Reports are catastrophic damage in Escambia County and especially on NAS Pensacola. Family and I are in Jacksonville awaiting news of when we can return to base (our home is on base). My fear is all is gone but I hope and trust in the Lord who will sustain in all circumstances.
Appreciate all you do.
Chaplain John Morrison
850-554-5285
5. THE REVEREND WILLIAM H. SMITH GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT THE EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (117) preached from the scripture text Genesis 39:30 using the Theme: "Through It All".
Pastoral Appointments that were signed by the bishop indicated that they were appointed for one year. Those pastors who appointments merely were initialed by the bishop will probably be appointed to another charge at the 13th Episcopal District’s Planning meeting. The bishop is waiting on God's Holy Spirit to give direction to fill those charges where retirements took place.
The Rev. James Rose may have one more year before he retires.
My old friend Rev. Elmer Martin visited the East Conference. (I’m hearing that he wants to come back to the 13th.)
Congratulations to Rev. Sheila Harris on her being appointed pastor of Powell Chapel AME Church.
I spoke with several friends who were worn out from the session today.
Pastor Terrance Mayes and the Bethel Chattanooga, TN Church family is to be commended for the manner in which the Annual Conference was hosted.
Pray for the family of a 51-year-old who was overtaken by throat cancer on yesterday. I’m scheduled to meet with the survivors at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004.
Do remember Mabel Aiden, well in her 90’s, The hospital staff at Maury Regional is doing what they can to make her comfortable.
Please continue to pray for Willa Smith and her spouse, William.
Be Blessed!
WHS
For Immediate Release Contact: Chris Jordan
September 17, 2004 (323) 564-0410
6. GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH, WATTS COMMUNITY "PREGNANT" WITH PROMISE:
GROUNDBREAKING SLATED FOR NOON ON OCT. 4
>
>LOS ANGELES - (September 17, 2004) - As an expectant mother carefully
>prepares for the birth of her child, so should the members of Grant
>African Methodist Episcopal Church prepare for the "birth" of the Imani
>Fe Courtyard
>in Watts on Monday, Oct. 4 at noon.
>
>That was the metaphor the Rev. Leslie R. White used in announcing the
>"pregnancy" of the $30 million mixed-use development to his
>congregation
>
>earlier this month.
>
>The project expanses 2.4 acres on the east and west sides of Central
>Avenue between 103rd and 107th Streets, and caps nearly 100 years of
>Grant's service to South Los Angeles.
>
>White likened the prenatal care for a newborn to the prayer and fasting
>that will be required from each member before "delivery."
>
>"We are truly excited about this addition to the Grant family," he told
>the Central Avenue congregation of more than 2,000 parishioners, "but
>we must
>remain prayerful, vigilant and Christ-minded as our delivery date
>nears."
>
>Representatives of the mayor's office and the Community Redevelopment
>Agency are expected to be among the more than 300 local, county and
>state leaders,
>and residents and well-wishers in attendance at the groundbreaking
>celebration.
>
>The $12 million residential phase - Imani Fe East and Imani Fe West -
>offers 65 four-bedroom apartments and 1,500 square-feet of community
>space, while
>the remaining $18 million is intended to develop senior living
>accommodations, commercial and retail business.
>
>Members of the Grant family couldn't be more proud.
>
>"Rev. White is the latest in a litany of civic-minded pastors who have
>been assigned to Grant since we were founded in 1906," explained Ola
>Mae Toler, a
>long time member of the Church and a resident of the community for more
>than
>50 years.
>
>"It does my heart good to see the Church upholding that legacy."
>
>But for White and Chris Jordan, executive director of the Grant Housing
>and Economic Development Corporation, the agency that oversees the
>project, it
>sometimes seemed as though the long-anticipated "delivery" would never
>come.
>
>"We've overcome significant obstacles from the initial conception for
>housing, retail and community space to be able to announce a
>groundbreaking," Jordan said, citing pledges from city leaders that
>went
>
>unfulfilled and challenges in obtaining the development's present level
>of funding.
>
>Despite the obstacles, White and Jordan remained undeterred in their
>vision for a revitalized Watts community.
>
>Two years ago, GHEDC was awarded a $2 million Community Development
>Block Grant-funds used to acquire land along the Central Avenue
>Corridor.
