Cedars Celebrates Mortgage Burning
Cedars of Lebanon began as a vision in 1991. One Sabbath afternoon, three men stood before a piece of farmland at 1977 Cedar Road — a horse barn surrounded by bushes and an open field. Crossing a nearby ditch and stepping into the brush, they knelt together, held hands, and prayed, “Lord, give us this land to do Your work.”
They returned to their church filled with excitement, believing God had revealed the future home of a new ministry.
The group began worship services rent-free at Dome of Canaan Baptist Church. Their very first service was held on March 13, 1993, with approximately 12 to 13 people in attendance. During this time, the name Cedars of Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church was selected. The name was suggested by Pastor Broomfield in collaboration with Dr. Joseph Ford, Drs. Adolf and Dolores Flowers, Pamela Singletary, Tony Harris, Wade Satterfield, and others who shared in the vision. Soon after, they secured verbal commitments from 100 members willing to unite in establishing the new church.
On August 16, 1995, Cedars of Lebanon officially became an organized church. By 2001, membership had grown to 181 members, reflecting God’s continued blessings on the congregation.
Years later, on Sabbath, May 9, Cedars of Lebanon celebrated another major milestone — becoming debt-free. On that special day, the church held its Mortgage Burning Ceremony, marking the fulfillment of years of faith, sacrifice, and stewardship.
Pastor David Thorpe Jr. and the congregation had the distinct honor of welcoming Conference President Trevor Kinlock and Vice President of Finance Elder Lawrence Martin to participate in the celebration. President Kinlock delivered a powerful message entitled “I Know Who I Am,” while Elder Martin offered the blessing before the symbolic burning of the church mortgage.
Following the worship service and spiritual celebration, members and guests gathered together for a fellowship banquet filled with joy and gratitude.
Although Pastor Thorpe had only served at Cedars for one year, he expressed deep appreciation for the church family and its spirit of faithfulness:
“My year here at Cedars has been amazing. Cedars is blessed with faithful stewards and dedicated disciples who love Jesus Christ and love people. As a church family, we are looking forward to a new renovation project and all that God has in store for our church and community moving forward.”
He continued, “We would like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His guidance, provision, and continued blessings upon Cedars of Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church.”