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Table of Contents Report of Senior Bishop Lawrence L Reddick III .................................. 1 Eighth Episcopal District Report of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. ........................................ 19 First Episcopal District Report of Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. .............................................. 45 Sixth Episcopal District Report of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter .................................................... 68 Eleventh Episcopal District Report of Bishop James B. Walker ....................................................... 90 Seventh Episcopal District Report of Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. ........................................... 111 Third Episcopal District Report of Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton ........................................ 126 Fifth Episcopal District Report of Bishop Godwin T. Umoette ................................................ 141 Tenth Episcopal District Report of Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. ............................................ 160 Ninth Episcopal District Report of Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr............................................. 175 Second Episcopal District Report of Bishop of Bishop C. James King, Jr. .................................. 191 and Associate Bishop Othal H. Lakey Eleventh Episcopal District
The Quadrennial Report of Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III for the Eighth Episcopal District
Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III and Mrs. Wynde Jones Reddick
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Quadrennial Report of Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III for the Eighth Episcopal District Introduction TO: The Chairperson (Bishop Williamson), the Chair of the College of Bishops (Bishop Walker), this 2022 General Conference; Members of the Judicial Council and General Officers; and Other Members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Visitors – I, Lawrence Lewis Reddick III, the 51st bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, do hereby submit to you this report of my episcopal ministry and the ministries of the clergy and laity within the episcopal district I have been assigned to by the 2014 and the 2018 General Conferences to serve – the Eighth Episcopal District (comprising four Regions in the State of Texas and one Region on the island of Jamaica). The people of these five Regions are a pleasant, energizing, focused, challenging, committed, and working group of people. They are my fourth episcopal assignment in the 24 years I have served as bishop, and I have no regrets or “wish I had” thoughts about this assignment. Thank you for sending me to them. I shall proceed with the organizational outline within ¶434 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2018, pages 108-109.
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SECTION I. THE NUMBERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE A. The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 13 39 46 68 52 218
2019 13 39 46 66 52 216
2020 11 39 46 66 52 214
2021 11 38 46 66 53 214
B. The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 1 0 0 1 0 2
2019 0 0 0 0 0 0
2020 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jamaica – Life Empowerment, Montego Bay, reported to the 2018 Conference. East Texas – Harmony, Marshall, previously existing in another community, planted by Rev. Torrence Hall in Marshall. Southeast Texas – Calvary Christian, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Jamale Kempt, came into the CME fellowship during the 2021 Annual Conference.
C. The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy, or otherwise. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 0 0 0 1 0 1
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2019 2 0 0 1 0 3
2020 2 0 0 0 0 2
2021 2 2 0 0 0 4
Jamaica – Bethesda and Mt. Bethel CME Churches, pastored by Rev Miriam Brooks, withdrawn when she discontinued her membership with the CME Church in 2019. Central Texas – Shears Chapel, Cushing, Texas, discontinued at request of last 2 members, in 2021. Central Texas – New Hope-Corinth, Malakoff, Texas, in process of discontinuing at request of the last 3 members in 2021. East Texas – New Haven, Carthage (2018), where the handful of members left when Pastor Dennis Jones withdrew. East Texas – Mount Zion, Carthage (2019), Texas, which through atrophy has left no members living near the city.
D. The number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 643 2,575 12,170 3,141 6,294 24,823
2019 429 2,593 9,982 3,833 6,310 23,147
2020 NR 2,330 11,681 2,949 6,338 23,298
2021 457 2,369 11,890 2,847 5,183 22,746
E. The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. (1) Total added by baptism: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 74 NR 146 46 71 263
2019 43 32 83 45 64 267
2020 NR 26 68 59 59 212
2021 39 3 32 37 18 129
2018 20 NR 82 53 47 202
2019 20 33 45 26 66 190
2020 NR 12 59 18 86 175
2021 10 8 39 9 9 75
(2) Total added by conversion: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
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(3) Total added otherwise: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 18 NR 253 58 86 415
2019 13 47 165 72 66 363
2020 11 50 116 27 86 290
2021 11 8 518 48 33 618
E. The total number of members enrolled in Sunday Schools of each Region. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 267 NR 924 781 743 2,715
2019 123 465 830 1,473 665 3,556
2020 NR 399 802 632 719 2,552
2021 137 355 623 648 603 2,366
F. The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies for each year of the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 55 NR 471 546 394 1,466
2019 34 296 348 396 366 1,440
2020 NR 294 NR 330 338 962
2021 35 243 359 342 280 1,259
G. The total number of members of the Lay Ministry Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 690 NR 352 718 176 1,936
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2019 429 385 234 462 266 1,776
2020 NR 268 NR 326 278 872
2021 457 259 241 216 240 1,413
SECTION II. THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S CHURCH A. The number of active traveling preachers in each Region. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
13 37 60 44 47 201
B. The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Region during the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 0 3 3 0 3 9
Admitted into Full Connection by Regions:
2019 0 1 0 2 2 5
2020 0 0 1 0 0 1
2021 0 0 2 2 1 5
Jamaica – No one. Central Texas – Carl Cox (2018); Ira Jones (2018); Linda J. McCullough (2018); Raymond Williams (2019). Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – Felesa Holman (2018); Chad Steans (2018); Shazetta Thompson-Hill (2018). Maria Muse (2020); Nineveh Franklin (2021); Janice Lewis (2021). East Texas – Tamica Godfrey-Hill (2019); Joe Pease, Jr. (2019); Wilburt Hall, Jr. (2021); Greta Madden (2021). Southeast Texas – Janet Ruth Allen (2018); Camille Marie Gipson (2018); Patrick Dean Lewis (2018). Jules Williams, Jr. (2019); Sylvia Yarbrough (2019); Owetha Morris-Hayter (2021).