>
>With the support of development consultants The Archeon Group and
>American Housing Construction, the team was also successful in
>obtaining a $12 million California tax credit allocation in the fall of
>2003.
>
>"Grant and the GHEDC proudly stand as a testimony of what God can do
>when we remain faithful to our calling," Jordan said, noting that the
>9-percent tax
>credits are considered the most competitive funding source offered for
>affordable housing construction.
>
>Besides overseeing the Imani Fe Courtyard development, GHEDC presently
>administers "Education Plus," an After-school Community Training
>Services Program serving area students in the third through twelfth
>grades.
>
>"Students are tutored nightly for three hours in reading, mathematics
>and self-enhancement curricula with subjects ranging from conflict
>resolution to
>cultural exposure," said Ebony Malbry, a teacher with the program for
>three
>years.
>
>Graduates of Education Plus are "better equipped to sustain employment,
>and positive social interaction with others, and to serve as role
>models in the
>Watts community," she said.
>
>GHEDC also sponsors college scholarships for high school seniors and
>has
>
>conceived of plans for an expanded worship facility for the Church.
>
>"We believe the housing, the economic development and the educational
>services currently offered and being planned will assist individuals
>who do not have access to these services to gain the requisite
>knowledge and further equip them for a productive and fulfilling
>lives," Jordan said.
>
>
>About Imani Fe Courtyard
>The $30 million multi-use project will redevelop 2.4 acres between
>103rd and 107th Streets on Central Avenue in Watts. It is the largest
>development of
>its type in South Los Angeles in more than two decades. Ground breaking
>on
>the 108,000 square-foot residential phase of the project - made
>possible by
>a $2 million federal grant for land acquisition and $12 million in
state
>tax
>credits - will occur on Monday, Oct. 4 at noon. The initial phase,
named
>
>"Imani Fe" for the Swahili and Spanish words for "faith," boasts of 65
>multi-family four-bedroom apartments and is scheduled for completion in
>the fourth quarter of 2005. Future phases focus on senior living and
>commercial
>retail space, adding in excess of 60 permanent jobs.
>
>About GHEDC
>The Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation was founded in
>1992 and strives to create viable and community-controlled economic
>bases in South Los Angeles. The GHEDC actively identifies, researches
>and engages in
>community economic development, with a special emphasis on the Central
>Avenue Corridor of the Watts community. Projects presently underway or
>in
>the works include the development of low-cost housing, small-business
>incubation, day care programs and educational opportunities for youth
>and
>adults. Chris Jordan has served as Executive Director since November
>2000.
>
>About Grant A.M.E. Church
>Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1906 in a
>one-room house on Manhattan Street (now 113th Street), and bears the
>name of the Right Rev. Abraham Grant, presiding bishop at the time. The
>congregation
>of more than 2,000 parishioners has worshiped in its existing facility
>at
>10435 South Central Avenue since the mid-1950s and has seen two of its
>pastors - the Reverends Henry W. Murph and John H. Adams - elected to
>Episcopal Service. The Rev. Leslie R. White has served as pastor since
>November 1994.
>
>###
>
>Media Contacts:
>The Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church, and Chris
>Jordan, executive director of the Grant Housing and Economic
>Development Corporation, are available for interviews by contacting the
>Church office at
>(323) 564-1151.
7. LOCAL CHURCH TO BREAK GROUND ON INITIAL PHASE OF $30 MILLION MULTI-USE
DEVELOPMENT; VENTURE WILL ADD JOBS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WATTS
LOS ANGELES - (September 17, 2004) - In a community still reeling from
the
devastating effects of the race riots of the 1960s and 1990s, a beacon
of
light is emerging.
On Monday, Oct. 4 at noon, Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church will
break ground on the residential phase of Imani Fe Courtyard, a $30
million
multi-use development along Central Avenue in Watts.
"Through the Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation, we are
spearheading a major renovation, revitalization and development of the
Central Avenue Corridor," explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of
Grant since 1994.
"It is the largest multi-use facility to be developed in Watts in the
past
20 years," he said, and Grant's "single largest investment in the
community
in its near-century of service."
