The Rev. Willie Blue of Brewton was recently honored as the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) Star Award as its Outstanding Volunteer for 2017.

Blue, along with five others from around the state, were recognized on July 14 in Clanton during ACE’s annual community reunion. The ACE Star Awards recognize those who have performed above and beyond the call of duty and embody the principles of the ACE Program, a comprehensive development program designed to assist Alabama’s smaller communities in their efforts to plan, grow and prosper.

Nominated by Brewton’s director of program management, Connie Baggett, Blue is described as a “stalwart supporter of a wide range of programs in the (city), including the John L. Fisher Community Center where he serves as a board member. Through his leadership in organizing support and volunteers, the center has been renovated and is now used regularly for events from recreation for children and senior citizens to a summer feeding program and monthly STEM sessions for area children… He is indeed an outstanding volunteer.”

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Let’s honor Dr. Blue and his family for their service to the community

It takes a true man of God to preside over a church for a long period of time. Rev Dr. Willie J. Blue has been the beloved pastor at the Historical Second Saint Siloam Missionary Baptist church for 30 years, the longest of any pastor at SSSMBC. Dr. Blue hasn’t just labored in the SSSMBC, but he also helps out in the community. He works alongside Mayor Yank Lovelace on the Brewton Steering Committee, which was formed to make Brewton a better place to live.

I guess when they say, “behind every great man, there is a loving and caring woman”, that’s very true. Dr. Blue isn’t in this journey by himself, our First Lady Jacquelyn Blue, has been with him every step of the way. First Lady Jackie Blue help leads our youth bible study and most importantly, she is always there to support and encourage our beloved pastor. Dr. Blue and First Lady Blue have truly been a blessing to the SSSMBC and the City of Brewton. They both loved the saying “only what you do for Christ will last”, and to every extent it is true. Now it’s time for us to do our part and pay homage to the Rev. Dr. Willie J. Blue and his wife of 46 years. To kick off the Pastoral Festivities, a First Lady Breakfast was held on Sat., July 8, 2017.

There will also be a Banquet on Sat., July 22 at the John L. Fisher Community Center.Tickets are on sale for $25. If you are willing to purchase a ticket or make a generous donation, please contact Tiffany Smith, Regina Watson or Michael Floyd. This Banquet is set to honor our Pastor and First Lady Blue for their outstanding contributions. So please help the SSSMBC celebrate Dr. Blue and his loving family.

This event will not be the same without you. So to conclude the Pastoral Festivities, the 30th Pastor Appreciation Service will be held on Sun., July 23 at the Historical Second St. Siloam MBC at 11am. Once again, I ask you citizens of Brewton to help the members of the SSSMBC pay the highest respect to the Rev. Dr.Willie J. Blue.

Michael Floyd

Brewton resident