On Aug. 27, Pastor Dr. C.L. Anderson joined the “three score and 10 club,” and on Aug. 25, friends, family members and supporters held a grand celebration in his honor.

At 70, Anderson has not allowed his age to slow him down. He has more than 40 years of preaching under his belt and isn’t losing steam.

Anderson preached his first sermon at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville under the leadership of Pastor B.T. Smith. He has served as pastor of several churches and now is the founder/pastor of Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in Allenhurst. Additionally, Anderson served as pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Daisy, Ga., since 1973 and as pastor of Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church in Glennville since 1974.

Anderson also served as moderator of the Tattnall Missionary Baptist Association in Hagan, Ga., for more than 30 years and currently is a moderator at the state and national levels.

He is a widely sought-after preacher, well-known for speaking with wisdom and insight. As a pastor, Anderson has been afforded opportunities to preach in various states and has taught at state conventions. During a trip to Israel in 2001, he preached a sermon titled “How Can the Ship Go Down When the Lord is Onboard?” in a boat in the Sea of Galilee.

In recognition of his years of preaching and community service, state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, presented Anderson with a proclamation from the Georgia House of Representatives.

“I knew him when he was Charlie and played basketball at Liberty County High School,” Williams said. “He is well-deserving of this honor.”

Pastor L.C. Teasley, who officiated at the Andersons’ 50th wedding anniversary last year, was the surprise guest at Anderson’s recent celebration. A longtime friend of the Andersons’, he offered words of encouragement. Teasley is a coordinator with the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia Annual Ministers’ Conference.

Bishop Michael-Angelo James of Waycross, who recently was adopted as one of the Andersons’ spiritual sons, gave an inspiring and uplifting message. Family members — including children, sisters, a brother, a granddaughter and nieces — friends and church members praised Anderson for his years in the ministry.

Although he is a busy pastor, Anderson also works with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and serves as a Walthourville City Council member.

Anderson and his wife, Helen V. Moody Anderson, will celebrate 51 years of marriage Nov. 19. Anderson advises married pastors to be husbands first.

“You must set the example in your family and your church. You are married to your wife physically and to your church spiritually. You must treat both your wife and church members with respect,” he said. “The way you treat your spouse is the way you will treat your church. If you love your wife, you will love your church. If you are faithful to your wife, you will be faithful to your church. As a couple, you need to live, laugh and love.”