On Saturday, September 27, Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church (2119 St. Emanuel) celebrated its 105th anniversary. As Houston’s first Black Seventh-day Adventist church, Berean marked this historic milestone by welcoming former pastors, leaders, and members from across the country. The anniversary celebration began on Wednesday, September 23, with a Prayer and Praise Service led by Pastor Gilbert Williams. Activities continued Friday evening with a Legacy and Thanksgiving Service featuring former pastor Dr. Clarence Williams III of San Antonio.

The main celebration took place Saturday, beginning with Sabbath School at 9:30 a.m., led by former pastor Dr. Robert Norwood of San Antonio. The Celebration and Consecration Service followed at 11:00 a.m. and included greetings from church leaders at the North American Division, Southwest Region Conference, and South-Central Conference. The service also featured proclamations from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and U.S. Congressman Christian Menefee.

A major highlight was the announcement that Berean’s sanctuary will receive Historic Landmark designation from the City of Houston, presented by Vonn Tran, Director of the Planning and Development Department. Special recognitions, music, and worship were also part of the program. The keynote message was delivered by former pastor Dr. William Cox Sr. of Columbus, Ohio.

The celebration continued at India House with a fellowship dinner, a Hallelujah Praise Concert featuring guitarist Roland Gresham, and evening vespers led by former pastor Terrell McCoy of Oklahoma City. From its beginnings as a small Bible study group in the home of Roxie Clay in 1898 to its organization as Houston’s first Black Seventh-day Adventist church in 1921, Berean has remained a beacon of faith, hope, evangelism, and service. More than a century later, the congregation continues to celebrate God’s faithfulness and its lasting impact on the Houston community.