On Jan. 14, 2023, during Pastor McCarty’s 90th birthday celebration, Mayor Eric Turpen made a significant announcement. The City of Littlefield would now commemorate every Jan. 14th as National John D. McCarty Day. Fast forward to January 14, 2024, where a celebratory service took place at Peace Deliverance Baptist Church. Family members and friends, including Dwain Morgan from Irving Street Baptist Church, Reginal McDowell from Macedonia Baptist Church in Anton, TX, James Price from New Hope Baptist Church in Amherst, TX, Lew Coleman from New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Ray Travenia from St. John Baptist Church, and Danny Sanders from Littlefield Methodist Church, attended the service.
At 3:00 pm, a special service was conducted in Pastor McCarty’s honor. Johnny Rosemond served as the Master of Ceremonies, Kevin King and the community choir provided the music, Kandy Scales extended the welcome, Shawna Hasting presented the occasion, and Randy McCarty, from El Bethel Baptist Church in Paris, TX, served as the speaker. The theme of the event was “A Servant to All,” inspired by 1 Corinthians 9: 19: “ For though I be free from all men, yet
have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”
The service featured numerous stories about Pastor McCarty, his favorite old songs and hymns, and personal quotes such as “A man is always right in his own eyes” and “Look to the hills, where your help comes from; my help comes from the Lord.” Shawna emphasized the importance of not neglecting the gifts that God had bestowed upon him, while Pastor Morgan remarked, “this is the labor of loving God.” Concluding the service, Pastor McCarty shared words of wisdom and a heartfelt song.
Following the service, a meal was served, featuring baked glazed ham, grilled chicken, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and a variety of bundt cakes.