Churches honor graduates during baccalaureate services

College Hill M.B. Church college graduates

Special to The Mississippi Link

Charence Higgins, a member of College Hill M.B. Church, is a 2016 graduate of Jackson State University. Higgins was unable to attend the church’s ceremony.
Charence Higgins, a member of College Hill M.B. Church, is a 2016 graduate of Jackson State University. Higgins was unable to attend the church’s ceremony.
College Hill M.B. Church college graduates
College Hill M.B. Church college graduates
The 2016 graduates of Crossgates M.B. Church, 325 McDowell Road in Jackson, who were honored during the church’s recent Baccalaureate Service. The Rev. Stanley Smith (center) is the pastor.
The 2016 graduates of Crossgates M.B. Church, 325 McDowell Road in Jackson, who were honored during the church’s recent Baccalaureate Service. The Rev. Stanley Smith (center) is the pastor.
College Hill M.B. Church high school graduates
College Hill M.B. Church high school graduates
Pictured are the 2016 graduates and scholarship committee members of New Hope Baptist Church, 5202 Watkins Dr., Jackson. All graduates were honored during the church’s recent Baccalaureate service. Dr. Jerry Young is the pastor.
Pictured are the 2016 graduates and scholarship committee members of New Hope Baptist Church, 5202 Watkins Dr., Jackson. All graduates were honored during the church’s recent Baccalaureate service. Dr. Jerry Young is the pastor.
A congratulatory fellowship ended the celebration at True Light M.B. Church, 224 E. Bell St., Jackson, that honored the church’s 2016 graduates during its Baccalaureate Service. The Rev. Marcus E. Cheeks is the pastor.
A congratulatory fellowship ended the celebration at True Light M.B. Church, 224 E. Bell St., Jackson, that honored the church’s 2016 graduates during its Baccalaureate Service. The Rev. Marcus E. Cheeks is the pastor.

Baccalaureate ceremonies are bountiful across the Jackson metro area during the 2016 graduation season. For those who are familiar with its meaning, an article titled “What’s a Baccalaureate Ceremony?” on www.youngadults.about.com explains baccalaureate as “a centuries-old religious graduation tradition that started in England, but in the United States, the term generally refers to a non-denominational ceremony held a few days before high school or college graduation. Unlike the massive commencement exercises held in stadiums or arenas, baccalaureate ceremonies offer a quieter, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage.”

Many of us know that in the African-American community, the ceremony usually includes a sermon by a church’s pastor.  Family and friends are just as prevalent at this ceremony as they are at the graduates’ commencement services.

As many churches in the area honor its graduates, a few of them are being shared with you today.

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