East Caney Community Marks History
and Honors Pastor M. LaVelle Hendricks

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Pastor M. LaVelle Hendricks delivered his sermon on Sunday morning, marking his
21st Anniversary in the Hopkins County Community of East Caney.

 

In celebration of Black History Month and the 21st Anniversary of Pastor M. LaVelle Hendricks arriving in their community, the East Caney Community shared in a weekend of thankfulness and marking history, with a number of planned activities at the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church. Hendricks, who is also a professor at TAMU-C, has been instrumental in serving his flock in East Caney and an active part of the African American Community throughout Northeast Texas. He has inspired the efforts for the annual MLK Awards and continues to serve as an anchor for all of Hopkins County.

Hendricks, a native of Louisiana, came to Hopkins County, twenty-one years ago, to serve the East Caney Community. "During this time, I've celebrated the birth of your children, said goodbye to a number of esteemed citizens of this community with you, and hopefully tended to your spiritual needs in a loving and kind manner," allowed Hendricks from the pulpit on Sunday morning. "But it's not about me, it's about God calling me to this place! I'll be honest with you, I fought God, at the age of 12, when he called me to be a minister. It's not an easy task and sometimes it's hard to understand what God has in store for you, but you're never happy until you're doing what God intended for you to do!

 

 

 

 

As the beginning  of springtime arrives in the East Caney Community
each year, Pastor M. LaVelle Hendricks marks another year of service
to the flock in the historic Hopkins County Community.

 

East Caney is one of the oldest African American communities in Hopkins County and the East Caney Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 150 years of service to the community in 2008.

"I treasure the many, many people I've been associated with in this community, and thank God for allowing me to serve," expressed Hendricks. "I feel that God put me on this earth to serve this community and the people in it!"

 

The East Caney Cemetery reflects the rich, rich history in the community and serves as a reminder of
the many, many people who have helped to form the spirit of community.

 

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