As part of the anniversary salute, a commemorative Book of Appreciation will be produced with the proceeds going to the Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness Scholarship Foundation for African American students matriculating at institutions of higher learning.
Cleveland- With tributes, acclamations and reflections acknowledging a long road of achievements, The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church (1161 E. 105th Street) will celebrate the 50th anniversary pastorate of Rev. Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness, Sunday, October 16th, 2011. A full day of celebration will begin with morning worship at 10:30 a.m. and culminate with a 50th anniversary Afternoon of Appreciation at 3:45 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Co-Pastor Theophilus J. Caviness will preside over the morning service that brings to the pulpit Rev. Gerald D. Kisner, pastor of the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, FL. Rev. Kisner is a former Clevelander and considers pastor Caviness his primary pastoral mentor. A combined choir will sing during the morning service.
In his storied 50 years of service, pastor Caviness has instituted building drives and property purchases and has kept the church in the forefront of major social and community issues. A former Cleveland City Councilman and Chairman of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, Rev. Caviness doubles as president of the local SCLC chapter and serves on the historic organization’s national board.
Cleveland City Council passed emergency legislation re-naming Tacoma Ave, the street that borders the church, to the Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness Way. In January of 2012, his footprints will be enshrined on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, GA.
As part of the anniversary salute, a commemorative Book of Appreciation will be produced with the proceeds going to the Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness Scholarship Foundation for African American students matriculating at institutions of higher learning.
