Bishop
T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The
Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
December:
National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
The 50th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
on July 6 - 13, 2016.
1. TCR EDITORIAL - THE WATCH
MEETING NIGHT SERVICES IN BLACK AMERICA:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Editor’s
Note: This
article was first published in 2007 and for the last two years. Again, I want
to set the record straight, at least among AMEs and for all of the readers of The
Christian Recorder that Watch
Meeting Night began in AME Churches before 1862.
We are
approaching the New Year 2013 and pastors and local church leaders have
hopefully planned for Watch Meeting Night Services.
The Watch
Night worship service has been a strong African Methodist tradition from the
very beginnings of the AME Church. I mention that because there has been a
revisionist account that originally stated that Watch Night Services in black
communities can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known
as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private
homes to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become
law. The revisionist account of the Watch Night Service says, “Black folks have
gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for
bringing us safely through another year.” The story is heartwarming, but there is
more to the story.
Today, the
Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black and white Churches; and the
Emancipation Proclamation story has relevance and I am certain that the night
of December 31, 1862 had a special meaning for the slaves. However, President
Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves, but I am
also certain that, for those who were freed, December 31st remained a
significant day in their lives as long as they lived.
But, the
Watch Night service didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that
date.
The Watch
Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up
by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism. In England,
Europe, and in America, the early Methodists and other religious groups also
observed Watch Night services; the Moravians certainly did. The noted
homiletician, Charles H. Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher, preached a Watch Night
Sermon on December 31, 1855 and took his text from Lamentations 2:19.
In America,
among the earliest Watch Night services was probably held at St. George Church
in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting
services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen
celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church and it would
follow that Watch Meeting Night services were held at Mother Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
Originally,
Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists
and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in
England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday
nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through
moonlit streets." In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists
continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve. The
newly-formed AME Church members, wherever AME Churches were located, celebrated
Watch Meeting Night services.
Watch
Meeting Night Service is a tradition that I hope will continue because we have
a lot for which to be thankful. All of us have a testimony to give, a
song to sing and a prayer to be prayed. In the black community, the Watch
Meeting Night began with us, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and with
the Right Reverend Richard Allen, the first consecrated and elected bishop.
Though
other denominations have Watch Night services, Watch Meeting Night worship is a
Methodist tradition and we should never, ever, forget it.
2. TCR
OP-ED: DOWN TICKET:
*John Thomas III
The elections held in November demonstrated an impressive feat for the
Democratic Party. Contrary to historical
political trends in similar economic conditions, the Party held the Presidency
and increased its representation in the Senate and House of
Representatives. The President only lost
two states in his reelection bid: North Carolina and Indiana (as well as an
electoral vote in Nebraska). Despite
fears of the impact of restrictive voter identification laws, preliminary data
suggest minority voter turnout to have been at an all-time high. While the
question of a “presidential mandate” is debatable, many Americans are hopeful
that in his second term President Obama will be bolder and more aggressive in
his pursuit of a “progressive” agenda.
Lost in the excitement surrounding the Presidential and Congressional
elections but no less significant were the results “down ticket”—particularly
at the state level. Going into the election, there were 26 Republican Legislatures,
15 Democrat and 8 that were split between the parties. After the dust cleared, there were 26
Republican Legislatures, 18 Democrat and 5 split. (Nebraska has a non-partisan, unicameral
Legislature). What looks like an
absolute win for Democrats translates into a different result upon closer
examination. Republicans capitalized on
their gains in the South and gained veto-proof majorities in several states. In
Arkansas, the Republicans took the legislature for the first time since
Reconstruction turning the once Democratic “Solid South” into solidly
Republican at the state level. The
“Southern Strategy” begun during Richard Nixon’s era appears to have proven
ultimately successful.