More than 300 local, county and state leaders, as well as residents and
well-wishers are expected to attend the celebration at the site,
including
representatives from the mayor's office and the Community Redevelopment
Agency.
The $12 million Phase I - Imani Fe East and Imani Fe West - promises 65
multi-family, four-bedroom apartments and 1,500 square-feet of community
space. The phase, totaling 108,000 square-feet, is slated for completion
in
the fourth quarter of 2005.
The remaining $18 million is earmarked for senior living accommodations
and
approximately 11,000 square-feet of commercial space - enough for a
family-sized restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several
small businesses.
Equally as important, Imani Fe Courtyard will add more than 60
critically
needed permanent jobs and will employ hundreds of others during the
construction.
According to GHEDC Executive Director Chris Jordan, funding for the
project
is the result of years of incessant lobbying in Los Angeles and
Sacramento,
resulting in a $12 million California tax credit allocation in the fall
of
2003.
Tax credits bolster business development by reducing the corporate tax
burden. At 9-percent, the credits are considered the most competitive
funding source available in affordable housing construction.
"We are actively seeking the remaining $1.2 million from federal, state,
local and private sources," said Jordan, noting unsuccessful attempts to
obtain City funds in recent months. "We are confident these sources will
be
identified in the very near future."
He was careful to note that the shortfall will not hinder construction
of
the residential phase, pointing to the group's success in obtaining a $2
million federal Community Development Block Grant in 2002.
The CDBG funds are being used for land acquisition along the east and
west
sides of Central Avenue between 103rd and 107th Streets, hence the
"East"
and "West" designations of Imani Fe.
The name "Imani Fe" arose from a need to "create a name that would
symbolize
the theme and goal of the development and that is to inspire faith in
our
community," Jordan said.
"Imani Fe" is the combination of "Imani" and "Fe," the Swahili and
Spanish
words for "faith," respectively, considering Watts is roughly 50-percent
Black and 50-percent Hispanic.
"The Bible teaches us that 'We walk by faith and not by sight,'" Jordan
said. "We know that by faith that the African-American and Hispanic
communities here in Watts can continue to work together to achieve our
common goals."
Elements of the need for continued collaboration can be seen even in the
intricacies of the project's architecture.
The planned "reverence walks" - shaded courtyards embedded in both Imani
Fe
East and West - for example, are to be ornamented with plaques, busts
and
other creative expressions by local artists to commemorate the cultural
contribution of local African-American and Hispanic leaders.
Likewise, the "expert use of lighting" to draw the attention of
commuters
along Central Avenue has a "welcoming effect," said Sean Gaston, a
member of
the GHEDC executive board. "Imani Fe is meant to indicate a larger
renewing
of the economic identity of the community."
It's that type of commitment to community harmony and collective
empowerment
that makes GHEDC the type of program to "emulate in other parts of the
county and state," explained Jonathan Kevlas, regional director of the
Community Redevelopment Agency.
"We are pleased to partner with the GHEDC to make all phases of Imani Fe
successful," he said.
"GHEDC has made great strides in its mission to provide leadership in
the
economic development and educational empowerment of the residents of
Watts,"
Gaston added.
"From job creation, to affordable housing, to educational opportunities
for
residents and their children, we are confident that the community will
continue to reap the rewards of our labors for many years to come."
About Imani Fe Courtyard
The $30 million multi-use project will redevelop 2.4 acres between 103rd
and
107th Streets on Central Avenue in Watts. It is the largest development
of
its type in South Los Angeles in more than two decades. Ground breaking
on
the 108,000 square-foot residential phase of the project - made
possible by
a $2 million federal grant for land acquisition and $12 million in state
tax
credits - will occur on Monday, Oct. 4 at noon. The initial phase, named
"Imani Fe" for the Swahili and Spanish words for "faith," boasts of 65
multi-family four-bedroom apartments and is scheduled for completion in
the
fourth quarter of 2005. Future phases focus on senior living and
commercial
retail space, adding in excess of 60 permanent jobs.
About GHEDC
The Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation was founded in
1992
and strives to create viable and community-controlled economic bases in
South Los Angeles. The GHEDC actively identifies, researches and engages
in
community economic development, with a special emphasis on the Central
Avenue Corridor of the Watts community. Projects presently underway or
in
the works include the development of low-cost housing, small-business
incubation, day care programs and educational opportunities for youth
and
adults. Chris Jordan has served as Executive Director since November
2000.
