Ethel J. Bryant has devoted her life to ministry. Feeding the hungry, clothing the poor and other forms of humanitarian and Christian outreach are Bryant’s life work.

Having received many accolades for her service to others, Bryant was recognized by the City of Washington in 2010. Wednesday marks the five-year anniversary of receiving a key to the city and Oct. 21 named “Pastor Ethel J. Bryant Day” in Washington.

At that time, Bryant was summoned to attend a program at Washington High School designed to honor those who had given back to the community extensively, she said. During the program, then Washington Mayor Archie Jennings presented Bryant with the key and declared her own personal day of the year, which happens to also be her birthday.

“I have a lot of accolades, but I do what I do because I love to do it,” Bryant said. “It’s not what I get out of it. I just love God and people. From the works I had done, they gave me a key to the city.”

In recent decades, Bryant has received many awards for her ongoing service: humanitarian awards from the state, community service awards, commendation from Beaufort County Schools for 25 years of service; an award for outstanding musical service; the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 from Mt. Calvary United Holy Church, where she was a member and served in every capacity except pastor; and most recently, she was given the Kentucky Colonel Award from the Governor of Kentucky for service to its communities, according to Bryant.

Bryant said she dedicated her life to Christ in 1966 and ever since, has made it her life’s work to spread the message and teachings of Christ, as well as minister to those in need.

“My life has never been the same, and my spiritual growth has a lot to do with the love that flows from me,” Bryant said. “I’m a firm believer that love should flow from every believer. When (people) meet you, they should see Christ in your life, and it just brings me the greatest joy that today might be the only hug (someone) got was from me. Christ has really made a difference in my life.”

Bryant, an ordained pastor for 22 years in two different churches, has accumulated quite a resume over the past 50 years: in the 1970s, she conducted many choir and music workshops throughout the region and was featured on TV, radio and records, along with several gospel music legends like Mighty Clouds of Joy, Shirley Caesar and others; in the 1980s, she visited the Bahamas and conducted street revivals and music workshops; in 1988, she was named “Pastor of the Year” by the United Holy Church of America, Inc., based in Greensboro, where she served on the board of elders in the New Bern branch of UHC’s Southern District; and she organized a choir group that traveled to churches to do concerts. The 50-member choir group would get 40 percent of all revenues it would earn, and other than travel expenses, it would donate all its proceeds to helping those in need in the community with rent, utilities, food and other basic needs, Bryant said.

“Whatever the need was, we did our best to meet it,” Bryant said. “I was feeding the hungry, clothing the naked  —whatever the needs were in ministry, I would do it. I ministered to (people) not just from the pulpit, but also on a one-on-one basis.”

Bryant continues reaching out to those in need today. Not only does she aid area seniors by transporting them to and from doctor’s appointments, taking them out to eat and other door-to-door ministries, but she also serves area churches in missions and ministries and fills in for churches when they need a pastor, Bryant said. She conducts a prayer ministry and a texting ministry for those in need, frequently giving out her phone number so those that need help can reach out to her, she said.

With a desire spread hope through her ministries, Bryant is still going strong, as a woman in her 80s, and continues to set an example for others through her humanitarian efforts.

“To me, to see people come out of whatever situation they’re in — if I can help them in any way or help them to find Christ and even if they happen to not accept Him, if I can at least plant a seed in them, it brings me joy,” Bryant said. “I get joy from helping people in the name of the Lord. I feel like it enriches my life to be able to reach out and help someone. While I’m here, I want to be able to bring joy to others.”

To contact Ethel J. Bryant, call or text 252-402-3509.