So, what does this political landscape mean for African-Americans
given that a large percentage of our population lives in Republican-controlled
Southern states? First, state-funded
HBCUs will find themselves increasingly questioned and pressured to deliver
results or face consolidation and/or outright elimination. For years we have
heard increasingly louder voices regarding the dissolution of these
schools. Now many of these voices
control their purse strings. Second, an increasing divorce between the policies
and state funding for the urban cores and suburban and rural areas will emerge
because Blacks (who are reliably Democratic voters) tend to concentrate in
cities. We can also expect state controlled programs that effect poor and
disadvantaged urban areas to come under increased scrutiny and attack. Third,
while majority-minority Districts are protected by Federal law it will become
increasingly difficult for African-Americans to assert political interests in
these State Legislatures without reaching out to moderate Republicans.
As Black Methodists, we have a responsibility to advocate for “the
least of these” regardless of race, political or religious affiliation. The control of Southern state governments in
Republican hands should be a cause for concern—yet it does not appear that the
situation will change any time soon. I
am not making value judgments for parties.
Indeed, Democratic-controlled Southern Legislatures posed their own
issues for African-Americans. However,
we can expect certain programs from Republicans and need to be prepared how to
deal with them. We will need to frame
our issues not in terms of race or party but in terms of the “common
good”. For instance, poverty knows no
color and we all can agree that education is a key ingredient in social
uplift. As I wrote in a previous
article, we cannot let our vigilance wane simply because we are satisfied with
the incumbent in the White House. There
is still much work to be done and room for advocacy and prophetic voices to be
heard.
*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Political
Science at the University of Chicago
3.
READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE:
Commemorative Richard Allen Postage Stamp
Greetings in the name of or Lord Jesus the Christ.
I would like to know the status of the Bishop Allen
Memorial Stamp.
God bless.
Mrs. Cherie DeBrest
Jones Tabernacle AME Church
Philadelphia, PA
4. BISHOP PHILIP R. COUSIN WILL BE THE RECIPIENT OF “THE
KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD”:
Bishop
Philip R. Cousin will be the recipient of “The Keeper of the Flame Award” on
January the twentieth, two-thousand and thirteen. This award will be given to
him by the African American Churches at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Washington,
D.C. to commemorate the Second term and Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
This award
is extended to extraordinary leaders who exemplify our great history, struggles
and untiring strength and commitment to our future.
Letter
of award below:
Lift Every Voice and Sing
African American Church Inaugural
Ball
Commemorating
the second term and Inauguration of President Barack Obama and honoring the
Keepers of the Flame upon whose shoulders we stand.
December 4,
2012
Bishop
Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
1322 Rosemary Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
1322 Rosemary Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Dear Bishop
Cousin:
We, the
leaders of African American Churches, have chosen to honor your life's
achievement with a once in a lifetime KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD at The African
American Church Inaugural Ball on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the
Grand Hyatt Washington.
To
commemorate the Second Term and Inauguration of President Barack H. Obama, we
will mark this moment with great jubilation and honor legends of our time with
the once in a life-time KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD. To further commemorate
this historical moment, we have selected extraordinary leaders who exemplify
our great history, struggles, and untiring strength and commitment to our
future. We are excited to invite you to be one of the evening's esteemed
honorees.
The
proceeds of The African American Church Inaugural Ball will benefit The Balm In
Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to prevent
diseases and to improve the health of individuals who are disproportionately
affected by high rates of health disparities, including HIV.
Lastly,
Bishop Cousin, we are sure you understand the fast pace at which our planning
must now be executed. We would appreciate your quick response and
acceptance of our coveted Keeper of the Flame Award.
Once again,
we, the collective leaders and members of the African American Church, are
honored to commemorate the Second Term and Inauguration of our 44th
President, Barack H. Obama, by bestowing upon you, Bishop Cousin, the once in a
lifetime Keeper of the Flame Award.
Sincerely,
W. Franklyn Richardson, II
Chair, African American Church Inaugural Ball
Chairman, Conference of National Black Churches
Parnessa C. Seele
Executive Producer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
Executive Producer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.
5. “FROM WHERE I SIT …”
Dr. Tyrone
T. Davis
TCR
Editor’s Comment:
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) has combined / co-located their
major meetings. The combined meeting is called Unity Summit. The article below
was written by Dr. Tyrone T. Davis in response to their first Unity
Summit.
