Pastor celebrates 41 years at Lexington church

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Pastor Ivey Jamison has been the leader of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lexington for 41 years.

“Marvelous and grateful.” Pastor Jamison said. “Just unspeakable because it’s an honor to be in one place for this many years.”

That’s how he said he felt being honored by the people he loved.

“They know that I love them and they know that I’m there for them.” Jamison said.

Jamison also said it hasn’t always been easy but he’s grateful he made it.

“Well we had our ups and downs, we had our struggles But through it all God has still been good to us.” Jamison said. “He kept us together and here we are.”

Today people gathered just to say thank you, especially life-long member William Forney.

“We’re very fortunate to have a leader such as him for the past 41 years.” Forney said. “I have three grown kids and all my kids have came up threw here, my daddy was a deacon here at this church and we just do great things for the community.”

Members came from all over the community to sing songs and tell stories about the man they say continues to inspire them.

“He exemplifies what a leader should do and the care you should have for others.” Forney said.

And for Pastor Jamison, he says his work is just beginning and hopes for another 41 years.

“I have a lot of plans. I hope we can continue to go higher. I plan to do great things for this church if the lord allows me to stay here long enough.”