THOMASVILLE- Rev. Clarence Hedrington was recognized with a proclamation during a recent city council meeting after his years of pastoring to the community and abroad.

Councilman Terry Scott presented the proclamation to Hedrington while sharing an anecdote about his interactions with the well-known reverend.

“When I first moved back to Thomasville, one of the first people I ran into was Bishop Burns,” he said. “The second person was Bishop Hedrington.”

Scott went on to say Hedrington introduced him to numerous ministries in Thomasville, even helping Scott build his own ministry.

During his time with Scott, Hedrington made many suggestions, something Scott said he was most appreciative of.

“In the ministry when he would council you, he wouldn’t tell you what to do, he would suggest it to you,” Scott explained. “He opens your mind up to what he’s trying to say, but leaves the decision ultimately up to you.”

More than anything, Scott respected Hedrington as a man of God.

“For the years I’ve known him, he’s been a man of God,” Scott said. “He’s established ministries in the Caribbean, the islands, and throughout different countries. He has influenced me greatly in my ministry.”

After sharing his gratitude to Hedrington, Scott read the proclamation, which outlined the life of Hedrington and his accomplishments.

According to the proclamation, Hedrington gave his life to Christ in 1962, before beginning a lifetime of service to God’s kingdom.

“In 1967, Clarence Hedrington was called by the Lord to shepherd a flock through preaching, church planning, and sharing the gospel with his congregation,” the proclamation read.

Following his divine calling in 1967, Hedrington built more than 17 churches in the Caribbean and the United States.

In 1973, Hedrington acquired the property to build the headquarters of the Virgin Islands Baptist Mission, something he said he was called to do by the Lord.

“The Virgin Islands Bible Institute was created in 1976 with the gospel of the mission being to train pastors and church leaders,” the proclamation continued.

After years of work in the Virgin Islands, Hedrington relocated to Florida in 1996, continuing his work and devotion to the Lord. He built another church in Lake Worth, Fla. in 2001, providing training and church leadership.

However, his work was not done.

In 2006, Hedrington made his final move to Thomasville, joining the Thomas County Baptist Association. It was there he decided to establish his last church, New Day Christian Fellowship, which was erected in 2012.

Hedrington’s dedication to the Lord’s calling earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, with the City of Thomasville recognizing his efforts on January 13, 2025.

“The City of Thomasville congratulates you and thanks you and thanks God for all you have accomplished for His glory and all you have done for this community,” the proclamation concluded.

Hedrington was met with a round of applause from Council members and attendees, as Scott handed him the framed work.