“We did ‘good’ … But we can do
better!”
In
September 2012 the CME Church inaugurated the long awaited CME Unity Summit at
the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 25 years after the very first meeting of the
CME Convocation in 1987, coincidentally in the same city and at the same
hotel. And what an inauguration it
was! CME’s came from every section of
the country to accomplish in one meeting all of the work that would have been
accomplished in three or more separate meetings.
Authorized
by the General Conference of 2010, the financial intent of the meeting of the
Unity Summit was to deliver, in a depressed economic climate, an innovative
means by which both the denomination and the attendees would experience
savings. Specifically, the denomination
took the proactive step of combining the scheduled annual meetings of the
General Connectional Board, the Executive Board of the Women’s Missionary
Council, the Annual CME Convocation and the Connectional Young Adult Retreat (the
Connectional Lay Institute, a quadrennial meeting, had previously been combined
with the CME Convocation). The savings
for the denomination is reaped from the shared meeting costs in a central venue
where the duration of the total meeting days has been trimmed from 10 to 5
days. The intended savings for attendees
arises from the premise that a large number of meeting attendees attend most if
not all of the same meetings. Therefore a person who formerly attended two or
three meetings would save the expense of the additional travel of the second or
third meeting by attending the one Unity Summit with the extra cost of paying
for just one extra night beyond what was required for the CME Convocation.
Many of the
attendees joined in to report that that first Unity Summit was a tremendous
success! The spirit of the worship
services, the preaching, the teaching, the quality of invited talent, the meals
and the fellowship was second to none.
Almost everyone present had a wonderful time. And the registration exceeded the largest
ever reported in recent years for one of our annual meetings. Yes, we did “good” … but we can do better!
“How could
we do better?” I’m glad you asked. We could do better if the conference leaders
are given the opportunity to better plan for the number who will eventually be
in attendance.
Sponsoring
a conference is very much like a farmer planting a crop. To achieve a meaningful harvest certain
growing prerequisites are necessary. But
no matter how many prerequisites are accommodated, the harvest is minimized if
the seed is planted too late. The seed
of the conference is the presence of the attendee and for the conference to be
successful and to fully achieve its goal on every level, it is important for
attendees to register their intended presence, or plant the seed of their
presence, in a timely fashion.
With a
conference, many tasks occur behind the scene.
The average attendee is not aware that a contract exists between the
sponsoring organization and the hotel that generally is executed two years
earlier. The contract commits the
availability of a certain number of sleeping rooms and meeting rooms for the
group until a certain date. If the
group’s sleeping room registrations are below the number projected by that
certain date, then the hotel either releases the remainder of the rooms so they
may be rented by others or the group assumes the responsibility for the
unreserved rooms on the hope (or faith) that the group’s attendees will
eventually register and book the remaining rooms held by the group. However, if hope is futile and faith is in
vain and the attendees do not book these remaining rooms, then the sponsoring
group must pay the hotel the full rental value of the rooms held but unused by
the group. This can be a considerable
sum. On the other hand, if attendees had
registered earlier and confirmed their planned attendance, the potential of a
situation such as this one could more easily be avoided. It would certainly make planning and preparing
the conference easier.
There are
other aspects of a conference that are impacted by attendees registering late,
such as:
- When
attendees register late, the conference may not have enough registration materials
and conference distributions available, since these items must be prepared and
printed well in advance of the conference.
- When
attendees register late, it has an impact on the room setup and may require
rearranging assigned breakout rooms or adjusting the seating of assembly areas.
- When
attendees register late, it can affect the arrangements for meals and/or
ticketed events.
- When
attendees register late, it can affect attendance at planned events, if the
attendee must secure lodging at another hotel because the conference hotel
block is filled.
- When
attendees register late, it can affect the accommodation of logistics when
groups break at the same time intersecting in limited hallways.
- When
attendees register late, it allows other groups to secure space in the
conference hotel and therefore limit available sleeping rooms and meeting
rooms.
