Thursday, October 1, 2026
To celebrate 75 years worth of service and support to the Long Beach community and beyond, the Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church will be holding its anniversary gala at The Inn in New Hyde Park.
“The gala will be honoring members of the community who have left an indelible mark,” Bishop Isaac R. Melton II said about the Sept. 18 event. “These are people who have been a blessing to the church, in so many ways, not just financially but spiritually.”
The church will highlight six honorees and special guests, Deputy County Executive of Nassau County, Anissa D. Moore, Scott Nigro, vice president of Denis A. Miller Insurance Agency, Garrett Guttenberg, pastor of First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, Bishop Lionel Harvey, President and CEO of S.J Edwards, Sharon Davis-Edwards and director of Long Beach Reach Dr. Joseph Smith.
“To support the overall needs of the truth these people have a blessing to us,” Melton II said.
Blessings were not just brought upon the church by the community, but their very own members played just as big of a role, these individuals will also be highlighted during the commemoration.
“Christian Light has always been a place that welcomes all people,” Minister Brian Horne said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, or even where you’ve been, these doors swing on welcome hinges.”
From once having church services in a garage, the church has come a long way since it was established 75 years ago. Its parishioners also come from Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, Uniondale, Westbury and Queens.
“I’ve been a part of this church since it started,” Mother Deanna Cruse said. “I’m honored to be the longest serving member here.”
Notable guests include representatives from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, the vice moderator of the Eastern Baptist Association and dean of Congress Education for Easter Association will also be in attendance to support and applaud those who made a positive impact on the church.
“We are celebrating people who have been a milestone, those who have been serving personally well over 20 years, Melton II said, about the dozen church members who will be recognized. “Then two of our young members who, of course, have been raised in the church and still work in the church as well.
So we have many people, dignitaries who are coming, city judges who are coming as well.”
Rev. Jesse James Evans founded the Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church in 1950, and parishioners met in Long Beach City Hall. Evans died in 2000.
“With some chairs and some space heaters, it was humble beginnings, but it was full of faith, love, praise and worship,” Melton II said.
There were many fundraisers and much support from outside groups that helped the church find a permanent place to worship.
“Through chicken sales and fish sales, through donations from many organizations in Long Beach we were able to buy and build a building which is its current location,” he said.
The church has not only become a place for prayer, but much more.
“Christian Light has always been a fixture of hope and faith in my life,” said elder Vivice Garrett. “I’ve been a member here for over 40 years. I’ve raised a family here. This church serves the entire vicinity of Long Beach and beyond, and will continue to provide spiritual support and shelter to all people.”
For tickets, making a donation or purchasing an ad, contact Trevon Fergerson (516) 960-4897 or at ChristianLight620@gmail.com.
