MARYLAND, Hanover – A large congregation turned up Sunday at the United Church in this small community to celebrate with Esrene Taylor on her 100th birthday.

Resplendent in a white suite with bold gold accents and a hat to match, Taylor, a former postmistress, sat on the pulpit with her granddaughter, Beverley Vassel and listened keenly as the Rev Treverton Ferguson delivered the message.

The Rev Ferguson said that Taylor, who was born on April 29, 1906, was indeed blessed to live to see 100, noting that she was a virtual treasure having lived through both world wars. He encouraged the younger members of the congregation to be obedient to the Almighty in order to experience the benefits of a long life.

After the sermon, the church’s eight-member choir led the way out to the new sign that had been erected in Taylor’s honour.

“Every time we look at the sign we will remember that there are long-livers at Maryland,” said the Rev Ferguson as he unveiled the sign.

The congregation then moved on to the Maryland All-Age Shool where a celebration in Taylor’s honour was just held.

“We going on ’till sunset,” said her grandson Dalton Taylor, who had prepared a huge feast of chicken, pork, fish, gizzadas, cheesecake and potato pudding for the many guests who came for the occasion.

Taylor, who has four children and 12 grandchildren, keeps relatively good health.