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C. The number of preachers lost in each Region during the quadrennium by death. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 1 0 3 0 1 5
2019 2 3 6 1 0 12
2020 0 2 1 1 3 7
2021 1 4 1 2 3 11
Note: The year printed here is the year the deceased was memorialized in Annual Conference. Jamaica Annual Conference 2018 – Rev. Ernestine Bailey. 2019 – Rev. Danston Plummer; Rev. Henry Montaque. 2021 – Rev. Sylvia Scarlett. Central Texas Annual Conference 2019 –Rev. Donald R. Madlock; Rev. Billie Wright; Rev. John Holman, Jr. 2020 – Rev. Clementine Gulley; Rev. Mary E. Fullwood. 2021 – Rev. Floyd Ferguson; Rev. Billy Raibon; Rev. Ruby Skief; Rev. Foyce Staples. Since 2021 Conf.: Rev. Louise Freeman; Rev. Betty Smith-Rodgers. Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Conference 2018 – Rev. Willie Harris; Rev Amy D. Lakey; Rev Jana Love. 2019 – Rev. Alton Boatner; Rev. Owen Crowder III; Rev. James Searls; Rev. Jakie Stanley; Bro. Vincent David Washington; Rev. Johnny Wilson. 2020 – Rev. Leslie N. Lakey. 2021 – Rev. Joe Amerson. East Texas Annual Conference 2019 – Rev. C. S. Slade. 2020 – Rev. Shari Darty. 2021 – Rev. Esther F. Lawson; Rev. Levester Hardiman, Sr. Since 2021 Conf.: Rev. Arilla Brager; Rev. Ronald Carson; Rev. Raiford Ingram. Southeast Texas Annual Conference 2018 – Rev L. V. Roberts. 2020 – Rev. Gwendolen Cannon; Rev. Dr. Judy C. Forney; Rev. Dr. Lawrence Lakey. 2021 – Rev. Larry Jackson; Rev. David L. Robinson, Sr.; Rev. Steve Woodard. Since 2021 Conf.: Rev. T. J. Pleasant.
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D. The number of preachers lost in each Region during the quadrennium by transfer. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
0 1 4 2 1 8
0 2 2 1 3 8
0 0 2 1 0 3
0 1 2 4 0 7
By Regions: Jamaica – No one. Central Texas – Kenneth Cain (2018) to East Texas Region; Manuel Henderson (2018) to Louisiana Region Drexel Mitchell (2018) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Jason Peoples (2018) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region. Herman Robinson to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Anthony D. Johnson (2019) to the East Texas Region; William Spearman (2019) to DallasFort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Alford McClaney (2021) to Birmingham Region; Jason Peoples (2021) to Southeast Texas Region. Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – Brian Lightner (2018) to Central Texas Region; Alford McClaney (2018) to Central Texas Region; Milton A. Proctor, Sr., (2018) to Southeast Texas Region. Michael Randle (2018) to Louisiana Region; Anthony D. Johnson (2019) to East Texas Region; James G. Oakry, Jr. (2019) to Central Texas Region; Ericka Woodruff Johnson (2020) to East Texas Region; Jason Peoples (2020) to Central Texas Region; Christopher U. Neal, Sr. (2021), to the Southeast Texas Region; Michael Reed (2021) to the East Texas Region. Since 2021 Conference: Allen Scott to New York Washington Region. East Texas – Travis Sutphen (2018) to Central Texas Region; H. Q. Dickerson (2018) from East Texas to Central Texas Region; Marandra C. Rivers (2018) to the Southeast Alabama Region. Herman Robinson (2019) to Dallas-Fort Worth/ Northwest Texas Region; Wayne W. Mays (2019) to Southeast Texas Region; Katrina Trotman (2019) to Southeast Texas Region. Marcus Lawson (2020) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Jazzmine Trotman (2020) to DallasFort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Loretta F. Edwards (2021) to the DallasFort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Anthony D. Johnson (2021) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Ericka Woodruff Johnson (2021) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region; Eulalia Anne Ross (2021) to Southeast Texas Region. Southeast Texas – Trever Barnett (2018) to Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region. Elgena Weaver (2019) to Northern California Region; Joel O’Keith Williams (2019) to Oklahoma Region; Rodney Wooten (2019) to Southern California Region.
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E. The number of preachers lost in each Region during the quadrennium otherwise. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
2018 1 1 3 4 1 10
2019 1 1 1 0 2 5
2020 0 0 1 0 0 1
Jamaica – Jaslyn Salmon (2018) – terminated by conference action. Miriam Brooks (2019) – withdrawn. Central Texas – B. C. Grogan (2018) – terminated by conference action. Victoria Holmes-Gordon (2019) – withdrawn. Jules Williams, Jr. (2021) – terminated by conference action. Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – Ashley Tarrant-Thomas (2018) – withdrawn. Madarol Thomas (2018) – withdrawn. David Goodacre (2018) – terminated by conference action. Keith Jenkins (2019) – withdrawn. Kahleem Brookins (2020) – terminated by conference action. Lionel G. Hayes, Jr. (2021) – withdrawn. Generald Fleming (2021) – withdrew probationary membership. Shepard, Roderick (2021) – withdrawn. Karl Williams (2021) – located. Rhenetta Walker (2021) – located. East Texas – Alaine Evans (2018) – terminated by conference action. Dennis Jones (2018) – withdrawn. Tyrus Robinson (2018) – terminated by conference action. (Later readmitted.) Nakia Smith (2018) – withdrawn. Joe Pease Jr (2021) – terminated by conference action Southeast Texas – DeAndre K. Bell (2018) – withdrawn. Corey Germanie Buggs (2019) – terminated by conference action. Jamar Jackson (2019) – withdrawn. Elvis Seastrunk (2019) – terminated by conference action. Sylvester Tiggs (2019) – terminated by conference action.
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2021 0 1 4 0 0 5
F. The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each Region. Doctoral Degree Recipients (various fields): Jamaica – No one. Central Texas – 3 Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – 12. East Texas – 1. Southeast Texas – 8. Master’s Degree Recipients (various fields): Jamaica – 1. Central Texas – 7. Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – 25. East Texas – 11. Southeast Texas – 14. Bachelor’s Degree Recipients (various fields): Jamaica – 2. Central Texas – 24. Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas – 48. East Texas – 29. Southeast Texas – 32.
