The annual Salute to 50 States program was recently held at Kingdom Faith Church in Blackshear.
The event recognizes various states in the U.S., giving brief descriptions of their surnames.
The 2026 Queen of Kingdom Faith Church was Missionary Ardrelle Myles Sutton (Mrs. Alabama, surname Queen of Sheba), crowned by the church’s Co-Pastor Bertie Allen (Mrs. Maryland, surname Rebekah). First runner-up was Harmony Burroughs (Miss New Mexico, surname Hagar). Ellene Henry (Ms. New York, surname Rhoda) was second runner-up.
Trophies were presented by Pastor Terrell Reynolds (Mr. Nebraska, surname John the Baptist).
The service began with the singing of the Old Spiritual, “When All God’s Children GetTogether,WhataTimeIt Will Be,” led by Sutton.
Pastor Reynolds gave the grace and benediction.
Elder Jacqueline Wallace (Miss Hawaii, surname Deborah) and Sutton tag-teamed the mistress of ceremony duties during the event.
After the last state was called, another time of music was enjoyed.
The state representatives did their last march at the end of the ceremony, turning in their offering to Steward Herman Sutton (Mr. North Dakota, surname Noah), who was also part of the finance committee with Elder Wallace.
Each participant was given a certificate of appreciation.
After the event, fellowship was enjoyed with refreshments, including chicken salad and crackers, chips and dip, ham sandwiches, cake and sodas.
