Elise Schenck Data News Weekly Contributor
It was a wonderful birthday celebration and reception honoring Bishop Tom B. Watson filled with love, joy, and great inspiration on Sunday, September 29th (actual birthday) at 4400 St. Charles Ave. The awesome Watson Memorial Sanctuary Choir under the direction of Rev. Thiffani B. Watson rendered great songs and his son-in-law, Pastor Caleb Rowe gave a powerful and uplifting sermon. Psalmist Jada Tanner gave a beautiful selection that inspired the audience.
Several elected officials attended the worship or the reception including, Sheriff Susan Hutson, Clerk of Court Darren Lombard, State Rep. Delisha Boyd, Judges Kern Reese, Simone Levine, Clint Smith and State Supreme Court Justice Piper Griffin along with State Senator Royce Duplessis.
The young men from Southern University’s Honore Program attended with their director, Dr. Markeeth Phillips. Bishop Watson was recognized throughout the celebration for his many years of community, educational, civic, and political leadership. His work with young Black males was highlighted with the presence of one of his mentees, Lance Brock who is now an electrical engineer living in Iowa. Lance Brock was raised in the Calliope Housing Project and Watson Memorial along with its Family Center of Hope mentored, counseled, and basically showed him the route from boyhood to manhood.
He came to the birthday celebration and saluted Bishop Watson with a beautiful plaque with expressions of appreciation and love. Another mentee, Pastor Randy Wells now living in Brennan, Texas gave very moving words of love, encouragement and appreciation to the Bishop. Several local pastors and their wives also participated in this day of recognition. His wife, Pastor Pat Watson coordinated the event and gave warm words of thanks at the conclusion of the worship.
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