In February 1941, a group of seventy-five individuals met at the home of Mr. David Payne to organize what would become the Whitestone Baptist Church. Mrs. Martha Funn proposed our church name, and the members accepted it. On May 8, 1941. Rev. William Howard Thompson accepted the call to become Whitestone's first Pastor. Under Dr. Thompson's leadership, Whitestone flourished into a mature body of believers. Whitestone purchased its first church home at 1106 W. Franklin St., and the mortgage was liquidated within three years. As Whitestone continued to grow, so did the need for a larger facility. On April 26, 1955, we purchased our present location, and on May 1, 1955, we marched into our building. God was yet again faithful to Whitestone as we liquidated our mortgage in five years. This period was a testament to the anointing God had placed on the life our Dr. Thompson. For 41 years, Rev. Dr. William Howard Thompson served as the Pastor of Whitestone. On January 1, 1983, Whitestone faced a significant transition as our beloved Pastor, Dr. Thompson was called home to glory. Yet, Whitestone remained resilient as Rev. Burleigh Jenkins led us as interim Pastor until 1985. On February 3, 1985, Whitestone joyfully welcomed her second Pastor, Rev. Dr. Elmore E. Warren, Jr., of Richmond, Va. Under Dr. Warren's leadership, Whitestone developed an innovative ministry structure that provided Whitestone with a greater understanding of more service. Ministries like Community Outreach, Radio Broadcast, and a Substance Abuse Program were a few ways Whitestone impacted her community. Dr. Warren served Whitestone for 35 years. In February of 2020, Dr. Warren officially retired as the Pastor of Whitestone Baptist Church. We were blessed that Dr. Warren would remain to serve in the position of Interim Pastor until Whitestone called her next Senior Pastor. In May of 2021, Whitestone would again make history after conducting a national pastoral search in the wake of a global pandemic. As a result, the Rev. J. Kevin James, Jr. was elected as the third Senior Pastor of Whitestone. Pastor James accepted the call with a significant level of anointing and energy. Since his arrival, Whitestone has begun to experience growth spiritually, numerically, and financially. Within months of taking the helm, Pastor James has led Whitestone into: • Paying off our church van • Renovation and update of the media equipment to include: television monitors, computers, software and more. • Construction of a musician's pit to house all of our instruments in a central location. • Purchase and installation of an in-sanctuary baptism pool. • Remodeled our church/finance office. This is just the beginning, and we are excited about the future of Whitestone Baptist Church.
Rev. J. Kevin James, Jr., a change agent, and a voice for this present age is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. James was educated in the Baltimore County Public School System. He would matriculate to Towson University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, along with a post-graduate certification in leadership and management from the University of Maryland. At the tender age of seven, Rev. James accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at the Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church, in Baltimore. Shortly after he accepted his calling to the preaching ministry. Officially licensed by the Christ Centered Church, under the leadership of Rev. Geraldine Stancil James, Rev. James would carry on the legacy of his family as a fifth-generation preacher. Anointed and gifted, Rev. James has been blessed to share the gospel across the U.S.A and most recently traveling to El Salvador. His ministerial journey has allowed him to serve the kingdom of God in many roles. After being ordained by the Whitestone Baptist Church of Baltimore City, On July 10, 2016, Rev. James was extended the call to serve as Senior Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church in East Saint Louis, Illinois. During his five years at Macedonia, Pastor James was a transformational leader. As the oldest Black Church in the city of East St. Louis, Pastor James continued to build on over 150 years of Kingdom ministry. It was under his tenure that women were licensed and ordained to the preaching ministry, as well as ordained to the office of Deacon. A first in the church’s history. Among many other accomplishments, Macedonia increased numerically, financially, and spiritually. In June of 2021, Pastor James was extended the great honor to return to the Whitestone Baptist Church of Baltimore City, as its new Senior Pastor. Since his arrival, Pastor James has continued to enhance the rich legacy of Whitestone by connecting humanity to Christ through Love, Faith, and Service. Pastor James understands the importance of representation with the mission to empower through mentorship and collaboration. He was inspired to establish the Young Pastor’s Journey Network. A community for pastors and aspiring pastors age 40 and under and for those that have pastored 10 years or less. Believing in the power of education, ministry, and community service, Pastor James is a recipient of several awards and citations. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Of the many prestigious titles that Pastor James holds, father to fraternal twins John III and Sariyah Madison and godfather of Kadence Jazzlyn brings him the most joy.