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SECTION III: SPECIAL MINISTRIES, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS The first priority of my episcopal administration in an episcopal district is defining the spiritual and formational needs of the persons I am sent to serve. I believe the holistic church requires a spiritual development and an anchoring in the faith, even as that church reaches out with its tokens of God’s mercies and grace for everyone. Therefore, I spend my time planning the Annual Conferences and the rotation of responsibilities around issues of our spiritual development and formation. Time is spent in Annual Conferences to have Bible study each day that is focused “from text to exegesis” rather than “from topic to text(s),” and to sing and be challenged with new songs (as well as old) in worship. It also spills over into the way we arrange in retreat for the strengthening and team building of the cadre of presiding elders. For me, the role of presiding elder is foremost in the intended CME structure and, for this reason, none of the presiding elders of the Eighth Episcopal District are likewise assigned at the Annual Conference to service a church as its pastor. This does not, however, negate presiding elders being used as supply pastors when churches are at the door of being closed or are without a pastor because of serious illness or death that has left the church without its spiritual leader. A second priority has been to get to know, to listen to, and to feel God’s people. Prior to COVID-19’s appearance in about March 2020, we had begun the circuit of visitations through the presiding elder districts that would have resulted in visiting every congregation within a four-year period – in a meeting that allowed for about 1 hour of dialogue between the bishop and the congregation. These visits have been a most insightful experience. Also, as bishop I attempt to drive across the district in Texas Sunday after Sunday, “stopping by” to worship unexpected and unannounced. The unannounced visit allows me to gauge how things “really are” in most congregational settings. The above two paragraphs describe activity that would not realistically be called “special ministries” or “programs” or “projects,” but, in reality, they represent the reality of my priorities as leader. I believe the local church’s and the Connection’s needs are first and foremost, spiritual. We have also planned with some success toward goals adopted in the first quadrennium together (2014-2018), which continued for the second. Our episcopal district meetings and conference region meetings for the 2018-2022 quadrennium focused on the theme, “The Basics: Disciples First,” a take-off from the episcopal address of the 2018 General Conference, “Getting Back to Basics as We Envision Our Way Forward in Taking Care of God’s Business.” From that theme of “The Basics: Disciples First,” we developed the following annual emphases at each annual conference: 2018 – “Called to Be Disciples”; 2019 – “Called to Make Disciples”; 2020 – “Called to Strengthen Disciples”; and 2021 – “Seeds and Signs of Discipleship.” Though our efforts were strained by COVID-19 restricts, these remained our thematic interest with focus on the following seven areas: (1) worship and spiritual formation; (2) evangelism and church growth; (3) health and wellness; (4) missions and outreach; (5) ministerial development (including lay ministries); (6) financial leadership; and (7) organizational effectiveness. At each of our
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conference region or episcopal district meetings, at least one of these areas was emphasized with some informational and developmental session. By way of “special ministries,” I call your attention to a partnership with the Conference of National Black Churches’ (CNBC) coordinated participation of this episcopal district (and others) in CDC and Kaiser Foundation underwritten community involvement in promoting the need for pro-vaccination information and thrusts. Such a grant was received through CNBC and led in the episcopal district by our episcopal director of social justice ministries, Rev. Dr. Clarence Ford. One of our churches, the Carter Metropolitan CME Church of Fort Worth, Texas (the Rev. Dr. Clarence Kelby Heath, pastor), began (before COVID-19) a Freedom School that is sponsored through the AB Christian Learning Center of Fort Worth and is connected to federal funding granted through the Children’s Defense Fund and AmeriCorps Vista. Expectation of approval for a third year is expected to be announced by the time this report is delivered. They focus on pre-K through 5th grade reading. Other congregations have participated in community leadership through food drives, community responsiveness in disasters, and other services. These have happened at most crucial times in cities such as Dallas and Houston, but also in cities like Texarkana and Tyler and in towns and hamlets across the State of Texas. They are not intended to be ignored, but time and space are limited. In Jamaica, a prime missional focus is our sponsorship of the Early Childhood Institutions (once called the CME Basic Schools). Our three schools – named the Joseph C. Coles, Jr., Early Childhood Institutions the Pauline B. Grant Early Childhood Institution, and the Mae C. Linsey Early Childhood Institutions – were “down” during the height of COVID-19, but are coming back into the fore of regular activity. The partnership with the Women’s Missionary Council is that one-half of the teachers’ salaries are paid by the Women’s Missionary Council and one-half are paid by the Eighth Episcopal District’s regions. On another note: for the historical record, it would be negligent of me to not raise the names of the Rev. Donald R. 7, who was president of the Presiding Elders’ Council, and died August 12, 2018; the Rev. Dr. Lawrence P. Lakey, former member of the Judicial Council, who died July 20, 2020; and the Rev. David L. Robinson, who pastored the Douglas Memorial CME Church of Beaumont, Texas, for the last 32 years, and who died November 15, 2021. The Rev. Donald R. Madlock was pastor and presiding elder in the Central Texas Region and the Northwest Texas Region, and, at death, was president of the Presiding Elders’ Council. Dr. Lakey came to the Eighth Episcopal District in retirement, after distinguished service as leader in the Ninth Episcopal District as pastor, presiding elder, and community activist. The longevity of the Rev. David Robinson’s service as pastor of the Douglas Memorial congregation, his intensive pastoral ministry, his employment with the Beaumont Independent School District as a truant officer, his presence within leading civic and ecumenical organizations
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across the city of Beaumont all made him a highly influential figure who brought great credit to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in southeastern Texas. Mentioning the above two leaders does not mean that significant contributions were not made by others who passed from labor to reward, but I believe I should mention their names, as this body would also recognize the depth of their Connectional leadership in Dr. Lakey’s role as Judicial Council member and in Rev. Robinson’s role as the chair of the Finance Committee for previous General Conferences. With a cadre called together into a leadership team comprised of clergy and lay leaders representing various areas of our ministries, we have begun planning for our goals and priorities for a new administration (2022-2026), should that appointment be made at this General Conference. Finally, in this place, I make special mention of the various ministries of the late Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, upon whose episcopal ministry I have been able to build in Texas. He only served four years as episcopal leader of the Eighth Episcopal District, but those years included some significant contributions. So, to the memory of my episcopal brother, “Ron” and my sister, Lady Clarice, I say: “I do not tread lightly where you have trod without respect and gratitude for your gifts to God’s people.”
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SECTION IV: STEWARDSHIP AND FISCAL CONDITION A. Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium. Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
Assessed and Paid 2018 $295 $122,418 $196,000 $139,921 $148,000 $606,634
Assessed and Paid 2019 $295 $124,300 $215,850 $141,600 $150,850 $632,895
Assessed and Paid 2020 $295 $124,300 $215,850 $141,600 $150,850 $632,895
Assessed and Paid 2021 $295 $124,300 $215,850 $141,600 $150,850 $632,895
B. Total amount of General Funds paid during the current year of the General Conference: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
$295 $24,300 $15,850 $11,600 $15,850 $67,895
C. The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuation and indebtedness. The real property owned by the Eighth Episcopal District is the episcopal residence, located at 2504 Mustang Court, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104. It is insured by Guide One Insurance in the valued amount of $695,088.00 for full insurance coverage (at “replacement cost”). This property was purchased in 2007 under the administration of Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham. It has been home to three families: the family of Bishop and Mrs. Cunningham; the family of Bishop and Mrs. Henry M. Williamson, Sr.; and the family of Bishop and Mrs. Reddick. The house was purchased in 2007 with a promissory note of $425,000.00. The note was paid in full and the lien against this property released on Monday, May 3, 2021. It is debt free, and all of the property is in up to par working condition.
