It is with great love and compassion for young people that Marie McDaniels of San Francisco Temple created a special celebration saluting their achievements in a Christian environment, known as the Christian Prom. Clytee Hykes, Othello Jamison, and Derotha Hudspeth all work closely with McDaniels to ensure the event’s success. Disturbed by common prom night horror stories, McDaniels felt typical dances held in secular environs left Christian youth no alternatives.
With more than 500 in attendance, the first Christian Prom was held in 1986 at the Henry the VIII Hotel. From 1989 to present, the prom has continued to grow in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Children from Parkway and Jennings High Schools, House of Prayer and other institutions regularly participate in the unique prom, which offers live gospel entertainment.
“It would not be like the school proms, but this would be an event for the saints’ children,” McDaniels said of her vision which she admitted others were reluctant to embrace.
One participant, Cheryl Henderson, remembered that when she was a student, many Christian parents did not allow their children to attend high school proms because they deemed them too ‘worldly’. She said she was later thankful to be able to participate in the Christian Prom, even if it was 10 years after her high school dance.
This is just the kind of testimony McDaniels ultimately hoped for when she created the Christian Prom. Initially she wanted the Christian Prom to be an event where the eighth graders and high school seniors could mingle along with parents, grandparents and church and community members.
Since its inception, the Christian Prom has grown into a spectacular event. On that night, high school seniors and their escorts are chauffeured to the prom in a limousine provided by the Austin Layne Mortuary. The Christian Prom continues to grow and helps to provide a warm, safe and enjoyable atmosphere that allows the children from Christian families to celebrate their accomplishments.
Because of the vision of McDaniels and the hard work and dedication of others including Bishop R.J. Ward and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Hillard Scott, the pastors and members of the Church Of God In Christ brotherhood, pastors and members of the Christian Assembly brotherhood, Austin Layne Mortuary, Ted Foster and Sons Funeral Home, Wade Funeral Home, Batteast Lawn Service and the community, the Christian Prom will continue to be a success for many years to come.
Dr. McDaniels’ dream to keep high school graduates safe on prom night has touched many lives because of her undying support of the youth and her willingness to allow the saints’ children the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments in a Christian setting.
The San Francisco Temple 20th Annual Christian Prom will be held on Saturday, June 10 2006 at 6 p.m. at McDaniels Fellowship Hall, 10185 Halls Ferry Rd. Oscar Williams Jr. and Perfected Praise will provide the entertainment. For reservation information call (314) 388-3300.
