The spiritual and emotional gamut was stretched full length on Sunday, July 4, as officers and members of Allen Temple AME Church, Somerset were joined by community and Ministerial leaders in expressing Appreciation to the Rev. Mrs. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge, JP, and the newly elevated Presiding Elder of AME Churches in Bermuda.

On the one hand it was a genuine "thank you" for an outstanding tenure of 17 years as pastor of the church; and on the other hand, blessings and best wishes were offered as she embarks on her historic new path as the first female to be appointed Presiding Elder of the East-West District of the Bermuda Annual Conference together with being pastor of St. Philip AME Church, Harrington Sound, Smith's Parish.

The Appreciation Service was symbolically marked by a spirited congregational singing of the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness", followed by prayer, tributes in words, song and dance, coupled with presentation of flowers and other more tangible expressions of love for Rev. Betty and her husband Bro. Edward Woolridge, the first gentleman of the District.

The service in the church was followed by fellowship in the Arthur S. Jones Auditorium highlighted by more singing, liturgical dancing the serving of food, a PowerPoint presentation of Rev. Furbert's ministry dating from her elevation in 1976 as a local preacher at Richard Allen AME Church, St.George's to her Eldership and appointment April 30. 2010.