Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
The winner is…! Dr. Bill Dickens who posed the question, shares his thoughts about who should be declared the winner:
“The correct year I was looking for was indeed 1904. I thought it was obvious that the original question implied Quadrennial General Conference and not Special Sessions.
Now, according to the Richard Allen Museum, Bishop David Henry Sims was the 55th elected and consecrated bishop (elected in 1932) and served 33 years. I'm confused by the reference to Sims name and the number of bishops expelled in 1946. Sims served well beyond 1946. Now it is true that Bishop Curry, the 60th elected and consecrated bishop, elected in 1940, served only 6 years. The end of his tenure on the bench coincides with the expulsion vote of 1946. Presiding Elder Williams makes an interesting case but it is in my opinion a noteworthy footnote, not a correct answer. Special Sessions are, by definition, not Quadrennial General Conferences. Bishop Sims was not expelled in 1946.
I vote to give the gift book to the subscriber who correctly identified the year as 1904.
However, in the true spirit of Christian collegiality we all benefited from Presiding Elder Williams’ timely entry. His contribution merits a "runner-up" award. If you have an extra copy of Bishop Nichols’ book pass it on to Reverend Williams.
Bro. Bill Dickens
Asst. District Church School Superintendent
Tallahassee District
Tallahassee, Florida
Editor’s Comment:
According to the Encyclopaedia of African Methodism compiled by Bishop R. R. Wright, page 19, Bishop D. H. Sims was indeed expelled at the extra session of the General Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We would appreciate If Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer or any other “historian” of African Methodism would clarify the issue of Bishop Sims’ tenure.
- Dr. Sydnor
I know I can't win the prize because I work in Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie’s office here at the AME Publishing House and I had the assistance of several General Officers; but I found the trivia question quite fascinating and it gave me an opportunity to study some AME History during Black History Month. Thank you.
The answer to the question of when was the last time we held a General Conference when no Bishops were elected was 1904. During the conference the delegates considered legislation, worshipped and elected/re-elected some General Officers. During his opening address at the 1904 Quadrennial General Conference, Bishop Cornelius T. Shaffer's recommended that the General Conference not elect any new Bishops because the Church had enough bishops to superintend the work of the Church; so no bishops were elected.
I would like to thank Dr. Dennis Dickerson for giving me access to and for reviewing the minutes of the 1904 General Conference with me.
Kindest Regards
The Rev. Tyronda Howse Burgess
Executive Aide to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
- Dear Editor Sydnor,
There is no doubt that Presiding Elder Sidney Williams is one of the sharpest minds in the Church, and has served on the General Board for 32 years. Since he answered the question, and provided the fine details surrounding the special session, he should be given the prize, hands down; I learned something, from his answer.
Valerie Gary Bell
General Board
2nd Episcopal District
- One of the responses received surmised that Presiding Elder Williams may have been present at the 1946 called session of the General Conference. Appended below is his response:
“My Father attended the called-session of the General Conference held in Little Rock. He was a true friend of Bishop Monroe H. Davis and stood with him faithfully. Dad was severely penalized for his fidelity to Bishop Davis. He was demoted and was reassigned from Mt. Moriah AME Church, Annapolis, Maryland to St. Paul AME Church, Newport News, Virginia. Another supporter of Bishop Davis, the Reverend J. E. Reese was reassigned from Bethel AME, Baltimore to Bethel AME Church, Hampton, Virginia. There were others who were punished also. The AME Church accepted negative actions of reprisal in those days. The Minister’s Bill of Rights was not a part of Church law at that time. Dad never regretted the price that he paid. He instilled in me that manhood requires a willingness to stand on principle and that no price is too high. It greatly affected my life. I was not thinking about ministry at that time. It was a seed sown that bore fruit many seasons later.
Forgive me for the personal reflection. I needed to revisit those moments of years ago.”
SWW
- The Winners:
Sister Delores Kennedy-Williams
5th Connectional President
Women’s Missionary Society,
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Reverend Dr. Sidney Williams,
Presiding Elder
The Richmond, Roanoke, Portsmouth District of the
Virginia Annual Conference
2. AME HISTORY
The Christian Recorder Online is instituting a question and answer forum, from time to time, in hopes of raising the awareness and knowledge of our constituency of the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Small prizes will be awarded and the correct responses will be published in the Christian Recorder or in one of the other periodicals of the AME Church as appropriate.
Some Questions will be open to all. At other times there will be question categories, e.g., adults, seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study, college age young adults to age 22 and high school and middle school students. Respondents in all categories are asked to provide his or her home mailing address with his or her response; and your age category and where you attend school and church.
The first person to answer correctly will be declared the winner. Email your answers to: chsydnor@bellsouth.net .
If you don’t have a computer, you may send responses from your local Library or local church if they have Internet access.
