The pastor, officers, and members of Williams Tabernacle C.M.E. Church will celebrate their 63rd Annual Mammoth Tea on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. The keynote speaker for this occasion will be Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, the Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Christopher Roberson Gospel Choir of Mother Easter Baptist Church will render the music. This year’s theme is “There is no Friend like Jesus.”

The Mammoth Tea Program was developed and organized under the leadership of the late Rev. M.C. Pettigrew. This special event promotes a cultural and religious campaign in the church and community. It also gives the members the opportunity to fellowship and partner with the people in the community.

Carter, was born in Corinth, Miss., to Willie and Stella Carter. His tenacious pursuit of learning began in the public schools of Corinth. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and his Master of Music Education from Delta State University. He also earned the Master of Divinity from Howard University and the Doctor of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

In 1973, Carter was licensed to preach at the City Road Temple C.M.E. Church in Corinth, Miss. He became an ordained deacon in 1976 and an ordained elder in 1978. He was admitted to full connection in 1979. His first appointment as pastor was at Jones Chapel C.M.E. Church in Luka, Miss. During his itinerant ministry, he served congregations in Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Texas. He also served as presiding elder in the Greenwood-Jackson and Columbus-Meridian Districts in Mississippi. At the time of his election to the Episcopacy, Carter had served ten years as pastor of the Carter Metropolitan C.M.E. Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

He is married to Rosia Hunter Carter and they share two daughters, Jill Lynette and Stacy Marie.

The Rev. Rufus R. Jolly and his congregation cordially invite the public to attend their annual Mammoth Tea.