Joyous praise filled the sanctuary of Lincoln Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ on November 10, as members, friends and Central Association leaders gathered for the pastoral installation of the Rev. Wendell C. Miller.
With Sister Teresa Henderson-Johnson as the emcee, the spirited service included uplifting music by the senior and youth choirs, powerful prayers and the installation message by the Rev. Steven E. Reid, pastor New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia. Chef Viveca Finley of Vittles by Viv catered the celebratory meal.
Other participants in the installation service included the Rev. Gailen L. Reevers, pastor emeritus of Lincoln Memorial; the Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin, State Clerk, Presbytery of the Pacific; the Rev. Libby Tigner, associate conference minister, Southern California Nevada Conference United Church of Christ; and leaders of the Central Association of the United Church of Christ.
Miller’s church experience began at a very young age at First Baptist Church West Princeton in Birmingham, Alabama, where the Rev. Carl Covington baptized him and the foundation of Miller’s Christian faith was poured.
He served at that church until he finished college in 1994 and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he became a licensed minister under the leadership of Rev. C. Carzell Reid of New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Miller came to Los Angeles to attend graduate school at Claremont Graduate University to earn his Doctorate degree. He joined Lincoln 11 years ago and has been an integral part of the music ministry and served as associate pastor and assistant pastor during the tenure of Reevers.
“Lincoln Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ thanks God for sending us a dynamic preacher and teacher of God’s Word,” noted a member. “We welcome all to worship with us on Sundays at 11 a.m.”
Lincoln Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 4126 S. Arlington Ave., in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit LincolnUCC.org.