- When
attendees register late, it greatly impairs the plans and work of the host
episcopal district.
Why am I
raising this point? Again, I’m glad you
asked. Our first CME Unity Summit had a
registration of just over 2,000 attendees for a conference that began on
September 25th. However as late as
August 21st, slightly a month before the conference, the preregistration number
was only 1,337, approximately 2/3 of the final number registered. It appears only 1/3 had registered two months
prior to the conference.
I am
raising this point and I am writing this article because I believe that many of
our attendees are not aware of these facts.
Many are not aware that waiting for the last few weeks to register and
secure a room puts the financial success of the conference at risk. If a goal of the combined meetings of the
Unity Summit was to relieve the attendees of some of the expense they had paid
in the past, then why not make the process simpler and easier for all by
registering as early as possible. This
year’s Summit started with one conference hotel, but as late registrations
began to come in, sleeping rooms were no longer available because the room
block had expired. Therefore an overflow
hotel was engaged and then a second overflow hotel. This would likely have been unnecessary if
attendees had registered earlier.
I’m told
our next Unity Summit will be in Houston in September of 2013 and I hope that
every person planning to attend will complete their registration and book their
room by June. We know that we are going
to the Summit. We know because we are
members of the General Connectional Board and the Executive Board of the
Women’s Missionary Council. We know
because we look forward to the training classes and Bible Study of the
Convocation and the activities of the Young Adult retreat. And if we know, then why not prepare to go
during the green season so the seed of our intended presence will be planted in
a timely fashion. It seems like a smart
thing. At least that is the way it looks
to me …“From Where I Sit”
*Dr. Tyrone
T. Davis is the General Secretary of the Board of Personnel Services of the
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This article was published in October
2012 issue of The Christian Index, the Official Newspaper of the CME Church.
This article is published with permission of The Christian Index. Dr. Davis is also the President of the
Association of Black Methodist General Officers (ABMGO).
6. DR. EMILIE TOWNES NAMED DEAN OF
VANDERBILT DIVINITY SCHOOL:
Emilie M.
Townes, a distinguished Yale University scholar and administrator whose areas
of expertise include Christian ethics and Womanist theology, has been named
dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School, effective July 1, 2013.
Townes, an
ordained American Baptist clergywoman, succeeds James Hudnut-Beumler, who will
take a year's sabbatical after serving as the school's dean since 2000.
Townes, who
will be the 16th dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, pending approval by the
Vanderbilt Board of Trust, has been appointed to a five-year term, according to
Richard McCarty, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. She will
also hold an endowed chair as a tenured faculty member.
"Emilie
Townes is an amazing scholar, a wonderful mentor to students, and a leader in
theological education," McCarty said. "She is also ready to lead, and
I am delighted that she has accepted our offer to be the next dean of the
Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her impact as dean will be felt in the Divinity
School and across the university as well as nationally and internationally. I
look forward to welcoming her to the Vanderbilt community."
Townes is
the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology and
associate dean of academic affairs at Yale Divinity School. Previously, she was
the Carolyn Williams Beaird Professor of Christian Ethics at Union Theological
Seminary.
Carolyn
Dever, dean of the College of Arts and Science and professor of English,
chaired the search committee for the new Divinity dean. "In every aspect
of her profile, Emilie Townes epitomizes the Vanderbilt Divinity School's dedication
to renowned scholarship, ecumenical leadership and commitment to social
justice," Dever said. "We warmly welcome her to a community that is
passionate about the scholarship and teaching of religion, and about empowering
students to change themselves, and the world, for the better."
"I
look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students of Vanderbilt
Divinity School to engage in university-wide conversations as we explore the
role of religion and values in a university setting and beyond," Townes
said. "I am excited and honored to be asked to lead and guide a school
with a long commitment to helping clergy and laity prepare for Christian
ministry. It's working to re-envision ministry to meet the needs of our times
by combining spiritual and intellectual growth with a sense of social justice
and the formation of new generations of scholars. With its hallmarks of
academic excellence, diversity, faithfulness, networking in a university
setting, and a collaborative spirit in teaching and learning, the Divinity
School is positioned to be an even greater voice in theological education and
world Christianities in a world of religious pluralism."
