By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Rev. Bishop Melvin Jackson Sr. and his wife, the Rev. Queen IJ Jackson are celebrating 30 years of ministry together with a royal pastoral appreciation event at Sunday, Dec. 10 at their church, Greater New Jerusalem Apostolic Healing Temple Church located at 739 Medger Evers Blvd. in Fayette.

Both pastors are natives of Natchez who were called into ministry at the same time and were licensed and ordained in 1984 after they were married. They both studied at the Living Witnesses of the Apostolic Faith in Chicago.

The couple has enjoyed serving at their main church in Fayette and their Natchez location at 164 East Franklin Street.

They have shared many wonderful moments in their ministry, but Queen Jackson says one stands out above the others for them.

“I think the one we both remember best is when we took about 60 youth from Youth Queen’s Choir to sing at the White House,” she said. “They sang on the President’s lawn in June of 1996.”

While the duo has spent many years pastoring and ministering to others, neither of them has plans to do anything else.

“We have been married 45 years and we have been ministering 30 years,” Queen Jackson said. “We give God all the honor, glory and praise.”

Melvin Jackson, Sr. says the ministry has been such a blessing to him and his wife and he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.

“When we built this church we had such a small congregation,” Bishop Jackson said. “But we have been blessed with a lot and we have been able to bless others and that is what it is all about.”

While they are looking forward to seeing many faces and celebrating they want to make sure people know they are always welcome to come and visit anytime.

“All are welcome to come to our celebration,” Bishop Jackson said. “Everyone is always welcome to be with us. We like to have a good time and love on God’s people.”

The Rev. Jerry Bolton of the Bolton Brothers, a group of brothers who are all in ministry as well as Gospel singers, will be the guest speaker and will be sharing a message with all participants.

Regular Sunday services are at  11 a.m. in Fayette. Wednesday Bible classes are at 7:30 pm. at the prayer center in Natchez.