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D. A current Auditor’s Statement from each Region in the Episcopal District with recommendations. There is an auditor’s statement for each Region of Texas, which is being sent to the Committee on Episcopacy. The monies for the Jamaica Region are a combination of monies that come from the Connectional Apportionments $25,000) as well as individual contributions to the Jamaica Region account in Jamaica, managed by the elected conference treasurer in Jamaica, and the $5,040 annual contribution of the Women’s Missionary Council to the Childhood Education Institutions (which in 2022 included an additional $2,000 passed on to the schools for “backpacks”). The Jamaica Region Annual Conference account (lodged in Jamaica) is not audited.
E. The total amount raised in each Region for each year of the quadrennium: Region(s) Jamaica Central Texas Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas East Texas Southeast Texas Total
NR $393,709 $646,795 $395,638 $440,799 $1,876,941
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NR $411,160 $654,886 $432,000 $489,618 $1,987,664.
NR $411,308 $639,100 $386,754 $484,389 $1,921,551
NR $407,237 $687,973 $426,593 $468,312 $1,990,115
SECTION V: THE STATE OF ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS Texas College, the pride of countless alumni within and outside of the CME Church, was founded in 1894 by a group of CME ministers, and has continually existed up to now. The College – and the people of the Eighth Episcopal District – owe a special debt of gratitude to the leadership of the CME Church for raising the College from its most trying years in the mid-1990s. The fact that the CME Church mortgaged and indebted itself to be sure that Texas College survived has not been lost on the faithful and loyal CMEs who are a part of Texas. The College is under the leadership of its 23rd president, Dr. Dwight F. Fennell, who has been at the school’s helm since August 2008. His contract was recently affirmed for a period through 2027. The contract calls for the Trustee Board to conduct a search during the 2025-2026 School Year, and then for President Fennell to retire in mid-2027. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; the 10-year renewal of accreditation is scheduled for the year 2026. The bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District is serving – by vote of the Board of the Trustees – as the Board’s chair.
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SECTION VI: CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS My present belief is that the future of the CME Church in Texas and in Jamaica is hopeful. Nevertheless, the future will demand our better envisioning, focusing and planning. I would say about the work of Jamaica that we are challenged to begin our own CMEplanted congregations. The story of the work in Jamaica is that Bishop Coles, the first bishop of this annual conference until 1994, oft told us, “I’m not making CMEs; I’m doing mission work.” I did not understand the full import of his statement until becoming bishop in 1998. That is because between 1994 when Bishop Coles retired and 1998, Bishop Nathaniel Linsey was bishop of this work. That was the first time I visited Jamaica. One thing, however, was clear, when I visited: Bishop Linsey was making CMEs, not just doing ‘mission work.’ “Making CMEs” means for me: organizing the annual conference to be structured according to the Discipline; making appointments annually; appointing a Joint Board of Finance and assessing and receiving and managing apportionments. It was also clear to me upon going to the Jamaica Conference in 1998 that many of the members of the Jamaica Conference liked being CMEs. One of the serious needs in Jamaica is for us to plant our own congregations in Jamaica. We succeeded within the last 5 years in planting one – we “re-birthed” the congregation in Montego Bay under the leadership of Reverend Shadene Stewart. Unfortunately, she was stricken with a stroke two years ago, and she is still not fully recovered. However, we have continued to pay monthly rent for the facility where the congregation meets, and we have supported both Reverend Stewart and those who travel to Montego Bay to lead that ministry. Currently, Presiding Elder Elroy Ewart is leading the church weekly. Another need as I see it is for the CME Church to help train the clergy ministers in Jamaica. One of our Jamaica ministers – the Rev. Christopher Bennett – is a student on scholarship at Texas College. He and Reverend Shadene Stewart – whom many of you assisted in educating at Miles College and Phillips School of Theology – are representatives, I believe, of a hopeful future. One area I regret to report is that I still have not led us into completing the “elusive” official registration of the CME Church in the country. This quadrennium, however, I believe we were “on track” to do so until both COVID-19 and Rev. Stewart’s stroke, made it more difficult. (Rev. Stewart was chair of the Region Trustee Board.) That’s an obligation for whomever takes up the mantle in 2022. In the Texas part of the Eighth Episcopal District, I am concerned that many churches located in small towns are not growing or thriving. A part of this may relate to the fact that small towns are themselves not growing. However, despite the smallness of towns, there are some churches that are still vibrant – Martin Chapel, Redwater, is one of those churches. And it appears that the churches that are vibrant are churches that want to grow and thrive and who still believe it is possible.
