DaySpring Baptist Church celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Marie Herring

The Rev. Dr. Marie Herring is a rarity in the pulpit of Black Baptist churches in North Central Florida.

When she was installed as pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church in 2008, she was probably the only woman pastor of a Black Baptist church in the area. However, despite being a rarity, she has held down the fork at DaySpring at 1945 NE Eighth Ave. and has led the church in growth across all measures, including spiritual, building space and impact on the community.

Herring and her husband, Elder Lenton "Pop" Herring, were honored on Sunday during a worship service celebrating the 15th pastoral anniversary of their leadership of the church.

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"What you see today didn't just happen. This is the work ordained by God many years ago,” said Pop Herring as he gave the welcome during the service. “It didn't happen overnight. It was a work in progress. She was in high school when she preached her first sermon, and you see where she is now.”

He said his wife's love for preaching the gospel can be felt in churches throughout North Central Florida. She is the 12th pastor of the church that will celebrate its 109th anniversary of existence this year.

“She appreciates you all and loves everybody’s church,” he said. “She just loves the lord. She recently preached in Palatka.”

Deacon Michael Perkins of DaySpring presided over the service and the invocation prayer was led by Deacon George Foxx.

"She does a great job keeping us all together on one accord,” Perkins said. “She keeps everyone all in one piece. She has the ability to walk with kings and paupers, and treats us all the same.”

Elder Kenyarda Feathers Sr., pastor of Williams Temple Church of God In Christ, was the guest speaker. He preached on the subject of “Protect Your Gift.”

“You have a gift in a pastor,” Feathers said. “A pastor is an intentional gift from God.”

Herring is an example of what a woman of God should be, Feathers said.

“She is a woman full of the word and the definition of faith,” Feathers said. “She's the one who carries many different responsibilities.”

A pastor is similar to a shepherd being on the lookout to protect its flock from predators, Feathers said.

“If she is protecting you from the wolves, stop listening to what they have to say,” Feathers said. 

Pastors are the most selfless people in the community, he said.

“They are servants,” Feathers said. “They serve all year long. Even through the pandemic, they learned how to stay in tune with you through Zoom. In the midnight hour, your pastor will pick up the phone. If you haven't been in church, they will still wrap their arms around you.”

Feathers encouraged Herring to continue preaching the gospel.

“Keep on preaching the word and the word will deliver the people," Feathers said. "The word will bring the light and the word will bring hope. Preach on purpose, preach with meaning and preach with power.”

Just as he encouraged Herring to keep preaching and leading, he also urged members of DaySpring to continue walking with Herring to live like Christ.

"She cares for you in the spirit and in the physical,” Feathers said. “She is a dedicated leader. Protect your gift. Protect your pastor. God will bless you when you look out for her and her husband.”

Herring gave the final remarks and said she is grateful to be the pastor of DaySpring.

“As a woman pastor you look for a place that respects the gift in you,” Herring said. “Not many will do that. They respect the gift and the woman.”

Herring told members of the congregations to stay strong against any temptations.

“Protect your gift inside of you,” Herring said. “Don't let the enemy come in to pervert your gift. You have more strength when you are supported. I'm so blessed for the DaySpring family and where God placed me.”

Herring’s pastoral anniversary celebration will continue with the following services:

• Wed. at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Blue of First Missionary Baptist Church as the guest speaker.
• Friday at 7 p.m. with Elder Dr. David Richardson II of Temple of Praise and Restoration Outreach Center COGIC as the guest speaker.
• Sunday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. John McKenzie of True Faith Inspirational Baptist Church in Tampa as the guest speaker.

All services will be held at DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church at 1945 NE Eighth Ave.