New Zion church, pastor honored with ceremony

This morning, the congregation at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church will be sharing its faith in the new sanctuary at 2107 SW N.H. Jones.

They will celebrate the Lord’s day.

During its ribbon cutting on Friday, Lawton City Council Ward 7 Councilwoman Sherene Williams made sure it was known that was the church’s leader, The Rev. Dr. James E. Gorham, pastor, day.

In a proclamation signed by Mayor Stan Booker, Williams read its news that March 7 is and will always be The Rev. Dr. James E. Gorham Day in the City of Lawton.

“This day is going to be his official day,” she said.

Noting that the Rev. Gorham believes the church must be a “church-in-action,” Williams noted ways the church, under his direction the past 15 years gives back to the community. She offered monthly donations to Next Step and the women’s shelter as examples.

Gorham, a retired first sergeant in the Army, taught life-skills programs to military personnel who were transitioning out of the military. The church is more than a building, it’s the acts contained within and Friday’s culmination is a great beginning, he said.

“Today is a blessing and an honor,” he said. “I thank God for this blessing.”

The new sanctuary offers space for a future mentorship program. The original sanctuary is being converted to a family life and youth center.

Ground was broken on the venture on April 8, 2023. Deacon Luther Foster said it was a joy the project has been completed. Elements such as COVID-19 slowed down progress, he said.

After he and others held the big scissors cutting the red ribbon signifying the moment, the Rev. Gorham this was a credit to all the members of the church and others who made it happen.

“This is a good day,” he said.