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On the contrary, some city churches and others who are blessed with the leadership that responded to technology growth during the pandemic and made special efforts as to how to capitalize on the alternatives technology growth avail appear to be vibrant. It’s exciting to see how those churches are growing in spirit and enthusiasm and finances, but they require a pastor or a small team who understand how to use the technology. I need to highlight the added notion of directing our clergy and laity in reading that creates a hunger for those things that can help us do better in our spiritual and administrative responsibilities. It was the success of Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., in this endeavor with the Sixth Episcopal District which inspired me to follow in this path. People hanging on to the “old landmarks” without being in dialogue with new or challenging ideas and thoughts does not bode for a bright future. We must aim to be “better” that our “best.” CONCLUSION: In conclusion, please accept my gratitude: to the loyal men and women and children of the Eighth Episcopal District, who pray the prayers and pay the bills and do the works of ministry in their various locals – some without praise; to the clergy and the laity in leadership positions, upon whose leadership the future of our churches is dependent; and to the hard working, presiding elders of all five Annual Conferences of the Eighth Episcopal District, active and retired, United States and Jamaica, with whom I have had the pleasure of working these eight years (and some, more); and to the office staff these past four years of Mrs. Barbara Brown and Mrs. Edwina Simon. Allow me to thank my family, beginning with my wife, Mrs. Wynde Jones Reddick, for their constant encouragement and inspiration. Without this immediate and extended family, I could not do the things I am called to do by God and by office in this Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Sincerely, + Lawrence L. Reddick III Lawrence L. Reddick III
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QUADRENNIAL REPORT OF BISHOP HENRY M. WILLIAMSON, SR. FOR THE FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus who is the Christ of God. We give God all Praise, Honor and Glory for 55 Years of continuous Ministry in the nd
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. As the 52 Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, the birthplace of our great Zion (December 16, 1870 in Jackson, Tennessee). It has been an honor and privilege for me, my devoted wife, Dr. Doris Y. Williamson and family to serve the people of God and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as a Preacher since 1967, Pastor since 1969 and a Bishop since July, 2002. It has been my greatest joy to serve here in the state of my birth – Arkansas (Newport) and my early childhood in Tennessee (Mercer) as leader to the clergy and lay of the First Episcopal District. I come now with gratitude and love of God and for his people for giving me the th
opportunity to give my 5 Quadrennial Report as Bishop. My heart is full of gratitude to all the Bishops, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Clergy, loyal Laity, my mother, Mrs. Alma Jean Williamson Carvin and my devoted and faithful wife, Dr. Doris Y. Williamson who supported me in my ministry. A special thanks to our daughter, Kelli, our son, Henry Jr., and our three grandsons, Jonathan, Henry III and Derek Alexander. I thank God for the Vision to See (Proverbs 29:18), the Faith to Believe (Hebrews 11:6), and the Courage to Do (Joshua 1:6) for these past 55 years in our beloved Zion. Finally, we must focus on children and youth through One Church One School, Urban Ministry Inc., Children Defense Fund and Children Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). Part of our Strategic Plan to survive the future is to: 1) Evangelize, 2) Disciple the children, and 3) Involve them. We are blessed to share this Stewardship Report of God’s people.
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SECTION 1. THE NUMBERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Number of Local Congregations 72 68 63 203
The number of local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Number of Local Congregations 0 0 0 0
The number of any congregations loss during quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Merger 0 0 0 0
Atrophy 0 0 0 0
Otherwise 1 0 1 2
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
2018 3,348 6,601 3,837 13,786
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2019 3,353 6,606 3,842 13,801
2020 3,365 6,610 3,845 13.820
2021 3,371 6,615 3,850 13,836
The total number of members added in each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
2018 35 82 56 173
2019 63 91 67 221
2020 37 68 55 160
2021 57 91 82 230
2018 62
2019 58
2020 43
2021 82
94 62 218
87 59 204
65 43 151
113 75 270
2018 94 133 105 332
2019 87 96 137 320
2020 45 73 62 180
2021 79 91 48 218
Conversion: Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Otherwise: Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
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The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. The total number of enrolled in Sunday School of each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
2018 900 1,602 734 3236
2019 873 1,591 703 3,167
2020 300 503 296 1,099
2021 461 574 344 1,379
Women’s Missionary Societies: Name of Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Arkansas
354
396
203
253
West Tennessee
662
671
344
402
East Tennessee
394
398
195
206
1,410
1,465
742
861
2018
2019
2020
2021
Arkansas
331
344
168
211
West Tennessee
601
673
354
393
East Tennessee
223
248
125
197
1,155
1,265
647
801
Total
Lay Councils: Name of Annual Conference
Total
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SECTION 2. THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S CHURCH The number of active traveling preachers in each Region. Annual Conference
Active Traveling Preachers
Number of Males
Number of Females
Arkansas
66
47
West Tennessee
83
East Tennessee Total
Active Traveling Preachers Age Range Under 21
Active Traveling Preachers Age Range Under 2135
Active Traveling Preachers Age Range Under 3555
Active Traveling Preachers Age Range Under 55-74
19
2
3
62
73
10
2
7
76
59
48
11
5
4
55
208
168
40
9
14
193
0
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Region during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 1 4 7 Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 4 2 2 8 Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 3 3 1 7
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Number of Males 1 1 1 3 Number of Males 3 0 1 4 Number of Males 1 2 0 3
Number of Females 1 0 3 4 Number of Females 1 2 1 4 Number of Females 2 1 1 4
Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 5 2 3 10
Number of Males 3 0 2 5
Number of Females 2 2 1 5
The number of preachers lost in each Region during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
2018 2 1 0 3
2019 0 2 0 2
2020 1 5 1 7
2021 0 2 0 2
2018
2019
2020
2021
2 4 2 8
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 1
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 0 0 0
0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Transfer:
Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
Otherwise: Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee Total
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The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each Region.
7 persons reported no completing high school
18 persons reported finishing high school only
34 persons reported finishing high school and receiving ‘some college’
26 persons reported finishing college without obtaining any additional degree
18 persons who did not go beyond college (and some of those who did not go beyond high school) received certification in some trade or professional school
22 persons who did not go beyond college (and some of those who did not go beyond high school) received certification in some type of theological settings
6 persons reported receiving the M.A. degree beyond college
1 person reported receiving the Master of Arts in Christian Education degree
2 persons reported receiving the Master of Arts in Religion degree
3 persons reported receiving a Master of Arts in Teaching degree
0 person reported receiving a Master of Christian Studies degree
6 persons reported receiving the Master of Education degree
8 persons reported receiving the Master of Science degree
0 person reported receiving the Master of Public Administration degree
1 person reported receiving the Master of Business Administration degree
12 persons reported receiving the Master of Divinity degree
3 persons reported receiving the Master of Ministry degree
0 person reported receiving the Master of Theological Studies degree
0 person reported receiving the Juris Doctor degree
1 person reported receiving the Doctor of Education degree
1 person reported receiving the Doctor of Ministry degree
3 persons reported receiving the Doctor of Theology degree
0 persons reported receiving the Doctor of Philosophy degree
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SECTION III. SPECIAL MINISTRIES, PROGRAMS & PROJECTS A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the church. Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital (CCCH) C.M.E. Church International Headquarters CME-CVS Partnership Lane College One Church One School
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Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital (CCCH)
