Welcome to the Usher Ministry
Welcome to the Usher Ministry of Effort Baptist Church! As ushers, we are the first point of contact for everyone who steps through the church doors, and we are honored to serve both God and our congregation by ensuring a warm and orderly worship experience. Whether guiding worshippers to their seats, distributing bulletins, or assisting with service details, our mission is to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. We are excited to have you join us as we serve the Lord with joy and dedication. Let’s work together to create a place of reverence and comfort for all who worship with us.
The Ushers Ministry plays a vital role in the church, performing various duties such as reading Sunday announcements, providing relevant information to the Pastor, escorting worshippers to their seats, distributing Sunday bulletins, and helping maintain order during services. The ministry is credited with initiating the church appreciation service for the pastorate, a tradition started during Bro. John Alphanso D. Perkins’ tenure as President. In 1998, under Bro. Perkins’ leadership, the Ushers Ministry honored over 30 individuals who had faithfully served as ushers but were no longer able to participate due to distance, health reasons, or relocation.
Although the Usher Ministry has been a part of the church since its founding, it was formally reorganized in May 1975 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Bradley D. Brown. The first members of the reorganized group began serving on Sunday, June 1, 1975, including Sis. Angelique A. Jones, Sis. Louise A. Nelson, Sis. Camel Smallwood, Bro. Maesa D. Nelson, Jr., and Bro. J. Alphanso D. Perkins. The initial leadership team consisted of Angelique A. Jones as President, Yvonne K. Reeves as Secretary, and J. Alphanso D. Perkins as Assistant Secretary. The Ministry’s first offsite meeting was held on September 14, 1977, at the home of Sis. Lulu V. Marshall, with subsequent meetings hosted by Sis. Louise Nelson and Bro. & Sis. G. Bismarck Reeves before returning to the church as the permanent meeting venue.
The ushers once led the Good Friday service, which is now overseen by the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and the church. Currently, the Usher Ministry is responsible for organizing Easter Breakfast Sales. The current President is Sis. Millie Minor Williams.