July 1, 2015 (More photos) - Reverend Michael Hale was honored Sunday, June 28, 2015 with a church luncheon following a morning musical and then a retirement celebration reception at 2:30pm. Members of the community as well as fellow pastors attended expressing their appreciation to Rev. Hale for his service and wished him God's richest blessings upon his retirement.
June 28th was the last Sunday for Rev. Hale to be the pastor of First Baptist Church of Center.
Dr. Gerald Edwards presented a plaque to Rev. Hale, "Michael [Hale] I can't express on this plaque all that I feel for you but this will let you know, on behalf of the Association, how we feel about you and your ministry and this church, First Baptist Church Center."
The plaque reads - Shelby-'Doches Baptist Association and Southern Baptist Convention. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Presented to Reverend Michael Hale, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Center, Texas by the Shelby-'Doches Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention in grateful recognition for 10 years of faithful service, outstanding pastoral evangelism, crusade evangelism, and personal soul-winning. May God's richest blessings rest upon you! Dr. Gerald Edwards, Director of Missions, June 28, 2015.
All attending enjoyed refreshments while they fellow-shipped with Rev. Hale.
