Faithful To The Finish
On Good Friday, July 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., members of Christ The King Baptist Church and supportive clergy from across the city and state joyfully gathered at Discovery World to honor two extraordinary milestones: the church’s 40th Founders’ Celebration and the well-deserved retirement of Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr. The evening radiated with uplifting music, shared meals, and powerful speeches, all centering on a jubilant celebration of Pastor McVicker’s enduring, positive impact on Milwaukee, CTK, and the wider community.
In spirited anticipation of this milestone, CTK members united in a generous outpouring of support and heartfelt appreciation before Pastor McVicker’s cheerful retirement and the joyful installation of Executive Pastor Treyvon Sinclair, Sr. Members who were able gave $1,000 each to help clear the church’s mortgage, demonstrating the event’s spirit of communal generosity and legacy. This spirit permeated all aspects of the celebration.
Souvenir Booklet Ads
To honor this occasion, parishioners, clergy, and businesses contributed souvenir ads celebrating Pastor McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn. Ad messages reflected gratitude and appreciation, reinforcing the event’s central themes of leadership and legacy. The souvenir book thus became a significant tribute to both the church and its leadership.
Once a buyer sent an email with all required information and payment to Chairperson Vivian King or a committee member, a binding contract was created. Upon acceptance of the ad offer and receipt of payment, the ad was included in the souvenir book. Each member was responsible for purchasing their own ad, regardless of employment status, and no complimentary ads were provided. Furthermore, if any changes to the ad or contract were made by the committee without the buyer’s written consent, the agreement would be considered void.
The Anniversary Committee did not notify buyers about issues or missing materials with their ads, as all necessary items had already been included in the original submission emails. Thus, the confirmed contract and payment ensured the souvenir book accurately reflected the McVicker Family’s positive legacy.
Here is an example to view:
Commentary Note:
Anniversary Committees should note that if an ad contract is not properly negotiated and confirmed by both the buyer and the seller, any party—including the local church and its Anniversary Committee Members—may be held liable for breach of contract, fraud, or negligence. Once both parties have signed the contract and payment has been made, the agreement becomes legally binding. Additionally, any uncorrected errors in the ad could void the agreement due to breach of contract.
A diverse array of ads filled the souvenir book, unified by admiration for Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., and First Lady Marilynn. In turn, their Retirement Celebration gathered the community, highlighting the far-reaching influence Pastor McVicker had throughout his service, a true reflection of the event’s significance.
A wide array of esteemed clergy and churches from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and across the nation contributed ads to the souvenir book, each honoring Pastor and First Lady McVicker’s legacy and reflecting the deep bonds within the faith community.
Welcoming
As guests joyfully enjoyed their meals, an atmosphere of celebration filled the room with uplifting melodies and heartfelt congratulations for Pastor McVicker’s retirement, further strengthening the focus on honoring his cherished ministry and the church’s remarkable milestone. This celebratory mood carried through the remainder of the evening.
Sensational speeches followed, culminating in a final toast to Pastor John Wesley McVicker, Sr., which seamlessly transitioned into personal reflections and tributes from his peers
“Pastor taught you how to keep a woman,” said Pastor Eldridge Sims.
Although at the crowning moment, Pastor allowed his brothers in the ministry to give him his flowers. This gesture underscored the significance of the collective contributions to his journey.
Two leading clergy who were unable to attend the finale still placed an ad in the book, ensuring their participation was felt.
Excused for illness: Dr. Archie Ivy (New Hope Missionary Baptist Church), His son, Rev. Reginald Ivy, came for support.
Excused for work: Pastor, Dr. Joe Albert Bush, Sr..
After the speeches and supper, guests joyfully commemorated the night with photos, capturing memories filled with laughter and affection. The celebration then concluded upstairs with spirited dancing led by the DJ, bringing the evening to a joyous and unforgettable close.
Reporter Jude 