Tributes

Reflections of a Faithful Shepherd…. To everything there is a season, a time to be born…” - Reverend Dr. Frank Celestine, Sr., was born September 5, 1928 in Cade, Louisiana to Eleneore and Maude Celestine. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - He began his education in the St. Martin Parish School System before moving to Galveston, Texas at the age of 17 years old. He furthered his Christian education by attending Conroe Bible College. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” - He accepted the Lord as his Savior at a young age. He was baptized at Saint Mark Baptist Church in Cade, Louisiana under the leadership of Reverend Pierre Lurnan. He received his call into the ministry at Greater Bell Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City, Texas under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Wiley L. Dunn, Sr. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” - He began his pastoral ministry at Halls Chapel Baptist Church in Brazoria, Texas in 1960. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Celestine was called to Pastor the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Dickinson, Texas in 1968, where he served God’s people for 16 years. Through God’s divine direction, in May 1984, He led Pastor Celestine to the great East Macedonia American Baptist Church of Houston, Texas where he pastored God’s people for 39 glorious years until God called him home. The church grew exponentially under Dr. Celestine's pastoral leadership; therefore, he led them in a remodeling and expansion project. Pastor Celestine was so dedicated that he would be seen helping the contractor working on the roof and installing the new steeple. The church continued to grow spiritually, physically, and financially as he led them to retire the note. The church continued to impact the city and community by appearing on Sunday morning television and ministering as the guest church on a Sunday program. The church was busy every Sunday as Pastor Celestine became one of the most sought after preachers in the Houston-Galveston Metroplex. “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day’ - Dr. Frank Celestine, Sr., has held many prestigious positions over the years. He served as 1st Vice Moderator of Southern District Association under the leadership of Moderators, the late Rev. Dr. S. L. Farris and Rev. Dr. A. S. Johnson. Pastor Celestine and fellow pastors followed the Commission of the Holy Spirit and founded Southeast District Association where he served as the first Founding Moderator, serving 10 years. At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the American Baptist Convention of Texas; and held membership in the National Baptist Convention of America. “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” - On Saturday, September 23, 2023, God called His faithful servant, Pastor Frank Celestine, Sr., from labor to his eternal reward. Preceeding in death are his father and mother, Elenore and Maude Celestine; two brothers; two sisters; and grandchildren, Brian and Kia-Simone. “I will look unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord” - He leaves a legacy of love with his loving, devoted and beautiful wife, Linda Celestine who took gracious care of him until God called him home; five amazing children, Ada, Larry (Sandra), LaTonya (John, Sr.), Frank, Jr. (Jasmine) and Ashley (Colton); 13 grandchildren: Rodney, Jordan, Malcom, Reggie, Kaylon, Michael, Nicholas, Celeste, Avery, Alani, Ashton, Dottie and Tonya; 6 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his East Macedonia Baptist Church Family.

Tributes

Pastor Frank Celestine Sr.

September 5, 1928 - September 23, 2023