The
pioneering scholar in the field of Womanist theology is the author of Womanist
Justice, Womanist Hope (Scholars Press, 1993) and In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist
Spirituality as Social Witness (Abingdon Press, 1995). Her most recent book is
Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil (Palgrave Macmillan Press,
2006). In addition, she co-edited Womanist Theological Ethics: A Reader
(Westminster John Knox Press, 2011).
Her other
broad areas of teaching and research include Christian ethics, critical social
theology, cultural theory and studies, and postmodernism and social
postmodernism.
Topics of particular
interest to Townes include health and health care; cultural production of evil;
exploration of the linkages among race, gender, class and other forms of
oppression; and development of a network between African American and
Afro-Brazilian religious and secular leaders and community-based organizations.
In her
teaching, Townes strives to "move students beyond the strictly academic
into a realm where words are wedded to belief and action," according to an
article on the Yale University website.
Townes
received her bachelor's degree in religion and the humanities at the University
of Chicago. She then earned her Master of Arts and doctorate of ministry from
the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. She also received a doctorate
of philosophy from the joint Northwestern University/Garrett-Evangelical
Theological Seminary program.
A former
president of the American Academy of Religion, she currently serves as
president of the Society for the Study of Black Religion (2012-2016). Townes
was inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2009.
Vanderbilt
Divinity School is one of only five university-based interdenominational
institutions in the United States and the oldest one in the Southeast. The
school seeks to engage men and women in a theological understanding of
religious traditions; to help persons, both lay and ordained, re-envision and
prepare for the practice of Christian ministry in our time; to encourage individuals
in their spiritual and intellectual growth; to prepare leaders who will be
agents of social justice; and to educate future scholars and teachers of
religion.
7. LAQUILLA R. BOYCE AND DOUGLAS A.
JONES UNITED IN MARRIAGE:
Hot Springs
Arkansas
In the
presence of family and friends LaQuilla R. Boyce and Douglas A. Jones were
united in marriage on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Visitors Chapel African
Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of
the 12th Episcopal District, as well as, the Rev. Douglas E. Jones,
father of the groom and pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Hot
Springs Arkansas; the Rev. Joseph Valliant, uncle of the bride and pastor of
Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Pastoria, Arkansas; and the Rev. T. W. Scott
pastor of St. Paul AME Church of Arkadelphia Arkansas participated in the
Marriage ceremony..
The bride
is the daughter of the Rev. Welton (the Rev. Tonya) Boyce, pastor of Mount
Olive AME Church of Tarry Arkansas and Mrs. Barbara Boyce, an officer in the 12th
Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society.
The bride
served as the 12th Episcopal District Young People’s Department
President and is presently serving as an officer in the 12th
Episcopal district East Conference.
After a honeymoon
in New York City the couple will live in Hot Springs
Arkansas.
8. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Senior Bishop John R. Bryant and
Senior Supervisor Cecelia Williams Bryant proudly announce a special and
blessed Christmas Day delivery of their grandson.
On the
blessed Christmas Morning of December 25, 2012, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant
and Senior Supervisor Cecelia Williams Bryant proudly announce a special and
blessed Christmas Day delivery of their grandson, Ayo (Joyous) Jeloni
(Strength) Davis. 8.6 pound, Ayo Jeloni was born to the Bryants' daughter, Dr.
Thema Bryant Davis and Son-in-love, Kwesi Davis. Please pray God's continuous
blessings upon this family.
- The Birth of Kennedy Bren'el
Anderson, daughter of Dr. Derek Anderson, Connectional President of the RAYAC
and Mrs. Aimee Anderson
It is with
great joy that we announce the birth of Kennedy Bren'El Anderson who was born
on Monday, November 12, 2012. Kennedy is the daughter of Dr. Derek Anderson,
Connectional President of the RAYAC and Mrs. Aimee Anderson, the immediate past
Third Vice President of the Ohio Conference WMS and is the brother of Master
Cory Isaiah Anderson.
