Miss Agnes Slater, born Feb. 23, 1919 at Taylor Creek, will celebrate her 100th birthday Saturday at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove AME Church.

Slater’s parents were the late Joe Fisher Salter and Maggie Fabian Slater. The family moved from Camp Stewart to Long County in 1941. Camp Stewart became Fort Stewart.

Although Agnes Slater remained single, she was a mother to many, and helped raise sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and other children.

Slater was the sixth of nine siblings. She is known as a leader in her family. She walked her baby sister Inez Slater Hicks down the dirt road safely to and from school. She was instrumental in getting this sister admitted to Georgia State College and she went on to graduate from Columbia University in New York also. This mission was accomplished by Slater working and receiving money from her brothers in the military and other family members. Shes made sure the tuition room and boarding fees were paid.

Slater provided much of the same support for college education for the children of her sister, Martha.

Slater was a member of Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than 90 years. She served in many capacities in Pleasant Grove AME. 

Slater now holds the title “Mother of the Church” at Pleasant Grove AME. The retired presiding elder, Rev. Henry Frasier, said that Agnes’ ministry was where ever and whenever help was needed. She supported the ministry in money, service in the church as well as travel where ever the church needed to go, and is known for supporting ministers. Retired Presiding Eldèr Henry Frasier Sr. had said when he first started preaching he had no robe. Slater bought him a black robe with white trims so he would have a robe also. 

The renowned Moderator Emeritus of the Tattnall Missionary Baptist Association, Rev. Dr. C. L. Anderson remembers receiving a call two months ago to come get the best tasting fruit cake he had ever tasted. Slater had baked a fruitcake just for him. He recalls eating her tasty sweet potato pies also.

Her favorite ministry is the hospitality ministry where she shares her God given gift of cooking and serving to all. In this ministry she prepares and carries meals to many today, especially the sick and shut-ins.

Slater also helps the hospitality committee at neighboring AME and other churches.

When she was able, Slater always had a table filled with homemade desserts and soul food for every Pleasant Grove AME Camp Meeting. Her favorite delicacy is an old fashioned pound cake, which she still makes.