Models strut stuff at FSUMC 135th Anniversary Luncheon

Several models were on hand Saturday strutting their stuff during the Luncheon and Fashion Show celebrating the 135th Anniversary of Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn.

“The highlight of the evening was the fashion show, which was coordinated by Sis. Diane Brown, who’s the chairperson for the Higher Education Committee,” Sis. Marlene Ferguson, the indefatigable Trinidadian-born chairperson of the church’s Anniversary Committee, told Caribbean Life.

“Sincere thanks to our narrator Kayann Walters, who brought out the best in everyone by placing titles to their attire on the spur of the moment and without any rehearsal,” added the retired registered nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and University Hospital of Brooklyn. “Kayann, you were excellent!”

Ferguson said the categories for the models were: Sports/casuals, African, Formal and Family, “which was portrayed by Diane and Natalie with the puppy family.”

Sophia Eversley, the church’s communications unit director, models an outfit. Photo by Nelson A. King

She said the models, who included her, were: Diane; Natalie; Murray; Brielle; Valcia; Harriet; Majorie; Sophie; Linda; and Elainna, “the youngest fashion icon – nine years old.”

“There is seldom a dull moment at Fenimore Street UMC,” Jamaican-born Brown told Caribbean Life. “When planning an event, we put God in first place, along with our heart, body and soul into it.

Model Valcia Williams. Photo by Nelson A. King

“When I was asked to be the fashion coordinator, I did not hesitate,” she added. “I think it would be a new and exciting venture to add to the planning of the church’s anniversary.  If one should ask me what part of the fashion show I enjoyed the most, I would say all parts of it.

Harriet Gooding does her thing. Photo by Nelson A. King

“It was about the friendship and closeness in a room helping each other to get dressed, making sure our attire was in place, and naming our outfits, which was so hilarious,” Brown continued. “We walked out in style, while we added our individual animations and gimmicks.

“I’m am looking forward to another fashion show, and I’m sure others do feel the same way, including the audience,” she said.

MC Desma King, who is also a member of the Anniversary Committee, welcomes patrons. Photo by Nelson A. King

Ferguson said the event began with a “rousing welcome” by Mistress of Ceremonies Sis. Desma King, followed by the invocation by Sis. Joycelyn King, no relations to Desma.

“The DJ took the event to its highest tempo, entertaining the audience, and followed with solo renditions by Sis. Patricia Senhouse and Sis. Erlene Williams-King – not forgetting our pianist Herline Floviril, who accompanied the soloists,” Ferguson added.

Patricia Senhouse renders “You Raised Me Up.” Photo by Nelson A. King

Senhouse, a Trinidadian native, sang “You Raised Me Up”, while Williams-King, a Vincentian national, offered an Operatic rendition of “To God Be the Glory.”

The church’s pastor the Rev. Roger Jackson and First Lady Kim were among patrons, as well as the pastors of Crawford Memorial and St. Stephen’s United Methodist Churches in the Bronx, and Bethel and Bushwick United Methodist Churches in Brooklyn, Revs. Heidi N. Thomas and Lindsay Neal, respectively.

Ferguson described the luncheon menu as “superb”, with the entrée comprising baked salmon, Cornish hen, baked chicken, rice and beans, veggie pasta salad, and mac and cheese.

“Thanks to our very own chefs, Sis. Doreen Thomas, Sis. Lola Clark and Sis. Glenner Strachn,” she said.