Dr. Chandra I. Williams is the fourth and first female Pastor of the United Missionary Baptist Church located in the heart of Brewerytown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chandra was officially installed as Pastor to her home church in October 2012 where she succeeded her father who Pastored the very same church for 54 years. In 2015, Dr. Chandra implemented the “P5 Community Initiative” at United where they partner with School Principals, Police, Politicians, Pastors and Parents in Brewerytown to make the community in which the church sits a better place for all its residents. Dr. Chandra is truly a trailblazer for “Women in Ministry.” In October of 2013 she was installed as the first female Vice President of the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. In November 2013, Dr. Williams became the first female Vice Moderator for the Pennsylvania Eastern Keystone Baptist Association. Dr. Williams is currently the first female Vice President of the New England Missionary Baptist Convention which encompasses Baptist Churches from Massachusetts to Virginia. In 2018, Dr. Chandra founded the “Lady Lanterns” a network for Female Pastors in the City of Philadelphia and vicinity. This group of over 20 pastors meet quarterly to share in fellowship, mission, and scholarship. She also gathers female clergy under 40 to share in “Food, Fun, and Fellowship.” Dr. Chandra founded “So You Think You Can Preach” organization in which she has led over 20 webinars and preaching labs to support women in ministry. Outside of her religious affiliations, Dr. Chandra sits on the Executive Board, Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scouts of American and is a Council Member, Parent and Community Advisory Council-School District of Philadelphia. Dr. Williams is a graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University where she received her Masters of Divinity. In May 2019 she earned her Doctorate of Ministry in Transformational Preaching. She is the proud parent of Bernard “Tre” Lambert, III who is the drummer for several world-renowned gospel and secular artist.
Rev. Anthony L. Riley serves as Senior Pastor of the Central Baptist Church of Saint Louis. He is the 14th pastor of this vibrant and engaged faith community, established in 1846. Central is Making Disciples…Transforming Lives! Pastor Riley serves as the Chair of the Board for the COEUR (Community Organization to Engage Uplift and Restore) Foundation, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to improve the lives of youth, create strong families, and provide opportunities for individuals and families to give back to their communities. Prior to coming to Central, Rev. Riley served as the Executive Pastor (and Minister of Congregational Care) at The Luke Church in Humble, Texas, (the greater Houston area) where the Rev. Dr. Timothy W. Sloan is Senior Pastor. During his tenure at The Luke Church Rev. Riley revamped The Luke Cares system, trained 7 licentiates and catechized 4 ministers and 42 deacons for ordination, established a premier marital and pre-marital counseling curriculum, gave executive oversight to the staff, financial, human resource and operations departments of the church. In 2001, at the age of 15, Rev. Riley accepted the call to ministry at the Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown, New Jersey under the guidance of Reverend Jerry M. Carter Jr., Ph.D. While at Calvary, he served in several capacities including Staff Ministry for Youth Ministry. Today, he serves as the Conference Director for Dr. Carter’s How Shall They Hear Preaching Conference, a premier and intimate space for proclaimers to work on their craft both regionally and nationally. Rev. Riley regularly facilities at the Issachar Church Growth and Development Conference for Ralph Douglas West Ministries and sits on the Executive Steering Committee for the African American Preaching Conference at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Rev. Riley has been blessed with opportunities to preach and study across the Northeast, as well as abroad. A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Riley was formally educated in the public schools of Morris School District in Morristown, New Jersey and matriculated from the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and the Master of Divinity degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing the Doctorate of Ministry degree in Leadership and Preaching at Virginia Union University’s School of Theology. Rev. Riley is the author of In the Shadow of Grief: 21 Days of Discovering God’s Presence in Life’s Valleys. This timely devotional is designed to push the reader to wrestle with God, ask tough questions and position one to hear from God. Rev. Riley founded He’s Able Ministries, a firm dedicated to providing biblical strategies that expand capacity and maximize impact, all through transformative encounters with Jesus through Scripture. Rev. Riley is the proud father of one child, Joshua Anthony.
