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WHEELS FOR CHRIST
A
TRANSPORTATION SERVICE FOR SENIORS
“NOT
FOR PROFIT, NOT FOR CHARITY, BUT FOR SERVICE.”
This
ministry evolved as a result of our Laymen and
Missionaries’ efforts to provide our senior parishioners
transportation to Worship Services.
Mission
Statement
1)
“Wheels For Christ” is
set apart for the comfort, convenience and service of our
senior citizens and to the glory of God.
2)
To provide a “LIFT” for
the aged that they might worship God in prayer and praise,
in spirit and in truth.
3)
To aid the aged so that they may hear the preaching
of the everlasting Gospel
and
participate in the celebration of the Holy Sacraments.
4) That
righteousness might be promoted; the unity of our faith
strengthened and
the bond of brotherhood widened.
Recognizing the inability of seniors to attend church
services due to lack of transportation, the Business and
Professional Women of the Missionary Society engaged the
services of a cab company to pick up a designated number of
seniors on Communion Sunday (third Sunday of each month) for
a fee of $3.00 p.p. that was underwritten by the B & P
W. The number of persons requiring this service accelerated
to the point that it became necessary to plan on a larger
scale to accommodate them.
Transportation was a serious concern of the
Laymen’s Movement as well as the Missionary Society.
After careful and lengthy research on models, prices, etc,
Mrs. Dolores Ingram and Mrs. Berlyn Lacey returned with a
full report of their findings.
This report was submitted to the Board of Trustees
for approval. Because
of the high cost of the vehicle, insurance, maintenance, and
garaging, the Board of Trustees felt it wasn’t feasible to
purchase at the time.
Not
discouraged, the Business and Professional Women set out to
raise funds to purchase a new van.
Mrs. Clara Frances Charles and Mrs. Gwendolyn Charles
Howard were appointed by
Pastor Wright to pursue this project.
They, together with Deacon Eddie Driver, Trustees
James Taylor, Clifford Jenkins, and Mrs. Pecola Rodriguez
met with Mr. Leslie Braithwaite who was employed by Chrysler
Corporation, N.Y.C.. Mr.
Braithwaite submitted an acceptable proposal and was
instrumental in the acquisition of our first van at a
substantial savings.
Spearheaded
by the Business and Professional Women of the Missionary
Society and under the leadership of Pastor Harry S.
Wright, the first van was purchased in 1982.
A gala Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony attracting
more than 1,000 members and well wishers of the community
was held on a frigid Sunday afternoon in December 1982. On
behalf of the Chrysler Corporation, Mr. Leslie Braithwaite
presented the first van (paid in full) to Cornerstone
Baptist Church. Another
highlight of the day was the mounting of a plaque inside
the van in memory of Mrs. Nellie Maloney who had played a
major role in the initial stages of this project.
Among those who gave
untiring service as drivers/monitors/schedulers:
Mrs. Bessie Jones, Mr. Thurman Mason, Mrs. Dolores
Ingram, and others.
In
1990 two additional deluxe vans were purchased through the
financial efforts of the 1990 Men’s Day Chairmen,
Deacons Devon Ponds and Eugene Gregg.
All vans are upholstered in quality fabric and
leather and have a seating capacity of 13 passengers plus
the driver.
Members are scheduled
for pick up within the boundaries set by the coordinator.
They arrive in time for Church School, remain for
Morning Worship Service, and are then returned to their
respective homes.
Skilled
and proficient drivers and monitors provide a comfortable
and safe ride for passengers.
Cassette tapes of sermons, concerts, and other
musical events are played for the enjoyment of the
passengers.
This
convenient service affords members the opportunity to
fellowship, socialize, and be nurtured spiritually on a
weekly basis. Further,
it helps them to remain active, vibrant and informed as a
part of the Church Family.
Our
Wheels For Christ vans have traveled all over New York
City’s five boroughs, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania,
upstate New York, etc. accommodating groups of all ages
attending conventions, seminars, retreats, workshops,
concerts and other church related events.
The vans are also utilized in our Food Pantry and
S.H.A.R.E. Programs.
Cornerstone
organizations, choirs, ministries desiring to utilize vans
submit request forms giving all pertinent information.
Once received, requests are carefully reviewed and
decision made.
The
committee is inundated with requests for transportation
daily as the need for additional vans continues to rise.
When you see attractive
maroon vans with white lettering – “Wheels For
Christ,” know that they are about our Father’s
business, ministering in a useful and much appreciated
ministry.
On Sunday, November 3,
2002 a large brand new white van was dedicated by Pastor
Wright and added to the "Wheels For
Christ" fleet. The new spacious van is
equipped with a powered lift for wheel chair entry and
exit.
Committed To
Serve
Deacon
Alvin Cox, Coordinator
Ms.
Evelyn Fisher, Driver
Mrs.
Carol Hernandez, Driver
Deacon
Maco James, Driver
Mrs.
Dorothy Lane, Driver
Deacon
David Perkins, Driver
Mrs.
Willie Mae Roberts, Scheduler
Deaconess
Rebecca Spear, Monitor
Deacon
Alexander Spellman, Driver
Contact Us
562-74 Madison Street
Brooklyn, New York 11221
Tel: (718) 574-5900
Fax: (718) 574-6914
Email: cbc1@cornerstonebaptistchurch.net
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