to the church by Trustee Anita Obie.
Coverdale administered the Charge to the Pastor Elect, speaking directly to his assistant of 30 years. He spoke of the confidence he has in her as she assumes her new responsibilities — confidence “that I know that this church, that’s directed by God, placed in your hands, will be led to high heights,” Coverdale said.
“I charge you. not to sit down on your talents. I charge you not to turn right or left, but to move directly forward. I charge you to call the name of God in times of praise and worship and in times of sorrow.”
The installation vows were administered by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley, regional executive minister of American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
Source: RiverheadLOCAL