Architectural Rendering
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The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Seven years in the making, and as the CME Church celebrates 150 years as a church, April 19, 2021, was the day that a dream became a reality. On this day the A Little Bit of History Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital was founded in 1910 by the Collins Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It was led by Dr. W. S. Martin (Surgeon), Eva Cartman Martin (Administrator), and B. B. Martin. It has historical roots that date back to 1905 when the hospital was located at 418 Ashland Court in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital had surgical and maternity wards. The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, led by its College of Bishops, built a brand new hospital in 1954 at 409 Ayers Avenue in Memphis, TN. The project was completed with the help of churches, organizations, government officials, including black and white citizens of goodwill. Senior Bishop J. Arthur Hamlett led this effort with the leadership of the CME Connectional Church, which included the rest of the College of Bishops, General Officers, Laity, Pastors and Missionaries nationwide. During the height of racial segregation, it was the only black -owned hospital where African Americans could receive healthcare in the Mid-South, which included Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. It was also the only place where black doctors and nurses could practice medicine during the period of legal segregation. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Seven years in the making, and as the CME Church celebrates 150 years as a church, April 19, 2021, was the day that a dream became a reality. On this day the City Mayor Jim Strickland, the County Mayor Lee Harris, immediate past Mayor A C Wharton, and the Director Division of Housing and Community Development City of Memphis Paul Young, City Councilwomen Cheyenne Johnson and Jamita Swearengen, along with County Commission Chair Eddie Jones, all were at 409 Ayers Street to join Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Directors for Collins Chapel and Rev. Lisa Anderson, Executive Director, Room in the Inn-Memphis to celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony! These persons along with about 100 others all came to celebrate the completion of the renovations and furnishing of Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital (CCCH) and Room In The Inn – Memphis, Homeless Ministry. Initially it was planned that Collins Chapel Healthcare would be a faith-based skilled nursing and respite facility. It was to have specialized services for an aging community and a changing environment. In the past year via communications between Mr. Paul Young, Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr., and Rev. Lisa Anderson, it discovered that Rev. Anderson was looking for a larger and more suitable location for the homeless population due to the COVID-19 crisis. The CME Church owned a facility (Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital) and wanted to provide care for those who had great needs. Room In The InnMemphis, Homeless Ministry (RITI) wanted to provide a place for emergency shelter, day center programming, respite care and possibly supportive housing units. In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic crisis and the significant growth of our homeless population, the two were brought together and a partnership was formed with Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital and Room In the Inn - Memphis Homeless Ministry.
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Just as the original hospital began with a dream by the Martin family, Collins Chapel Ministry of today began with the dream of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. to not let this building go down in disrepair but to bring it back to life with a viable operating ministry. This dream became a reality thanks to the support and finances of the members of the First Episcopal District, the Mayor of Memphis, Jim Strickland, the Memphis City Council, the Shelby County Mayor, Lee Harris and the County Commissioners, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the United States Congress. Over 5 million dollars has been secured (via 2 million dollars in grants from the City of Memphis; 1 million from Shelby County; 2.5 from The Community Redevelopment Agency and 1 million via the United States Congress) and provided to renovate and support the Collins Chapel Hospital building and Room In The Inn– Memphis, Homeless Ministry! About the Homeless Today there are approximately 2,000 individuals in the Memphis and Shelby County areas experiencing homelessness on any given day and night. Ninety-two percent of the homeless sleep in emergency shelters or transitional housing facilities. The remaining eight percent are found in places not meant for human habitation. The goal of this partnership is to address the needs of those affected by COVID-19 and their families. The facility is providing the following services and is in operation 24 hours a day in three eight hour shifts with paid professional staff. RITI is a Respite site for those who need recuperative care from local hospitals, and when they are well enough they are assisting in finding employment and getting permanent housing. Room In The Inn provides shelter for homeless families, nutritious meals, clean clothes and laundry services, job placements, counseling services and assists them in the process of securing permanent housing. Representing CMEs of the First Episcopal District in notable fashion, Missionaries, Youth, Young Adults and several Board of Christian Educations have provided hot meals, new underwear, transitional bathroom items, and financial donations for the residents on a continuous basis. Special thanks to the churches in the First Episcopal District, located in Tennessee and Arkansas, for their financial support throughout the past seven years; the CCCH team and each member played a major role in making this happen; Presiding Elder Peris J. Lester I; Rev. Willie Ward, Jr.; Mrs. JoAnn Jones; Mrs. Juliet Waddell Pittman; Attorney Charles Carpenter; Rev. Juan Self of Self/Tucker Architects; Rev. Lisa Anderson and the RITI team, board and staff; and Chris Woods Construction Company. We are thankful for the support of our Board of Directors which includes Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chair of the board, Bishop C. James King, who is the Vice Chair, and the members representing each Episcopal Districts, Presiding Elder Peris J. Lester of the 1st; Rev. Kenneth Thomas, 2nd; Mr. J. Russell Gantt, 3rd; Presiding Elder Q. H. Whitlock, 4th; Rev. George P. Hill, Jr., 5th; Mr. Jim Turner, 6th; Mrs. Laura R. A. Holloway, 7th; Mrs. Dorruth Boyd, 8th; Rev. Travis Morris, 9th; Mr. Victor Udo, 10th; and Rev. D. Kobi Little, 11th. Below is the link to the video of the ribbon cutting ceremony. https://youtu.be/WRl7auGoghw . Congratulations on this official grand reopening! Submitted by: Mrs. Juliet Waddell Pittman, Project Coordinator Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District 30
CME Church Connectional Headquarters The Connectional Headquarters building located at 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN 38116 houses the administrative connectional offices of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The building has 80,000 square feet of floor space and was purchased in 1991. The 3rd floor houses the connectional officers programatic activity and has a banquet Hall that is available for special events. The Banquet hall is 10,000 square feet and when full can host 500 guest in a banquet style setting. The rest of the building is made available to other small businesses that have need for a commercial space to interact with commerce locally and globally. Currently, there are 47 businesses and they employ 100+ employees that are conducting their commerce activity in this building. The tenants range from healthcare professionals, financial services professionals, health and wellness professionals, non profit programing and retail sales teams. Over the past quadrennium, the following improvements have taken place: Instituted a new accounting software. Since making the switch to the new software, collection of rent and other services to tenants have improved. New fire panel. As a part of the needed infrastructure improvement process, the fire alarm and monitoring system has been updated. This includes new exit signs to LED, new pull stations at every storefront door and monitoring system for emergencies. Changed all lights to LED lighting. As a part of increasing the energy efficiency of the building and managing the utility bills, the fluorescent lighting was converted to LED bulbs. Also this provides better lighting within the building. Updated leases: As a part of improved record keeping of the leases, especially to long term tenants, the leases are undergoing a review and changes as needed. Started a new Solo-prenuer suite. The need for new entrepreneurs to enter the marketplace is booming and one way to support this growing need is to provide a commercial space that does not have long term commitments and space enough for the budding business to start. The Solo-prenuer Suite provides this to this community. 31
Current occupant rate 84%. Since starting the Solo-premier suite, the building has increased office space from 50 spaces to 56 leasable spaces. Currently there are 47 out of 56 spaces leased within the building (see picture).