Today, we are going to ask a question in each category.
High School Middle School Question: Where was Bishop Allen born?
Complication:
In the book, “The Dogmas and Precepts of the Fathers” by Bishop Monroe H. Davis” on page 91, it says, “The founder of the African Methodism (Richard Allen) was born a slave in the State of Delaware. He purchased his freedom and moved to Philadelphia.”
In the book, “Life, Experience, Etc, of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen,” it quotes Allen as saying, “I was born in the year of our Lord 1760, on February 14th a slave to Benjamin Chew, of Philadelphia. My mother and father and four children of us were sold into Delaware State, near Dover”
You may research the question in the library; or ask your pastor or an adult leader in your church to help you answer the question correctly.
Prize: One-year subscription to the AME periodical of your choice.
College age young adult question: Who were the “Four Horsemen” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Write a brief synopsis of each of their ministries.
Prize: One-year subscription to The A.M.E. Church Review.
Question for seminarians and applicants for ministry who are going through the Conference Course of Study: Which bishop never held an annual conference, nor ordained a minister; but continued to minister like other ministers. He was the only bishop to resign?
Prize: One-year subscription to the AME periodical of your choice.
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer, will be the final arbiter of the responses received.
3. MEMORANDUM FROM DR. DARRYL INGRAM, SECRETARY-TREASURER, DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
The Bishops’ Council of the AME Church has instituted a Quadrennial Focus that will guide and shape the programmatic agenda for the Church. All departments and connectional organizations are requested to use the annual themes in planning their activities, especially the teaching moments. The Christian Education Department will be the lead agency in guiding the process.
The focus is based on John 10:10b; “… I came so everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” (Contemporary English Version)
The themes are as follows:
June 2005-May 2006 “Living Well”
June 2006-May 2007 “Serving Well”
June 2007-May 2008 “Managing Well”
June 2008-May 2009 “Ending or Finishing Well”
The focus begins officially June 1, 2005 with “Living Well.”
Editor’s Comment: “Spread the word!
4. "THE DOGMAS AND PRECEPTS OF THE FATHERS" WRITTEN BY BISHOP MONROE H. DAVIS:
The Reverend Dr. Darryl Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer, Department of Christian Education, after much begging and cajoling, let me borrow his book, "The Dogmas and Precepts of the Fathers" written by Bishop Monroe H. Davis. I had never seen the book before yesterday. I understand that Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams won’t even let anyone borrow her copy. I can understand why. This book is “loaded” with AME history, polity and doctrine.
I am willing to pay $25 if anyone has a copy that they want to sell. I need my own book that I can mark up and I know that Dr. Ingram does not want me to mark in his book. I need a copy of this book!
5. CHANGE IN THE MEETING PLACE OF THE LOS ANGELES MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE:
The Ministerial Alliance Meeting for March 1, 2005, shall not be at the Ward A. M. E. Church. They have a funeral that will prevent us from having our meeting there.
Our March 1st, meeting will take place at Grant A. M. E. Church, 10435 South Central Avenue. Los Angeles, California. We shall meet in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Phone number is 323-564-1151. Our meeting shall begin at 10:30 a.m. A wonderful Brunch/Lunch shall be served as well. Please be present and on time. Our major agenda item shall be getting ready for our Good Friday Services, March 25th 12:00 noon, at First A. M. E. Los Angeles.
Grace and Power
Pastor Leslie R. White
President of the Los Angeles & Vicinity A. M. E. Ministerial Alliance.
6. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE - NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
We announce the passing of Mr. Warren G. Kirkland, brother of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District. Homegoing Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2005 at:
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Ridgeview Memorial Park, Inc.
Hwy 75, Exit 38 Ridgeview Drive
(P.O. Box 1007)
McKinney, Texas 75070-1007
Messages may be sent to:
Bishop & Mrs. T. Larry Kirkland & Family
2120 Park Brook Lane
Birmingham, AL 35215
Mrs. Idella Kirkland & Family
3405 Woodson Drive
McKinney, TX 75070
Please remember the family in your prayers.
God Bless!
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Rev. James M. Harris, a former pastor in the Tennessee Conference.
The home going service for Rev. James M. Harris:
Friday, February 25, 2005
Visitation @ 11:00 a.m.
The funeral to follow @ 12 noon
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
3340 W. Hamilton Avenue
Nashville, TN 37218
(615) 876-7219 (phone)
Rev. Harold Love, Pastor
Services are being provided by:
Holmes Funeral Home
1408 Jo Johnston Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 329-2462 (phone)
(6150 329-2526 (fax)
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Lillie Harris
730 Work Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 876-1067
Submitted by:
Genia Brown
8. ALL BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS SUBMITTED BY:
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Websites:
http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page
http://connmswawo3.com/
AME Church Clergy Family Forum
http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
