Cedar Grove M.B. Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend with “family and fellowship,” said Antione Eakins, pastor of the church that has survived more than a century on Grange Hall Road, 15 pastors and a recent growth spurt.

“In four years, we’ve gone from 122 members to almost 50,” said Eakins, 25.

When he arrived at Cedar Grove four years ago, Eakins, at 21, was the youngest pastor in Mississippi, he said.

A new church was built in 2001, and the old church was torn down a year ago. The congregation supports 23 ministries and has plans to open a day care and family life center.

“Our vision can be summed up in one word – ministry,” said Eakins. “Ministry to the total need of man.”

If you goCedar Grove M.B. Church, 3300 Grange Hall Road, will celebrate its 125th anniversary this weekend. Activities include:10 a.m. today – Choirs, food, cook-off, bake-off, games9:30 a.m. Sunday – Crowning of Mr. and Miss Cedar Grove11 a.m. Sunday – WorshipNoon Sunday – Southern Super Sunday meal3 p.m. Sunday – Anniversary celebrationThe anniversary celebration will kick off today with what Eakins called “our own little Riverfest.” About a dozen choirs will be featured throughout the day, along with food, games for children, a cook-off and a bake-off.

“What we’re trying to start in our community is branching out across the city,” said Tin Hayward, chairman of Cedar Grove’s anniversary committee. “We’re expecting about 800 people.”

On Sunday, a pageant will be in lieu of Sunday school. Children have been raising money, and the girl and boy who has gathered the most will be crowned Mr. and Miss Cedar Grove. The pageant will be hosted by Miss Mississippi 2007 Kimberly Morgan, Miss Alcorn 2007 Courtney Bolton and Miss Alcorn 2008 Inneka Minor.

An 11 a.m. Sunday worship service will feature Kevin Youngblood, pastor of Mt. Zion in Collins. The service will be followed by a Southern Super Sunday meal. At the 3 p.m. anniversary celebration, a former pastor of Cedar Grove, Willie J. Hardy will speak.

“The public is always invited, but especially to this,” said Eakins.