Yazoo County Laymen Attend Transformative Walter Cade, Jr. Annual Workshop

This past weekend, from July 25 to 27, 2025, the Yazoo County Laymen an auxiliary of the Yazoo County Brotherhood Association, participated in the Walter Cade, Jr. Annual Workshop held at the Hilton Hotel in Jackson, MS. This event, known as the Walter Cade, Jr. Annual Workshop, is a Southwest regional conference that brings together participants from Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas. This year’s theme was “Changing the Course, Not the Conviction: The Gospel Still Works.” The Walter Cade, Jr. Workshop aims to strengthen and expand the National Baptist Laymen movement by equipping men and women with tools for lay ministry, fostering fellowship through worship and community outreach, exposing attendees to various programs, enhancing spiritual growth, and celebrating unity in Christ across multiple states. 

Over the years, the workshop has built lasting relationships and regional collaboration through banquets, breakout sessions, and shared worship. The atmosphere of worship, teaching, and fellowship of this year’s workshop led to renewed commitment and deeper faith among its participants. The workshop is more than just an event; it blends tradition, teaching, and transformation, fostering unity among laymen from various states. This year, the workshop saw an impressive attendance of approximately 290 individuals, with Mississippi and Alabama leading in attendance.

The following members of the Yazoo County Laymen Walter Cade, Jr. Annual Workshop are (Standing Left to Right): Senator Joseph C. Thomas, Sr., Mike Wilson, Johnny Wilson, Rev. Willie Eugene Smith (Moderator), Ronnie Hall, and Dave Collins (President of the Yazoo County Layman, Association).