By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

Two hurricanes and 15 years later, Mt. Olive Baptist Church located at 106 West Park in Orange, has twice as many reasons to celebrate on Sunday.

The church is celebrating 107 years and a Note Burning ceremony.

“We are celebrating paying off the Christian Family Life Center,” Pastor Ronnie Crockett said. “It was built and dedicated in 2002 and now 15 years later it is paid off. The bank is happy and we are happier.”

During the time, the area faces two hurricanes, both which affected the church.

The facility not only serves as the location for Feeding the Hungry program at 12 Noon gathering with prayer every Thursday at the Rosa Watson Caring Kitchen as well as a library, gym and offices.

“We are elated the Lord put us in this position,” Crockett said. “It is a blessing for us congregationally and the community.”

Recently the Orange Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its 3^rd Annual Debutante Cotillion ‘Girls in Pearls’ and the NAACP held a banquet at the facility.

“We have hosted the WO-S Mustangs the last three years as well,” Crockett said. “It is part of how we are able to give back to the community.”

Mt. Olive Baptist Church will celebrate 107 years standing on a solid rock and a Note Burning Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Morning worship is at 11 a.m.

Special guest minister is Reverend Ollis E. Whitaker, Sr. of Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Beaumont. Attire is Spring colors. All are welcome.