Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr. became the 17th pastor of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church on Jan. 21.
ST. PETERSBURG — Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr. was installed as the senior pastor of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church on Jan. 21, where clergy came as far away as Philadelphia to witness him take his place as the 17th spiritual leader since the church’s inception in 1903.
A native son, Pastor Vinson, is married to Tiffani Vinson and has two lovely children (Teniyah and Robert Vinson III). He served as the senior pastor of Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist Church for seven years, where he successfully provided spiritual leadership, biblical training and strategic ministry planning.
Vinson brings that same energy to his latest God-given assignment, where his sensitive approach and exceptional communication skills are a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Community members, including Senator Darryl Rouson, Councilman Br. John Muhammad and Ethel Peeples-Robinson, president of the NCNW Metropolitan Section, showed up to congratulate Pastor Vinson.
Bethel Metropolitan Mass Choir had the church on its feet, not to be outdone by the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir, who had the walls reverberating with sound.
Rev. Dr. John Evans, Sr., senior pastor of Friendship, gave the installation message, as Bishop Preston D.H. Leonard, Sr. of Christ Gospel Church, gave the prayer of installation while faith leaders conferred spiritual blessings onto Vinson.
The four-hour service ended with food, fellowship and hope of a new beginning.
Photo Gallery
Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr.'s mother, Shirley Thornton
First Lady Tiffani Vinson smiled from ear to ear as she accompanied her husband, Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr., into Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church on Jan. 21
Rev. Dr. John Evans, Sr., senior pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Sister Tracy Johnson of Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church gave words of welcome.
'I am so grateful for my praying mother. Your prayers have been answered. You and your daily prayer warriors have lifted me up for the sole purpose of God's will being accomplished in my life,' wrote Rev. Robert A. Vinson, Jr.
Rev. Michael Hawkins, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
Senator Darryl Rouson
Praise dancer Sister Ashley Mitchell
Ethel Peeples-Robinson, president of the National Council of Negro Women
Gloria Flakes, president, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
