Pastor Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson was honored on Sunday for his half century of service at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.

Parishioners, community members and elected officials gathered for the event, quickly filling up the large church. The jubilee lasted for three hours, incorporating a choir and dance ministry.

"To be able to have a congregation that is so devoted and so committed has made me much more effective than I could have ever been," Dr. Richardson said.

Elected officials including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard and others also spoke at the event.

"Particularly now when we need hope and clarity of purpose, not only for our people, but for our community, and you have played a pivotal role of meeting the needs of this church and this community," said New York State Attorney General Leticia James.

"You have done a beautiful job with grace. What you have done for over 50 years...we all see it. We all admire it," said Rep. George Latimer.

Moving forward, Dr. Richardson says he hopes to continue with community activism and serving his long-time parish.