By Lynn Jones – Springfield’s Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church (MSMBC) debuted its inaugural “Hatitude!” soirée at the Courtyard Marriott in Orange Park, bringing together elegance, fellowship, and a celebration of tradition. Hosted by the MSMBC Deaconess Ministry, the event welcomed women adorned in their finest hats—each one a bold expression of style, personality, and grace.
The Hatitude showcase highlighted a vibrant mix of boutique and church lady style hats, jewelry, and accessories, with select pieces available for purchase to benefit the Deaconess Ministry. A highlight of the afternoon was the hat stroll, where participants showcased their headpieces in front of judges who awarded honors for Most Creative, Crowd Favorite, and Best Design.
Even a few men in attendance couldn’t help but admire the display, vowing to return next year with hats of their own. First Lady Wallete Gundy addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of community service and how events like Hatitude reflect the church’s ongoing commitment to uplifting and supporting its senior community. Beyond fashion, the event paid homage to a longstanding tradition—the elegance and dignity of church women who enter the sanctuary with poise, confidence, and grace. Each hat told a story, reflecting both heritage and individuality. Deaconess Hazel Gillies expressed pride in the event’s success, noting, “These ladies made Hatitude a true success. We’re already looking forward to next year.”
Smiles were plentiful, attitudes were spirited, and the atmosphere reflected both joy and pride. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated brunch featuring an assortment of croissants, fried chicken, grits, and pastries, prepared under the direction of hotel director Kimberly Clark. “My mother is a member of MSMBC, so we had to show up and show out with cuisine fit for queens,” Clark shared.
For more info visit: https://msmbcofjax.org/