HOUSTON — Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner capped off his eight-year term with worship.
He made his last appearance as the city's mayor at the Community of Faith Church in Acres Homes on Sunday.
The church bishop and a series of special guests honored Turner at the end of the service. They thanked him for his contribution to the City of Houston and communities like Acres Homes.
They said they hope mayor-elect John Whitmire will also champion initiatives that will have positive impacts on communities.
It was a celebration for the end of the year and the end of an era for the city.
"The faith that brought me this far is the same faith that will lead me on," Turner said.
Congregants and a list of local and government leaders came together marking the occasion with a church segment “Praising God for 8 years of incredible leadership… Houston has been blessed.”
"Houston not only is still standing, but we are pretty much at the top of the heap," Turner said.
Bishop James Dixon is the head of the church in Acres Homes. It's the same community where Turner was born, raised and still lives.
"The mayor is interested in keeping the spotlight on community that otherwise might not be noticed," Dixon said.
Praising Turner's journey and commitment to marginalized communities like Acres Homes, Dixon said he hopes Whitmire continues that journey.
"Mayor Turner has said very high standard," Dixon said. "He set the bar very high. The community is inspired, and I hope for the community we can continue to work together for economic and social development."
Admittedly, Turner's journey in office had peaks and a few storms -- literally and figuratively -- so, making church his final mayoral appearance was intentional. His faith has guided him and will continue even after he passes the baton.
"What he will find is the greatness of the city is because of the people," Turner said about Whitmire.
Acres Homes is home for Turner and he said he hopes the chapter of his life he spent leading the city inspires another to do good work.