Progressive Union Church Honors Interim Pastor Rev. Joe Stevenson

Submitted by Greg Miley, SON Staff Writer

**Far Left: Rev. Dion Watkins; Center: (Left to right): Rev. Dion Watkins, Mother Brenda** Watkins (not related to Pastor Watkins), President of the Progressive Union Mothers-Deaconess Board, Mother Doris Stevenson, Rev. Joe Stevenson, Deacon Roderick Sims, Chairman of the Progressive Union Board of Officers; Far Right: (Left to right): Mother Doris Stevenson, Rev. Joe Stevenson, Deacon Roderick Sims, Chairman of the Progressive Union Board of Officers

The Progressive Union Church honored Rev. Joe Stevenson and wife, Mother Doris Stevenson, on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Following the passing of Rev. Dr. Wayne Snodgrass in September 2018, Rev. Stevenson was asked to serve as Interim Pastor until a permanent Pastor was elected. Rev. Stevenson served as Interim Pastor at Progressive Union from October 7, 2018, until August 1, 2021. His tenure included the present COVID pandemic, and the challenges faced by the church after the passing of Rev. Snodgrass, who served as Pastor for almost 33 years. With the election of Rev. Dion Watkins as Progressive Union Pastor earlier this year, the church showed its appreciation to Rev. and Mother Stevenson for faithful service to Progressive Union. A plaque and monetary gifts were presented to the Stevensons, along with much love from an appreciative church. Rev. Stevenson returned to serving the church as an Associate Minister.