Meet Elder Peggy Norton, Pastor of Encouraging Souls Ministry, Inc.
Growing up in the Christian home of the late John W. and Edna E. Cevis and being the youngest of six, Elder Peggy Norton, embraced love and how to treat others with respect. She has always felt that God created her to encourage and help bring out the best in people, so it was her personal vow and commitment to make that happen for those in her life. Elder Peggy's journey led her to form and serve as an advisor for the Inter-denominational Fellowship youth and young adults Ministry for over 15
years. While serving as advisor, she orchestrated a 50 (+) member choir with people from Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties, between the ages of 10 to 35(+). This choir ministered and held performances throughout the surrounding counties and states. She was instrumental in sponsoring Christian retreats to provide sound doctrine and guidance to pre-teens and teens as they transition to life's adventures. Her community involvement led Elder Peggy to be recognized by the Mayor of the City of Aberdeen, MD where she was appointed to serve as the City’s Faith-Based Coordinator for two years. Accepting this responsibility allowed Elder Peggy to work in the community and gain much respect from many great Pastors and Leaders of all denominations.
For 47 years Peggy attended St James U.A.M.E. Church, Darlington Maryland, where she received her foundation for Christian Discipleship. She served in the offices of: Pastor Steward, Church School Superintendent, Trustee, and Hospitality President. She was also a faithful member of the various choirs, a dedicated pew warmer and participated in many other committees.
In August of 2000, the Lord led her to be elevated and be reacquainted with “Who He Really Is”, by becoming a member of Elohistic Ministries, (formerly Solomon’s Temple) of Aberdeen, Maryland. On November 16, 2012, under the tutelage of the late Apostle Marguerite Windley, the Lord elevated her again as an Elder and she acclaimed the position of Executive Pastor of Elohistic Ministries.
On December 7, 2014, Elder Peggy, was given the opportunity to appear on the local radio station WAMD. Thereafter she appeared each Sunday morning to bring words of Encouragement through the" Lifting The Heart Broadcast”. God’s plans for Elder Peggy were moving in accordance with His perfect will. On July 21, 2016, Apostle Windley went home to be with the Lord and Elder Peggy continued to serve Eholistic Ministries in the capacity of the Executive Pastor for a brief time. The Lord then awakened His promise in her to minister to His people whose souls have been damaged, and to encourage those that have been discouraged. So, on February 17, 2017, Encouraging Souls Ministry, Inc. was established to let God’s people know that even in their brokenness there is a blessing. On May 13, 2017, Elder Peggy Norton was installed and consecrated as the Pastor of Encouraging Souls Ministry, Inc by the Archbishop Jeremiah D. Fowler, Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Orthodox Church Fellowship, Inc. based in Ellicott City, MD.
Elder Peggy plans to continue her journey in ministry with her husband Eugene of 47 years, three sons, Eugene II, Kevin and Prentice, 12 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Elder Peggy believes that every situation she endeavored has proven that her favorite song, “God Has Always Stood by My Side” is her testament of God’s promise, Psalm 124: 1&2 (A song of degrees of David)
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us.