PHOTO SUBMITTED / Llewellyn “Butch” Watkins, right, was installed as the new pastor at Della Green Missionary Baptist Church. He and his wife, Patricia Watkins, left, accepted the responsibilities of presiding over the church.

Recently, Della Green Missionary Baptist Church held installation services for their new pastor.

On December 7, Llewellyn “Butch” Watkins and his wife, Patricia Watkins, accepted the responsibilities of presiding over their new church.

Darlene Graham, member of Della Green, presided over the occasion portion of the program. She reported the services went better than anyone had expected.

“You could not believe a program could go so well,” remarked Graham.

The services included a procession, pinning of flowers, lighting of candles and an invocation led by R.L. Ray.

In the litany of acceptance, Watkins pledged to accept the role of pastor at Della Green and to be sober, righteous and devout in being an example of good work unto others as well as showing honor and glory to God.

The church was decorated in shades of pink and gray to compliment the foliage and featured a live nativity scene.

On his pastoral installation, Watkins and his wife remarked, “Mere words alone cannot express the joy we have experienced by having you partake of this special service today.”

Graham said of the Watkins, “We are glad that we have our new pastor and his wife in our church. We all hope they are with us for a very long time.”

Graham added she also prayed their installation would lead to growth in faith and in Christ at Della Green.

“We are grateful that you took time out of your busy schedule to share with us, as we embark upon this journey,” Watkins said.

Della Green Missionary Baptist Church is located at 315 Charlie Lane in Brookhaven. They meet at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday school and 11 a.m. for worship services on Sundays and at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays for group bible study.