In
addition, Kennedy is the granddaughter of the Rev. Mack C. Hurst, pastor of
Grant Chapel AME Church in Amite, Louisiana and Mrs. Brenda Hurst, the
Louisiana Conference WMS President.
The
Anderson family are members of the Historic St. Paul AME Church in Columbus,
Ohio under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Taylor Thompson in the Third Episcopal
District under the Episcopal Leadership of Bishop McKinley Young and Dr.
Dorothy Jackson Young.
Congratulatory
messages can be emailed to: mrdha143@yahoo.com
- Jaleeca Rebecca Yancy, daughter of
the Rev. David and Mrs. Reba Yancy II received the Bachelors of Science degree
Jaleeca
Rebecca Yancy, daughter of the REV. David and Mrs. Reba Yancy II received the
Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Graphic Design from Lipscomb University
in Nashville, Tennessee on December 15, 2012. The Rev. Yancy is the pastor of
Spring Chapel AME Church in Grand Junction, Tennessee and is a member of the
Media and Public Relations Committee of the South Memphis District of the West
Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District.
Congratulatory
messages may be sent to Jaleeca at jaleeca_yancy@yahoo.com
and to her parents at yancydavid2@yahoo.com.
Messages
may be mailed to:
The Rev.
David and Mrs. Reba Yancy
Ms. Jaleeca
R. Yancy
1646 W.
Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN
38109
Telephone:
901-356-4579
- The Marriage of Cedric Joubert to
Salome Stander, Bethel Memorial AME Church Hazendal, Cape Town, South Africa
It is with
much gladness that the marriage of Cedric Joubert, fourth eldest son of Mrs.
Lilian Joubert and of the giants in African Methodism, the late Rev Henry
Joubert, to Salome Stander youngest daughter of Mr. Cecil and the Rev. Pam
Stander on the 20th December at Bethel Memorial AME Church Hazendal, Cape Town,
South Africa.
As workers
and servants in God's vineyard, we pray that together they may be a more
powerful force in God's Kingdom.
Email
details/ messages: chj@taurenz.co.za
*Rev. Clive
J. Pillay, St. John Kensington, Cape Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District
- The Rev. Timothy Cokley and Wife,
Cynthia McLeod Cokley will celebrate their 35th Wedding Anniversary
The Rev.
Timothy Cokley and wife Cynthia McLeod Cokley will celebrate their 35th wedding
anniversary on Monday, December 31, 2012. The two were married at Mt. Pisgah
A.M.E. Church, Sumter, South Carolina, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 31,
1977. Bishop F.C. James (retired) and the Rev. John H. Gillison performed the
ceremony.
They are
the proud parents of three children, Timothea J. Cokley, Atlanta, Georgia; a
graduate of Fayetteville State University; Timothy Charles Cokley, Charlotte,
North Carolina; a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University; and Trenton R.
Cokley, Washington, DC; a graduate of Howard University.
The Rev.
and Mrs. Cokley reside in Columbia, South Carolina, where he is employed at the
South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Mrs. Cokley teaches in
Richland School District One. Rev. Cokley is the pastor of Chappelle Memorial
AME Church in Columbia.
Congratulatory
messages may be sent to ctt5@aol.com.
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with
much sorrow that we report the passing on of Sister Gylnis Lorenzo, sister in
law of the Rev. Sydney Gordon, pastor of St James AME Church in Athlone, Cape
Town in the 15th Episcopal District.
She was killed
in a tragic vehicle accident on 25th Dec 2012 (see http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/cops-killed-in-horror-crash-1.1445121)
Her
home-going celebration will be on Saturday 29th at Edmund Lawrence AME 10 a.m.,
where the Rev. Sekoboto Tau is the pastor.
May our
Lord be there solace in this their time of trouble.
Family
contact: sydney.gordon@capetown.gov.za
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
profound regret that we must report the loss of Gregory Scott Thomas, Jr., the
son of the Rev. Gregory and the Rev. Michelle Thomas. Gregory, Jr. who died
Christmas Eve and will be funeralized, Saturday, December 29, 2012, the Wake/
Family Hour at 10 a.m. and Homegoing Service at 10:30 a.m.
