What a beautiful transformation! On August 27, 2022, the old Liberty County High School cafeteria at Midway, which is now home to the John D. McIver Community Complex, was transformed into an oasis reminiscent of the old school’s prom days.
The occasion for this grand celebration was Rev. Dr. Charlie Lee (C. L.) Anderson’s 80th birthday and 50th year of pastoring. Pastor Anderson is a man who comes from a humble beginning, but has accomplished much.
On his special day, Pastor Anderson and his bride, Helen Moody Anderson, of 60 years (61 years in November) looked resplendent. They celebrated in royal style. The colors for the celebration were purple and gold. A 1960 graduate of the old Liberty County High School, Pastor Anderson decided it was appropriate to have his celebration at his old alma mater, where the high school colors were purple and gold. Elect Lady Helen Anderson wore a beautiful purple and gold caped evening dress while Pastor Anderson wore a white tuxedo with a gold shirt, purple cummerbund, and bow tie.
Surrounded by family and friends, it was certainly an evening to remember. Mrs. Deborah Robinson, who is 94 years young and taught Pastor Anderson music in high school, was also in attendance, along with Mrs. Yvonne Woods and Mrs. Rosemary Brown, who are former teachers at the old Liberty County High School. Although not able to attend, Pastor Anderson’s 100-year-old teacher, Mrs. Mamie Stevens Clay, sent video greetings.
Rev. Dr. C. L. Anderson is a native of Hinesville. He has a bachelor’s degree in Christian education; a master’s in Christian education and counseling; and a doctorate in Christian education and counseling from Trinity Temple College of Religion in Hinesville in 2005.
He went into the ministry in June 1971 and started pastoring at Hagan Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on August 2, 1972. During his 51 years in the ministry, Dr. Anderson has served as the pastor of various churches. He served as the pastor of Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pembroke for 15 years and Baconton Missionary Baptist Church in Allenhurst for three years. Currently, Pastor Anderson is the pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Daisy, where he has been for 49 years, Greater Zachariah Baptist Church in Glennville for 48 years, and the founder/pastor of the Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in Allenhurst for 27 years.
Additionally, he served as the moderator of the Tattnall Missionary Baptist Church in Hagan from 1979-2008. He is the moderator emeritus of the Tattnall Association and has served as a vice moderator at the state level, and the liaison for the moderators’ division for the state of Georgia at the National Baptist Convention, USA. During the grand celebration, Rep. Al Williams of District 168 in Midway sent a resolution; Liberty County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Donald Lovette read a proclamation declaring August 27, 2022, as Rev. Dr. C. L. Anderson Day; Mayor Larry Baker presented a resolution from the City of Walthourville; and Selana Quarterman- Bey (niece of the Andersons) read a resolution from the Anderson Family Reunion Committee.
Bishop Larry Jones, one of Pastor Anderson’s spiritual sons from Statesboro, was the speaker of the evening. He arrested the audience of approximately 200 people with his inspiring message of encouragement and hope to Pastor Anderson. The Cousinnaires, a local group composed of Pastor Anderson’s cousins, provided the singing, and Bishop Michael Angelo James (mayor of Waycross) and his Glory Band provided the music. Pastor Anderson is a retired civil service employee of Fort Stewart and was the first Black locomotive engineer to be hired at the installation. After completing an extremely rewarding civil service career, he became a deputy with the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office and worked until he retired. He is in his sixth term as a city council member for Walthourville and has also served as mayor pro-tem.
A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Anderson is a gifted preacher, teacher, and singer. In 2008, he published his first book, “The Autobiography of Rev. Charlie (C. L.) Anderson: I am a Poor Boy a Long Way from Home.”
A true father and a giant in the ministry with extensive experience as a pastor, Pastor Anderson has birthed many spiritual sons and daughters and has preached all over the country, as well as in the Holy Land. After 51 years of being in the ministry and 50 years of pastoring, he loves to say he is just practicing his preaching.
The Andersons have three children: Phillip Anderson, Phylena Barrett; and Charlie Anderson Jr; and several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“We want to thank everyone for taking the time to come and celebrate with us. We didn’t get the opportunity to speak to everyone, but we want you to know that we appreciate your prayers, love, support, cards, and gifts. May God continue to bless you,” said Pastor and Elect Lady Anderson.