Church bans 103-year-old member who vows to fight back

Lifelong Union Grove Baptist Church member Genora Hamm Biggs has earned the scorn of her pastor, resulting in a ban for the 103-year-old.

As reported in the New York Daily News, Biggs had spoken out against her pastor of six years, the Rev. Tim Mattox, for his sermon style, claiming he is not following the covenant of the Baptist Church.

“He’s a holy, sanctified minister. We are Baptist, and he has divided the church,” she said in the Daily News. “I believe [the ban] is because I do not agree on his sermons. That’s the only reason I can give you.”

Biggs, whose name is etched on the side of the church, was stunned when she received a letter last month saying its members voted her out of the congregation.

“This letter is to inform you that according to the by-laws of the Union Grove Baptist Church, and by vote of the active members, any membership or associations that you have had with this church are now officially revoked,” the letter states, according to the Daily News article.

“I was shocked,” she told the Daily News. “I wasn’t expecting it. I’m not happy they’re trying to put me out at that age.”

Hamm Biggs said she tried sitting down for Sunday services last weekend, but Mattox called the cops.She plans to return again this Sunday.

“Of course I’m going back if I’m able,” she told the News. “That’s where I’ve been all my life. I can’t give it up now.”

Mattox could not be immediately reached for comment and attempts to reach the church Tuesday were unsuccessful.