The Officiant Rev. Dr. Jonathon Counts Homewood AME Zion Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The Call to Worship The Morning Hymn
Rev. Dr. Jonathon Counts “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Praise & Worship
Congregation Sis. Patricia Marsh & Praise Team
The Scripture Readings The Psalter The Gospel The Epistle
Deacon Ellen Jackson Sis. Kira Williams Deacon Calvin Hughes
The Prayer of Thanksgiving The Prayer Chant Family of Faith Remarks
Bro. Tyler Felician “Draw Me Nearer” The Ministry Presentations
The Celebration Ensemble Sis. Monica S. Johnson
- Seed Time -
The Introduction of the Preacher Sermonic Selection
Sis. Lavern Chapman “Worship Medley”
The Proclaimed Word of God
The Celebration Ensemble Rev. Dr. Chandra I. Williams United Missionary Baptist Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Invitation to Discipleship
Rev. A. Louis Bryson Associate Minister
Remarks
Sis. Pianelius M. Howell-Foster Installation Committee Chairperson
Rev. J. Kevin James, Jr. Senior-Pastor Elect
- Benediction -
Host Pastor Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. New Shiloh Baptist Church Baltimore, Maryland
The Officiant Bishop Shawn L. Bell Greater Paradise Christian Center Baltimore, Maryland
The Invocation
Rev. Dr. Ricky Harvey, Jr. St. John Baptist Church – Assistant Pastor
Praise & Worship The Processional
Dignitaries, Clergy Pastor-Elect James & Family
The Introit
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple”
The Call to Worship Leader: There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. People: Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gifts. Leader: Christ appointed some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers. People: Christ did this to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, and for serving a broken world. Leader: And so, we come together in oneness of faith and in the certain knowledge of the Son of God. People: We come to bring glory to God only and to celebrate His gracious gifts to all of us. All: In this spirit of unity and service, let us worship God.
The Morning Hymn
“All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”
Congregation
The Scripture Readings The Psalter
Rev. Dr. Maurice Jones Fountain Baptist Church - Senior Pastor
The Gospel
Rev. Dr. Kevin English Open Bible Baptist Church - Senior Pastor
The Epistle
Rev. Dr. Shavona L. Whitehead SLW Ministries
The Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. Dr. Aaron Letcher Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church
The Prayer Chant
“Bless Me Lord”
The Celebration Ensemble
Musical Selection
“I Will Give Thanks to Thee”
The Celebration Ensemble
Host Greetings
Rev. Dr. Harold A Carter, Jr. New Shiloh Baptist Church - Senior Pastor
The Denominational Greetings Rev. Dr. Cleveland T. A. Mason, II
Rev. Dr. James M. Harrison
Bishop Reginald L. Kennedy
UMBC of Maryland - President Perkins Square Baptist Church - Senior Pastor
ABCOTS - Executive Minister Main Street Baptist Church- Senior Pastor
MCBV, Inc. - President Gospel Tabernacle Baptist - Senior Pastor
Bishop Joel H. Lyles, Jr.
Rev. Marissa R. Farrow
Church of God in Christ - General Secretary Greater Emmanuel Ministries - Senior Pastor
Marissa Farrow Ministries Ministerial Colleagues Representative
Musical Selection
“God Said It”
Rev. Michael Atty UCM of Illinois – Executive Director
The Celebration Ensemble
The Community Greetings City Council Representative Baltimore, Maryland
The Honorable Marilyn Mosby Baltimore State’s Attorney
The Brotherhood Greetings
The Honorable Antonio L. Hayes Maryland State Senator – District 40
Mr. Reginald Box Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
The Seed Time
Rev. Dr. H. Walden Wilson, II Israel Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
The Introduction of the Preacher
Rev. Dr. Robert E. Young Wayland Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
The Sermonic Selection
“You’re the Lifter”
The Proclaimed Word of God
The Celebration Ensemble Rev. Anthony L. Riley Central Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
-The Invitation to Discipleship-
The Installation Journey
Dr. Dolores Holland Installation Committee Member
Musical Selection
“Hallelujah is the Highest Praise”
The Solemn Declaration
The Celebration Ensemble
Deaconess Catherine Carter Whitestone Baptist Church - Church Clerk
The ministry of Christ's Church is a ministry of the entire Church, clergy, and laypersons together. Each has a part to play in serving the world and reconciling it to God. So that this ministry might be more effective, God calls some men to serve Him full-time and gives them special responsibilities for leadership. The Whitestone Baptist Church, believes itself in accord with God's will, has called the Reverend John Kevin James, Jr. to be its Pastor and Teacher, and Leader. Therefore, Whitestone Baptist Church hereby publicly affirms its entrance with Reverend John Kevin James, Jr. into a covenant of mutual support for the work of Christ in the world. The Church has promised that it will care for his material needs, sustain him with prayers, and encourage him with its enthusiastic labor in all the tasks God gives them. He has promised, for his part, to be faithful in the study, persistent in prayer, and constant in attention to duty. Together, then, they are united today as pastor and people in the ministry of this Church. We pray that God will bless this union with His presence, leading each one by his mercy into all truth and grace and peace.
