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Elder Tyson to lead Wagner’s church
By Jordan Cohen
YOUNGSTOWN
District Elder C. Shawn Tyson has been officially installed as pastor and his wife, Krista, as first lady of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, the same church led by his father in the 1960s.
Elder Tyson, 45, succeeds Bishop Norman Wagner, the church’s pastor of nearly 40 years, who died last January at age 68.
Before Saturday’s ceremony, Elder Tyson acknowledged the work done by his predecessor.
“I am greatly humbled by the opportunity that has been presented to me by Calvary and God to succeed one of the greatest leaders of all time,” Elder Tyson said. “I am coming to a church that has been prepared and positioned for greatness.”
“Welcome to Youngs-town, also known as the city of God,” said Mayor Jay Williams in remarks during the service.
“Calvary is getting a good man,” said Elder Tyson’s brother, Bishop J. Laverne Tyson of Indianapolis, one of many speakers at the installation.
Elder Tyson had been serving as district elder at his father and brother’s church in Indianapolis before the local congregation elected him pastor. His father, now bishop of Christ Church Apostolic in Indianapolis, had been pastor at Mount Calvary from 1966 to 1971.
More than 300 people attended the investiture at Stambaugh Auditorium, which featured a number of bishops from Calvary Ministries International. A combined choir from Mount Calvary and the Indianapolis church provided the music.
“We’ve come home to minister to the people who ministered to me,” said Bishop Tyson, the new pastor’s father. “I’m installing my son, and it’s an awesome feeling.”
At the conclusion of the service, the younger Tyson donned the ministerial clothing of white robes and a purple stole. His father anointed him with oil according to the traditions of the church.
“You’re here because God sent you here,” said Bishop Paul Bowers of Cincinnati.
Geverna Barone, one of Mount Calvary’s ministers, said the consecration of Elder Tyson will enable the congregation to finally move on from Bishop Wagner’s death.
“We were in mourning, but now we are healing, and this is all part of the process,” she said.
Elder Tyson’s duties will not be limited to Mount Calvary. He is an international evangelist and expects to continue conducting revivals and seminars. He also is an accomplished organist.
He and his wife have a son, James, 19, a student at Youngstown State University.