Tenant interest group started as several tenants have expressed some grievances they also expressed solutions that collectively benefit all interested parties. This group began organically and is looking to assist the Property Manager grow the services offered in the building so that the foundation for all business flourish within this building. There are a number of other projects that are in the works, but most notable is the grant writing process for the replacement of roof, elevators and HVAC system. The storm that disrupted the building operation caused the relocation of the archives. Most of which are now located on the second floor. The Christian Indexes are now in the possession of the Editor, Dr. Ore Spragin. This building is a ministry to all of the tenants. Through this continued spot, we are approaching grant sources to assist the building in renovation. Keeping the building in the budget is still needed to continue to meet and serve the needs of our tenants and the CME Church. Special thanks to our Board Members for approving our plans to seek grant funding for HVAC, roof and elevators. Mr. Arthur Shelton (1st) Rev. Oliver D. Walker (2nd) Ms. Pine' Goshay (3rd) Rev. Leo Wright (4th) Rev. Larry Batie (5th) Mr. Derrick Borders (6th) Rev. Aaron B. Donnelly (7th) Rev. Dr. Orenthia Mason (8th) Rev. James Dunbar (9th) Rev. Sampson Fianko (10th) Rev. Robert Kelly III (11th) Rev. Arnold Joyner Property Manager from January 2013 - December 2020 Rev. Ermanno A. Willis Property Manager from January 2021 - Present. 32
CVS-HEALTH AND THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
A FAITH-BASED COLLABORATIVE THE PURPOSE
CVS-Health and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church share core values and principles. Together, we are working to change lives by investing in health and wellness of people in our church communities. CVS-Health seeks to grow employment opportunities for our church communities by offering workforce, health and education programs, by investing in the social justice, health equity and economic security for individuals and families within our underserved communities. CVS-Health and the CME Church are working collaboratively to break the cycle of poverty that so often diminishes the health and spirit of our communities. The CME Church is a highly organized corporation, with nearly one million members, founded over 151 years ago by 41 former slaves and guided today by a College of Bishops, elected by its members. The Church embraces a mission of Salvation, Education, and Liberation. The CME Church encompasses eleven Episcopal Districts and includes the USA. Haiti, Jamaica and East, Central and West Africa. The CVS-Health organization is an American Fortune 500 Corporation, with nearly 300,000 employees and is a microcosm of America. CVS-Health chose the CME Church’s Faith-Based Communities to implement its strategic agenda because of the Church’s structure, its strength, and like-mission, values and principles. Working collaboratively, we intend to fulfill our shared purpose by offering workforce, health and education programs in church communities.
THE PARTNERSHIP
The Partnership began after much dialog, spearheaded by CME Church Senior Bishop Thomas Lanier Hoyt and the CVS Health leaders. Then, with the development of a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, signed and endorsed by both party’s leadership. It is the legal document that will guide our work and success. Early on, Michelle Valls, a professional grant writer, provided by CVS Health, assisted with the development. Dr. Olivia Lang, Workforce Initiative Executive from CVS-Health, brought forth a wealth of knowledge and a broad background of CVS Health. She has led the team with setting the early agenda and going forth. On the CME Church side, Dr. Willie Mae Willett, a lifelong CME member, came with extensive knowledge and background of the CME Church, its history, its programs, and its leadership. She is also a retired public-school principal, chosen by the CME College of Bishops. The team met regularly to develop the framework. We used the data provided by the CME Church’s General Officers Council’s, obtained through a CVS Health’s need- based assessment tool to glean, in their opinions, what the Church’s needs are, what we are already doing and what we needed to do most to serve the Church Communities.
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THE PILOT We agreed to build a replica of what we would like to see in CME Church Communities, we decided on a PILOT/MODEL in the First Episcopal District that could serve as an example for other CME Episcopal Districts. We would start in the First Episcopal District, which encompasses Tennessee and Arkansas. In this District, the CME Church’s Headquarters is located. Lane College, a higher education institution, founded in 1882 by the CME Church, is also located there. The Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District is Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., a seasoned Pastor and “people person,” who has had successful pastoral leadership throughout the CME Church. He was elected a CME Bishop in 2002 and has led in key Episcopal Districts of the Church. Bishop Williamson’s knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the CME Church and his extensive background of successful leadership in the local church is enhanced in the book he has authored, “God Did IT.” He has served as the President of Operation Rainbow PUSH, a national organization founded by Rev. Jessie Jackson to help people along the way. So, he was ideal to lead in establishing the CVS-CME PARTNERSHIP. With a Vision Statement of “Vision to See, Faith to Believe and Courage to Do “and a Motto of “Teamwork Makes the Dreams Work”, he has provided wide leadership and has been involved extensively. Bishop Williamson provided the leadership in launching THE CVS-CME PARTNERSHIP with A HEALTH INITIATIVE in the First Episcopal District. With bright red balloons and the CVS-Health logo and giveaways everywhere, we launched!!! Additionally, we held HEALTH INITIATIVES at other major CME locations. We met the needs of the homeless, church members and members of the church’s communities who came. We offered immunizations, flu shots and a variety of health care advice was provided by CVS Pharmacists, store employees and health care givers at each location. We learned that there are 26 CVS Pharmacies in or near the West TN Region. The Lead District Pharmacist and Dr. Olivia Lang were available to support the Launch and HEALTH INSTITUTES. We learned that many CVS Pharmacies have a Minute Clinic in their facility, giving opportunity for community members to go and get health care check-ups. As the COVID-19 Pandemic began to show its presence everywhere, as CVS-Health received a new CEO and set an aggressive agenda, as the CME Church struggled with moving forward virtually, The PARTNERSHIP team continued to meet virtually and align our work with the CVS Health Agenda of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY, WORKFORCE, HEALTH AND EDUCATION. One of the recurring needs was to find ways to assist students in our CME Higher Education Institutions. As the Pandemic found its way onto CME Schools’ campuses, students were devastated and without funds to travel home when campuses closed. Many were without necessary technology to study virtually, and without housing and food to stay in place. CVS-Health came to the rescue and funds were provided for our students. CVS-Health has provided for Lane College’s scholarship funds in the amount of $150, 000 for the Power of Potential Scholars on campus. Bishop Henry Williamson serves as the Chair of the Trustee Board at Lane College and is “hands on” involved with the well-being of its students. Along the way, the following Initiatives are being supported by CVS-Health at Lane College: The nd
Talent Acquisition Internship, and the Pell Grant/2 Chance Program.
