Lifetime Ministry Achievement in latest People and Places

Deaths

Leopoldo "Polo" Guerrero, church planter and pastor for 30 years of Iglesia Hispana El Calvario in Covington, died Aug. 8. He was 73. 

A native of Mexico before emigrating to the United States, Guerrero exhibited pride in both countries. While at his church he also led in Hispanic work at Indian Creek Baptist Church in Stone Mountain. As pastor he would often play his guitar and sing for his congregation. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, and playing basketball as well as watching soccer and UGA football. 

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Nancy; a daughter, Luisa Duren; son, Charles; siblings Rosa Beam, Pedro Guerrero, Genaro Guerrero, Gaspar Guerrero, Pablo Guerrero, Armando Guerrero, and Irma Guerrero-Martinez; and eight grandchildren. 

New Macedonia Baptist Church, LaGrange pastor Jerome Shipman died Aug. 6. He was 62. 

Jerome Shipman

A native of Ozark, AL, Shipman became known throughout LaGrange not only as a pastor but as a member of the Troup County Food Bank, Feed the Valley Food Ministry, as a chaplain with West Georgia Medical Center, and through crisis pregnancy ministry. Troup County named December 11 "Jerome Shipman Day" in his honor. Index columnist Paul Baxter recently noted Shipman's contributions in the community. 

Survivors include his wife, Peggy, children Demetric Shipman, Tracy Shipman Maddox, Chandra Fields, Yolanda Dents, Christie Wright; nine grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and siblings Jonathan Coleman, Lee Curtis Shipman, Jr., Mary Jean McGee, Jennie Theus, Delois Grant, Jerry Shipman, Celene Steward, Celestine Shipman, Isolene Shipman, Debra Shipman, and Cleotis Shipman. 

Honors

Winston Collins, right, received the Lifetime Ministry Achievement Award from the Georgia Baptist Church Music Conference at their annual meeting in Macon on Aug. 16. A plaque was presented on behalf of the organization by outgoing president Bill Coen. Collins served at several churches in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. He and his wife Cheryl also served as International Mission Board missionaries in Mexico City. The couple lives in North Augusta, S.C. The group also elected officers for 2018-2019, with Tim Barnes, discipleship and worship pastor at First Baptist Church in Covington, being elected president. EDDY OLIVER/Worship and Music Ministry

Anniversaries

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 1752 Macland Road in Marietta, will celebrate its 175th anniversary during homecoming services Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Lamar Clarke will bring the message with special music by the Skyline Baptist Youth Choir. Feel free to bring a covered dish and join in with lunch following. For more information call (770) 687-4352 or go to the church's Facebook page. 

Summerville First Baptist Church held homecoming services Aug. 19 with The Gold City Quartet. A fellowship meal followed.