Pastor Mark Hardin (left) and Shirley Levingston (right) welcome the Rev. Dr. James Markham to Hays Tabernacle CME Church. (photo by Cora J. Fossett/L.A. Sentinel)

Hays Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church observed their 70th Church Anniversary on Nov. 19, in their edifice located at 10121 S. Central Ave., in Los Angeles.

Hundreds of people joined Pastor Mark Hardin and his congregation for the celebration, which included a fellowship dinner and powerful preaching by the Rev. Dr. James E. Markham, pastor of Emmanuel Temple CME Church in Victorville.

Markham, a pastor for more than 35 years, is well known for his ministry that emphasizes spiritual and church growth through the power of prayer.