By: Lennard James
MEMPHIS, Tenn. New Zion Missionary Baptist Church will gather for an elegant evening of celebration, gratitude, and fellowship as the congregation honors Pastor Lloyd V. Anderson and First Lady Dannett Anderson during its 7th Church Anniversary and Pastor and Wife Anniversary on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The milestone celebration will take place at The Links at Whitehaven, 750 East Holmes Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38109, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The evening is designated as a Black Tie Affair, providing church members, community leaders, family, friends, and supporters an opportunity to recognize seven years of ministry, service, and commitment.
At the center of the celebration are Pastor Lloyd V. Anderson and First Lady Dannett Anderson, whose leadership has extended beyond the walls of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout their ministry, the Andersons have remained steadfast in helping their community, understanding that the work of the church includes not only preaching and worship but also service, compassion, and being present for people during times of need.
Their commitment reflects a ministry philosophy grounded in faith and action. Whether encouraging families, supporting individuals facing difficult circumstances, or simply being available to listen and offer guidance, Pastor Anderson and First Lady Anderson have sought to make New Zion a place where people can find both spiritual encouragement and a sense of community.
For Pastor Anderson, pastoral leadership carries responsibilities that extend far beyond Sunday morning. A pastor is often called upon during some of the most important moments in a person’s life, from celebrations and accomplishments to illness, loss, and personal challenges. Through those moments, Pastor Anderson has worked to provide consistent leadership while helping strengthen the congregation’s relationship with the surrounding community.
First Lady Dannett Anderson has served alongside her husband throughout that journey. Her presence and support have contributed to the ministry’s ability to connect with families and demonstrate the compassion that remains central to the church’s mission. Together, the Andersons represent a partnership in ministry built upon service, faith, and a shared commitment to others.
The seventh anniversary provides an important opportunity to recognize that work.
Church anniversaries are more than celebrations of the passage of time. They provide congregations with an opportunity to remember the people, sacrifices, prayers, and relationships that helped build the ministry while also looking toward the future.
For New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the occasion represents seven years of continuing its mission while recognizing the leadership of the pastor and first lady who have remained committed to serving the congregation and community.
The formal anniversary celebration will bring supporters together in an atmosphere designed to honor both the church and the Andersons. Guests are encouraged to dress in black-tie attire for the special evening.
Tickets for the anniversary celebration are $100 per person, with tables available for $800. The deadline to purchase tickets is August 15, 2026. Those interested in attending or obtaining additional information may contact Joyce Oliver at 901-679-3248.
The celebration also offers an opportunity for people whose lives have been touched by the Andersons’ ministry to personally express their appreciation.
Seven years of church leadership can encompass countless sermons, prayers, counseling sessions, community activities, hospital visits, funerals, weddings, and quiet conversations that may never receive public recognition. Yet those moments frequently define the impact of pastoral ministry.
That spirit of service is one of the reasons the upcoming anniversary carries special meaning.
As Memphis continues to confront challenges affecting families and neighborhoods, churches remain important institutions for bringing people together. Faith leaders often serve as trusted voices who can connect generations, encourage young people, and help communities respond to hardship. Pastor Anderson and First Lady Anderson have embraced that responsibility by remaining committed to the people they serve.
The September celebration will therefore recognize more than an anniversary date. It will honor seven years of faith, leadership, partnership, and community service while celebrating the continued journey of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
As members, friends, and supporters gather at The Links at Whitehaven, the evening will provide an opportunity to celebrate what has already been accomplished while looking with expectation toward the years ahead.
For Pastor Lloyd V. Anderson and First Lady Dannett Anderson, the anniversary reflects a steadfast commitment to faith, family, church, and community, and to continuing the work of serving others with purpose.