About Grant A.M.E. Church
Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1906 in a
one-room house on Manhattan Street (now 113th Street), and bears the
name of
the Right Rev. Abraham Grant, presiding bishop at the time. The
congregation
of more than 2,000 parishioners has worshiped in its existing facility
at
10435 South Central Avenue since the mid-1950s and has seen two of its
pastors - the Reverends Henry W. Murph and John H. Adams - elected to
Episcopal Service. The Rev. Leslie R. White has served as pastor since
November 1994.
###
Media Contacts:
The Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church, and Chris
Jordan,
executive director of the Grant Housing and Economic Development
Corporation, are available for interviews by contacting the Church
office at
(323) 564-1151.
8. $30 MILLION MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENT TO TRANSFORM THE
CENTRAL AVENUE CORRIDOR, SPARK THE "HARLEM RENAISSANCE OF THE WEST"
LOS ANGELES - (September 17, 2004) - Move over Harlem. Watts is
undergoing a
present-day "renaissance" of its own.
The impoverished minority community nestled in South Los Angeles - much
like
its sister community in the boroughs of New York - is experiencing a
resurgence of excitement with the recent announcement of a $30 million
mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial and retail
space.
"It's the 'Harlem Renaissance of the West' occurring right here on
Central
Avenue" explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant African
Methodist Episcopal Church at 10435 South Central Avenue in Watts.
On Monday, Oct. 4, White and the Grant Housing and Economic Development
Corporation will break ground on the residential phase of Imani Fe
Courtyard, an aesthetically pleasing and desperately needed development
between 103rd and 107th streets in Watts.
Imani Fe East and Imani Fe West, to be located on the east and west
sides of
Central Avenue in the target area, features 65 multi-family,
four-bedroom
apartments totaling approximately 108,000 square-feet.
Named "Imani Fe" for the Swahili and Spanish words for "faith," planners
forecast the development will create more than 60 permanent jobs.
And that doesn't include the hundreds of employment opportunities
available
during the construction phase, or the minority-owned businesses that are
expected to benefit from the lucrative construction contracts.
All this for a section of the city that desperately lacks new affordable
housing, has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, and in
some
places, still bears the scars of the race riots which occurred here
decades
ago.
More importantly, explained GHEDC Executive Director Chris R. Jordan,
"Imani
Fe positively alters the image of the community," offering a heightened
sense of pride among residents and providing the framework for continued
redevelopment.
Along the eastern seaboard, property values are slowly moving higher,
people
are moving from welfare to work and pride is being restored. Even former
President Bill Clinton took note of the turnaround in choosing to locate
his
official offices in Harlem.
Given the tremendous interest that's being generated in Imani Fe and the
type of partnerships that have been forged through the process, Jordan
asserts that the same type of economic impact may soon be said of the
Central Avenue Corridor in Watts.
"GHEDC is committed to develop itself into a model of community economic
development and empowerment," he said. "We're only seeing a glimpse of
what's in store for Watts through the efforts of GHEDC."
Among other things, plans are on the drawing board for one- and
two-bedroom
housing for seniors, significant commercial space and an expanded Grant
Church.
"At one time, both Harlem and Watts had been written-off as being
'economically depressed' and 'hopeless,'" White added. "Yet, both
communities are inextricably linked to the African-American experience
in
this country."
"So we're writing new a new chapter in Watts history - a chapter of
renewed
hope and revitalization. It's a great day for Grant and it's a great day
for
Watts!"
About Imani Fe Courtyard
The $30 million multi-use project will redevelop 2.4 acres between 103rd
and
107th Streets on Central Avenue in Watts. It is the largest development
of
its type in South Los Angeles in more than two decades. Ground breaking
on
the 108,000 square-foot residential phase of the project - made
possible by
a $2 million federal grant for land acquisition and $12 million in state
tax
credits - will occur on Monday, Oct. 4 at noon. The initial phase, named
"Imani Fe" for the Swahili and Spanish words for "faith," boasts of 65
multi-family four-bedroom apartments and is scheduled for completion in
the
fourth quarter of 2005. Future phases focus on senior living and
commercial
retail space, adding in excess of 60 permanent jobs.
