Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday presented 15 girls as “Debutantes for Christ,” a take on the secular ceremony in which young girls, having reached a certain age, are presented to society.

At Friendship, the girls ranged from grades 4-8 and were introduced into the church and charged to accept their Christian responsibilities.

“Serve and glorify the Lord at home, at school, and in the community,” Debra Garner, one of the program’s advisers, told the girls in her formal charge.

The girls were all members of the church’s Big Sister-Little-Sister program and at some point attended Friendship’s Anita Stroud afterschool program. This was the second year that Friendship has sponsored the cotillion, the first in 2004.

This 2010 debutantes were: Cori B. Agee, Breona S. Bryant, Rachel M. Coleman, Shante M. Coleman, Gwendolyn M. Evans, Gabrielle J Harden, Kiersten M. Hargett, Jordan S. Jones, Jakira A. Mouzon, Deajha N. Neal, Kyosha S. Neal, Keyasha M. Repass, Erica R. Williams, Kiera S. Villard, and Tiera C. Villard.

Preparation for the ceremony began in January, when the girls began performing community service work. They visited a nursing home, spent time with their “big sisters,” and memorized the books of the bible.

The girls were escorted by their mothers, sisters, or aunts, and entered the church in white debutante dresses accessorized by arm-length white gloves. Their fathers and others watched from the audience.

As each girl was introduced, her favorite scripture was announced. Some chose John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world…”). Some chose Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me). And one, a parent’s dream, chose Exodus 20:12 (“Honor thy father and thy mother…).

During the talent segment, the debutantes recited scripture, original poems, gave dance and instrumental performances and performed a “New Testament Step.”

***

Editor's Note: Names in the News is a celebration of achievement. Email events and announcements to editor@qcitymetro.com.

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement