A celebration for the life the Rev. E.D. Glover will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 12 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Troy.

The Rev. Rodtric Robinson, church pastor, said everyone is invited to come out and help make this a joyous occasion.

“Rev. Glover is a long-time servant and dedicated warrior for the Lord,” Robinson said. “Rev. Glover is the oldest living retired pastor in Pike, Barbour and Bullock counties. He will celebrate his 97th birthday on January 10.”

Glover is a native of Clayton and is the son of the late John Glover and Gussie Glover.

He was married to the late Eula Stewart Glover and is the father of four children, the late Sue Glover Williams, Vernell Glover Jackson, Edner James Glover and Billy Charles Glover.

In 2001, Glover married JoAnn Spikner and enjoys another daughter, Lashanna Spikner Martin.

Glover joined Old Mt. Silla Baptist Church in 1937 and confessed preaching in 1947. He was called to his first church in 1952 and has been preaching the Gospel for 65 years.

“Rev. Glover has been and continues to be a community leader and role model for everyone who knows,” Robinson said. “Rev. Glover graduated from Samford University in Birmingham in 1987 with a degree in biblical theology.

He was pastor of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Orion for 44 years and pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Union Springs for 29 years.

He has served as moderator of the Pike Union District for 18 years and vice moderator of Old Pine Grove for 40 years.

Glover is the founder of the 4th Sunday night fellowship and on September 10, 2009, he was awarded the Dr. William J. Shaw Pastoral Ministry Award in Memphis, Tennessee.

“By the grace of God, Rev. Glover has reached a milestone in his life with his character, wisdom, knowledge and the love of God in his life,” Robinson said. “His legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of so many who know and love him. At this great historic 97th birthday celebration, the Rev. Albert Whiting, pastor of Old Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Grady, will deliver a dynamic message. There will also be singing and great food. All pastors, churches and the general public are invited to attend.