Approximately 100 friends, church members, and family gathered earlier this month to honor the Rev. J. Quinton Covington, who is retiring at the end of June from the church after 20 consecutive years of service.

Pastor and Mrs. Covington entered on red carpet with an accompanying drum roll. The event was held May 2 at the Calvin Williams Educational Building at Central United Methodist Church in East Laurinburg.

District Superintendent Leonard Fairley spoke a few words, and had a prayer and a blessing.

Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs along with three satellite cakes were served. The cakes were made by Deedy Cousins of Knightdale and Cathy Stuckey of Laurinburg. One cake was an early birthday cake for Karen Covington; another was a pineapple cake decorated with a man in a fishing boat holding a Bible and fishing pole with small chocolate tools on the side of the cake. The third cake was a white chocolate layer with strawberry filling. It was decorated with a cross and flame emblem and a picture of Rev. Covington.

The serving and dining tables were decorated with red and blue checked tablecloths. The table centerpieces were crystal containers with red and blue flowers in them. A banner that read "Happy Retirement" was located behind the guest table.

After the meal, gospel music was performed by Spirit Borne, the Piney Grove United Methodist Men's Gospel Choir, Homeward Bound, Joy Driggers, and Darrell Bridger. Several letters that had been written to Pastor Covington were shared, and funny stories that took place over the years were related by Myra Cooper, Ronnie Sellers, Phyllis Clark, and Julia McCormick. Katherine Evans was the emcee. Others serving were Keith Smith, Gaye McCormick, Jerry Smith, and Linda and Emmitt Aaron. Ann Stewart was responsible for arranging the musical entertainment.