About GHEDC
The Grant Housing and Economic Development Corporation was founded in
1992
and strives to create viable and community-controlled economic bases in
South Los Angeles. The GHEDC actively identifies, researches and engages
in
community economic development, with a special emphasis on the Central
Avenue Corridor of the Watts community. Projects presently underway or
in
the works include the development of low-cost housing, small-business
incubation, day care programs and educational opportunities for youth
and
adults. Chris Jordan has served as Executive Director since November
2000.
About Grant A.M.E. Church
Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1906 in a
one-room house on Manhattan Street (now 113th Street), and bears the
name of
the Right Rev. Abraham Grant, presiding bishop at the time. The
congregation
of more than 2,000 parishioners has worshiped in its existing facility
at
10435 South Central Avenue since the mid-1950s and has seen two of its
pastors - the Reverends Henry W. Murph and John H. Adams - elected to
Episcopal Service. The Rev. Leslie R. White has served as pastor since
November 1994.
###
Media Contacts:
The Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church, and Chris
Jordan,
executive director of the Grant Housing and Economic Development
Corporation, are available for interviews by contacting the Church
office at
(323) 564-1151.
9. THREE AME MINISTERS RECEIVE DOCTORAL DEGREES:
It is a glorious and praise worthy for three ministers of the 10th Episcopal District. The Revs. Sheryl Matlock, Cornelius Hudson, and LaVerne Whitehead Reed respectively have received earned doctoral degrees (Doctor of Ministry) from Vision International University. These three are the first AME ministers to graduate from Vision. Graduating on June 26, 2004 at the Calvary Cathedral in Irving just days before the opening worship of the 47th Session of the General Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Matlock serves as the Senior Pastor of St. James AME Church in Denton, Texas. The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson serves as the Assistant Director of Christian Education in the 10th Episcopal District and Associate Pastor at Wesley Chapel AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed serves as Dean of the Chapel at Paul Quinn College and Dean/Registrar for the 10th District Department of Christian Education.
The standard of having an educated pulpit should never interfere with growth and development of the AME Church. The pastor should be the “resident theologian†in the church to equip and edify the church for work of Christ. We are encouraged that there are individuals who are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and money to further their education beyond the requirements of our church. Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Sheryl Matlock, The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson, and The Rev. Dr. LaVerne Whitehead Reed on your degrees.
10. 2004 - 2005 CONNECTIONAL MEETINGS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. EXTRACTED FROM THE OFFICIAL AME CHURCH WEBSITE (ame-church.com) WHERE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND:
November 15-16
Meeting of the Compilation Committee
AME Sunday School Union
Nashville, Tennessee
December 3-5, 2004
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.’S
Leadership Planning Retreat
The Embassy Suites Hotel
400 Convention Boulevard
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 624-9200
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO+ P.K.’S
DECEMBER 6-8, 2004
GENERAL BOARD / BISHOP’S COUNCIL MEETING
The General Board and Council of Bishops, will meet in Nashville, TN, Monday,
December 6th through December 8, 2004.
2005
JANUARY 11-14, 2005
DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
EVANGELISM WORKSHOP PLANNING SESSION
Myrtle Beach, SC
Dr. James Wade, Executive Director
FEBRUARY 3-5, 2005
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDERS’ DAY
APRIL 7-9, 2005
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING, Houston, TX, Jesse Burns, Jr., President
JUNE 23-26, 2005
RAYAC CONNECTIONAL YOUNG ADULT CONCLAVE
First A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, CA, Host Church
Bishop John R. Bryant, Host/Presiding Bishop
Online Registration will begin October 1, 2004 go to: www.rayac.org
To be placed on mailing list contact: t.sims@rayac.org Jerry Turner, Jr., Connectional President
JULY 24-29, 2005
CONNECTIONAL LAY BIENNIAL
Hilton Americus Hotel, Houston, Texas
Jesse Burns, Jr., President
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE NOTE
A strategic planning update will be provided to the General Board. You may attend the General Board meeting as an observer at your own expense (unless of course you are already a General Board Member)
