FOCUS: Hopewell Baptists to honor Sheals in is 35th year as pastor
By Izetta Sims | Marking his 35th anniversary as pastor, Hopewell Baptist Church of Norcross will honor Bishop Williams Sheals at a “black and gold” black-tie banquet on May 15 at the Gwinnett Arena Grand Ballroom. More than 400 people are expected for the fete. Tickets are $100.
It was a partly cloudy and cool Easter Sunday morning on April 6, 1980, when Hopewell Missionary Baptist welcomed Bill Sheals as its new pastor. The church, which dates back to 1865, at that time had about 200 members. After the morning service, as the children presented speeches, the sound system malfunctioned. Pastor Sheals, then working with an Atlanta housing agency, brought from his car a personal sound system, so that the parents could hear the children. From that moment on, he had the title “Papa Sheals,” by which many church members still address him.
Follow Us