Services
will be held at:
St. James
AME Church
8401 Cedar
Avenue
Cleveland,
Ohio 44103
Fax:
216-231-6877
Church
Telephone: 216-231-3562
The Rev. Dr.
Gerald A. Cooper, the pastor of St. James will officiate.
Please keep
the entire family in prayer during this difficult time. The Thomas Family
anticipates establishing a Scholarship in Gregory's name at his school,
Cuyahoga County Community College.
Condolences
may be sent to:
The Rev.
Gregory S. and the Rev. Michelle Thomas, Sr. and Family
24370
Glenbrook Road
Euclid, OH
44117
Telephone:
216-486-8113 (P)
gtattorney@aol.com
Arrangements
are being handled by:
Lucas
Memorial Chapel
9010 Garfield
Blvd
Garfield
Heights, OH 44125
Phone:
(440) 735-3030
Fax
216-341-2036
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
a great deal of sadness that we share the news of the death of Ms. Idella
McCurtis, sister of Mrs. Jimmie Lee Jackson, President of the North Ohio
Conference Lay Organization.
Services
for Mrs. McCurtis are scheduled for Saturday December 29, 2013
Wake/Family
Visitation 1:30 PM - 2:00 p.m.
Celebration
of life 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul
AME Church
4118
Brookside Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio
44135
The Rev.
Dr. Shane Floyd, Host Pastor, Officiating
Office
Telephone: 216.941.6767
Fax:
216.941.6706
Expressions
of love may be sent to the following address:
Mrs. Jimmie
Lee Jackson, President
North Ohio
Conference Lay Organization
6963 Warrington
Drive
North
Olmsted, Ohio 44070
Telephone:
440.235.4447
Arrangements
are being handled by:
Lucas
Memorial Chapel
9010
Garfield Blvd
Garfield
Heights, OH 44125
Telephone:
(440) 735-3030
Fax
216-341-2036
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Bishop
Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Tenth Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church announce with great sadness the passing of the Rev.
Leonard Alfred, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church-Giddings, Texas on
Wednesday, December 19, 2012. The Rev. Alfred was an Itinerant Elder and a
member of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference-Austin Capital "Yes We
Can" District.
The
following information has been provided regarding the Rev. Alfred's Wake and
Homegoing Celebration.
Wake: Thursday,
December, 27th, 2012 - 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. @ Chisholm’s Family Funeral Home
& Florist.
Chisholm’s
Family Funeral Home & Florist
3100 South
Old FM 440
Killeen,
Texas 76549
Telephone:
(254) 245-9365
Homegoing
Celebration: Friday, December 28th, 2012 - 1:00 P.M. at:
Perishing
Park Baptist Church
1200 South
Old FM 440
Killeen,
Texas
Telephone:
(245) 634-1013
Condolences
may be sent to:
Mrs. Pamela
Alfred
1404
Arkansas Street
Killeen,
Texas 76542
Ph: (254)
699-9377
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
heartfelt sadness that Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and the Tenth Episcopal
District announce the passing of the Rev. George S. Willis III, on Tuesday, December
18, 2012. The Rev. Willis was a Superannuated Pastor in the Northwest Texas
Conference.
An
outstanding teacher, preacher and pastor, the Rev. Willis was a friend and
brother beloved, a mentor to many young preachers and others and was well-respected
by many throughout the State of Texas. He was a past Professor of Religion and
Christian Ethics at Paul Quinn College when it was located in Waco, Texas. He
had pastored several churches across the state of Texas; (St. Luke-Waco,
Bethel-Dallas, Jones Chapel-Houston, Shiloh-Galveston, Metropolitan-Austin,
Rice Chapel-Dallas); however, the Pastoral Charge in which he retired from in
September 2010 was "Historic" Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church-Fort Worth,
Texas. At the time of his passing he was a member of the ministerial staff of
Baker Chapel AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas where the Rev. Walter R. McDonald is
pastor.
