More than 100 family members, friends and former colleagues gathered Saturday, Oct. 25 at The Westin Hotel to celebrate the 70th birthday and retirement of the Rev. Warren J. Lesane Jr. 

An ordained Presbyterian minister from Mayesville, South Carolina, Lesane dedicated 45 years to ministry. He also spent 28 years as a U.S. Air Force chaplain, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Since 2014, he served as executive and stated clerk for the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) governing body overseeing 14 presbyteries across the D.C. area, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and parts of West Virginia. 

The evening featured musical performances and reflections from representing family, friends, classmates, fraternity brothers and former colleagues. Lesane was also presented with a plaque honoring him as a life member of the NAACP. 

The celebration ended with dancing, mingling and photos. Weekend festivities concluded Sunday with a champagne brunch at The Jefferson Hotel attended by 32 guests.