San Fernando, Ca. Aug 8 - During a city council meeting at San FernandoCity Hall on Monday, Aug. 6, Mayor Julie Ruelas presented Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Perkins with a scroll recognizing the couple's community contributions and commemorating their 55th wedding anniversary.

Since 1952, the couple have donated their time and efforts to build a better community. Ruelas honored Mr. and Mrs. Perkins because of their contributions to their church and community.

The couple has been active members of MountZionBaptistChurch for over 35 years. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have served for over 15 years as deacon and deaconess.

In this capacity, they have administered communion to homebound members, served on the church's boards such as bereavement, pastor aides and ushers. They have also ministered and visited the sick in hospitals and their homes.

For 10-years, Alvin has been an active member of a men's group composed of members from 10 churches in the San Fernando Valley. This group is dedicated to strengthen the Christian bond among men and work toward the betterment of the community.

For many years, Alvin served as the church's groundskeeper until he experienced health problems. In addition, he sang in Mount Zion Baptist Church men's choir. At the age of 79, he continues to volunteer at Greater Community Baptist Church, delivering and distributing food to the community's indigent.

Mr. Perkins is charged with leading a Friday prayer and bible study group at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

On a personal level, Mrs. Perkins volunteers to drive fellow seniors to doctor's appointments at the VeteranHospital and other health care facilities. She has volunteered to go grocery shopping, cook meals and bake goods for those in need.

For countless of years, she has provided baby-sitting services at a minimum cost for single mothers who were struggling to change their circumstances.

For years, she has collected clothes for a women's homeless shelter.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, the couple's seven children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends witnessed Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Perkins renew their vows in the beautiful gardens at Los Angles Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia.

The service was officiated by Reverend Chapman of Greater Community Baptist Church.