The Covenant of Installation
Rev. Dr. Greggory R. Maddox Faith Baptist Church - Senior Pastor
Leader: Do you, the members of Whitestone Baptist Church believing yourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, affirm your call of the Reverend John Kevin James, Jr. to be your Pastor and Teacher; do you promise to care for his needs and welfare, to support him by your presence and work, and to pray for and encourage him in the ministry of this Church, so long as he remains your pastor? People: We do so promise, God, being our witness and our helper. Leader: Do you the Reverend John Kevin James, Jr., believing yourself in accord with God's will, accept the call of this congregation to be its Pastor and Teacher; do you promise to improve yourself constantly by diligent study, to be persistent in prayer, and faithful in the performance of all those tasks God gives you to do? The Minister: I do so promise, God, being my Guide and Christ, my helper.
The Charge to The Church
Rev. Marvin Jefferson Blessed Hope Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
The Pastoral Charge
Rev. Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr. Cedar Street Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
The Prayer of Installation
Apostle Geraldine S. James The Christ Centered Church – Senior Pastor
The Words of Affirmation to the First Children
PK Connection
Presentation: The Robe
Sis. Pianelius M. Howell-Foster Installation Committee Chairperson
Presentation: The Keys
Deacon Calvin Hughes Diaconate Ministry Chairman
Presentation: The Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Elmore E. Warren, Jr. Pastor Emeritus
Words of Appreciation
Rev. J. Kevin James, Jr. Whitestone Baptist Church – Senior Pastor
-The Benediction-
-The Postlude-
Family of Faith, To God be ALL of the Glory for the great things he has done. Can you believe this day has finally come? I remember like it was yesterday, stepping into the pulpit of Whitestone Baptist Church on November 19, 2006, to preach for the first time. Who knew that I would become the Senior Pastor of such a great family one day? For this, I am genuinely grateful. This day is because of the dedicated women and men who make up the installation committee. I want to give a special Thank You to Sis. Penny Howell-Foster for her leadership as installation chair. Distance has not stopped her, but she has served effortlessly from South Carolina to ensure this day was, as she says, "What Pastor deserves." To Trustee Carlotta Vaughn, thank you for your diligence and hard work with our souvenir journal; it has been a blessing to see. I know I will smile, looking at this keepsake years from now. I would also like to thank the entire membership of Whitestone Baptist Church. Since day one of this administration, you have opened your arms with love and support. It makes my heart glad to know I am a pastor to a people that value me for me. You'll never know just how much I am grateful to you. Finally, to my father in ministry and predecessor, I Thank You for your wisdom and love down through the years. You and Lady Warren will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the East coast to the Midwest, there are so many folks I cannot thank you all. Yet, I want to thank my ministerial and life friends for the love and support you have shown me. This transition has been a blessing, partly because of your love and prayers. To my Macedonia Church for All Generations family, I must Thank You. Many of you from the day I shared my departure never left my side. It means the world to me that you are celebrating with me in what could be a difficult time for you; this is a testament to the love you have for my family and me. Lastly, I want to say a big THANK YOU to my family. This transition has been one of the sunniest-rainy experiences of my life. MOM, DAD, ALICIA, Mr. Michael, LuLu, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Thank You for being my village. Especially to my three babies, Kadence, Sariyah, and John. You guys are my world. I am honored to have you in my life and pray I continue to make you proud, someone you look to as a Kingdom example. This day is truly one the Lord has made, so I have no other choice but to rejoice and be glad.