The Rev.
Willis, a Christian and stately man; was an intelligent and compassionate
individual with a broad smile who truly loved God, God's people and A.M.E.
Church. He made many contributions toward Kingdom Building, to humankind and
the AME Church; and was widely known throughout the State of Texas and the
Connectional AME Church. The Rev. George S. Willis, III will be missed by the
entire Tenth Episcopal District, the Connectional AME Church and many, many
others.
Please be
informed of the following information that has been provided for the Viewing
and Celebration of Life Service in honor of the Rev. George S. Willis, III.
Viewing:
Saturday - December 29, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Celebration
of Life:
Saturday -
December 29, 2012 at 12:00 Noon
Baker
Chapel AME Church
The Rev.
Walter R. McDonald, Pastor
Bishop
Vashti McKenzie, Eulogist
1050 E.
Humbolt Street
Fort Worth,
Texas 76104
Telephone:
817-336-5326
Final
earthly care for the Rev George Willis III has been entrusted to:
Emanuel
Funeral Home
The Rev.
Ray Charles Emanuel, Owner
1721 W. Oak
Palestine,
TX 75801
Telephone:
903-729-318
Fax:
903-727-0112
Interment: Monday,
December 31st, 2012
VA National
Cemetery (TBD)
Condolences
may be sent to:
Sister Kay
Willis
1112 April
Springs Drive
Fort Worth,
TX 76134
Email: k_gw@hotmail.com
Home
telephone: (817) 927-8355
Cell: (817)
889-3090
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret
to announce the death of Brother Jeffrey Anfield, the brother of Pastor Sharon
Buckson. The REV. Sharon Buckson is a pastor on the Augusta-Athens District in
the Sixth Episcopal District. She is the Pastor of Hickman Tabernacle AME
Church in Augusta, Georgia and Mt. Tabor AME Church in Keysville, Georgia.
Brother
Anfield was a lifetime member and a Steward at Mt. Tabor AME Church in
Keysville, GA. He departed this life on December 25th following a car accident.
Brother
Anfield leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Sister LaSana Anfield, two sons,
his mother; Sister Jeanette Anfield all of Waynesboro; four sisters and a host
of other relatives and friends.
The funeral
will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Waynesboro Deliverance
Evangelistic Church located at 752 US Highway 25, Waynesboro, GA. The Rev.
Glenn Wiggins will deliver the eulogy.
The
Phinazee Funeral Home located at 404 W. 8th Street - Waynesboro, GA 30830 -
Phone 706-554-5500 has been entrusted with the final services for Brother
Jeffrey Anfield.
Condolences
may be sent to:
Mrs. LaSana
Anfield
919
Kingston Drive
Waynesboro,
Georgia 30830
Or
The Rev.
Sharon Buckson
1868
Kissingbower Road
Augusta, GA
30904
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
It is with
deep sorrow and regret that we announce the untimely and tragic death of Isaiah
Scott of Hephzibah, Georgia. He is the Brother-in-Law of the Rev. Lawrence
Gantt and the brother of First Lady Irma Scott Gantt. The Reverend Gantt is the
pastor of New Bethel AME Church of Port St. Joe, Florida. Isaiah Scott is also the brother of Jeanette
S. Hite of Suitland, Maryland; and Felecia Scott of Capital Heights, Maryland,
members of Campbell AME Church, Washington, DC.
Related
article @ http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2012-12-26/authorities-investigating-death-augusta-chemical-plant
Service
Arrangements for Mr. Isaiah Scott:
A Memorial
Service: Saturday, December 29, at 2:00 pm, Kingdom Hall 4399 Clements Road in
Hephzibah, Georgia.
Expressions
of sympathy may be emailed to the Scott family:
Or mailed
to:
The Rev.
and Mrs. Lawrence Gantt & Family
New Bethel
AME Church
P. O. Box
264
Port St.
Joe, FL 32457
16.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936
(O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
17.
CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE
CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the
Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the
Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost
loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time
of your bereavement.
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