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CVS-Health has agreed to build its Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) on the campus of Lane College in Jackson, TN. With a budget approved for nearly $400,000, the Center will open in the fall of 2022 and serve as hubs for training and preparing Lane College students and the local community for careers in healthcare, while developing new pipelines of talent for CVS-Health. CVS Health has committed nearly $600 million to address racial inequality in America over the next 5 years. CVS Health’s investment will focus on supporting CME Church Communities by advocating public policy that addresses the root causes of systemic inequalities and disparities. Dr. Willie Mae Willett, Ed. D, Consultant/Coordinator CVS-CME Partnership Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Presiding Prelate & Chair of the Lane College Board of Trustees
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuation and indebtedness. Significant Repairs have been made at the Episcopal Residence. Significant and on-going repairs have been made at the CME International Headquarters.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal District with recommendations: X (Check here if available) The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Arkansas West Tennessee East Tennessee
2018 N/A N/A N/A
2019 N/A N/A N/A
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2020 N/A N/A N/A
2021 N/A N/A N/A
Section V. The State of Academic Institutions Lane College, founded in 1882, continues to be a leading institution for the preparation of men and women for civic responsibility and leadership in society. Its mission statement is as follows: With strong ties to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the College’s Mission is to develop the “whole student”. Academic excellence is the institution’s top priority, and it is achieved through a student-centered and nurturing approach to learning supported by excellent teaching, teach-related research, and service. The College believes that one’s intellectual capability coupled with social and spiritual growth is essential to the development of a well-rounded individual. In keeping with this Mission, the College offers creative and enriching academic programs to prepare students for their chosen careers; and encourages active student engagement to cultivate life-long learning. Dr. Logan C. Hampton, Jr. was elected the 10th President in 2014. He has with the help of the Board of Trustees set the vision, mission and goals of Lane College to transform the students to become world-class scholars. Our hope is for Lane College to partner with corporate America to prepare our students for successful careers. We have with the help of the Trustee Board of the College, Alumni and other special fundraising events increased donations to the college. We are proud of the Impact Movement and Ministry of Discipleship for the students at Lane College, and the future plans for Lane College to become Lane University. The partnership between the CME Church and the CVS Pharmacy has produced positive results for the students at Lane College and the Administration. With the help of Dr. Willie Mae Willett, CME Coordinator, and Dr. Olivia Lang, CVS Executive and the Chair of the Board, Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr., a $150,000 in student scholarships has been given along with a $400,000 mock pharmacy being built on the campus to train students to become healthcare professionals.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns A narrative stating such from the Episcopal leader. Improving the spiritual leadership, health and numerical growth of the First Episcopal District has been our number one priority. I recommend we study and implement my recent book, “God Did It”. This book presents us with the Eight (8) Quality Characteristics of Healthy Growing Churches by Christian A. Schwarz. These eight characteristics were proven to be effective in our sixteen years in ministry at the Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago where we grew from 300 to 3000 members and 50 ministries. This book is designed, especially, to help CME churches of any size to increase their membership. We also recommend two other books that are written by Methodist’s pastors who have successfully grown their churches. (1) “12 Standards of Leadership” written by Reverend Dr. William D. Watley, and (2) “Go Grow (Build) Your Church” written by Reverend Dr. James F. Miller, for both clergy and lay. Clergy, Lay Institute For Evangelism (C-LIFE) To achieve the goal of church growth, we have implemented the C-LIFE (Clergy, Lay Institute for Evangelism) to train both clergy and laity on how to share their faith. Reverend Dr. Phillip S. Nelson coordinated these efforts as our Evangelism and Church Growth Consultant.
On designated Saturdays, on each presiding elders’ district, we have been engaged in “Love
Journeys” in the communities of local CME churches. These journeys consisted of Bishop, presiding elders, local pastors and laity from the region going door-to-door distributing Love Packets (door hangars). The Love Journey Packets consist of a Salvation Tract, a brief history of the CME Church and our CME related colleges (Lane, Paine, Miles, Texas, Phillips School of Theology). During the workshop on that Saturday, we trained from the Empowerment Pack which contains the training material needed to equip our members to be effective witnesses. Seven Day Prayer Ministry Call …Each One, Reach One for Jesus We have started the First Episcopal District Seven Day Prayer Call every morning with Bishop Williamson, our Prayer Coordinator, Reverend Willie Ward, Jr., Reverend Dr. Phillip S. Nelson, our Church Growth Consultant, and a Presiding Elder leading in prayer and presenting a prayer leader (from their district) for that day. The Call is held from Sunday through Saturday from 6:00am to 7:00am where all members of the First Episcopal District are encouraged to call in and pray each morning. The prayer call has a focused theme with scriptures to help our local churches to grow Spiritually, Numerically and Financially.
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Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital (CCCH) The First Episcopal District has led the way in the revitalization of the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital. I, and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has joined together raising the awareness of revitalizing and renovating historical value of revitalizing Memphis’ only owned and operated African American hospital. This hospital was founded by the Collins Chapel Church in 1910 and later adopted by the CME Connection under the leadership of the College of Bishops. In 1954, the Connectional CME Church, built a brand- new hospital to provide medical services for African Americans living in the tri-state area of Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. This hospital was the only place during the era of segregation where Black people could receive medical service and Black doctors and health professional could practice. We pray each day for the partnership between CCCH and Room In the Inn, Homeless Ministry. Voter Registration Across the First Episcopal District, Tennessee and Arkansas, we have formed a movement to support Voter Registration, Voter Education, Voter Mobilization. We have led a campaign to register new voters in Tennessee and Arkansas including the registration of college students at Lane College, Rust College, American Baptist College and Tennessee State University. We have been assisted by the Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., National President and Founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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Social and Civic Engagements John Wesley, the father of Methodism states, “I see the World as our Parrish”. We are therefore to think globally but to act locally. In the First Episcopal District, we have striven to carry out the Wesleyan mandate in raising awareness of the needs of our communities. The church must help create public policy to improve the quality of life for all our citizens in the following areas: •
Affordable Healthcare for all, i.e., England, Canada
•
Year-Round public schools adequately funded (Pre-K through 12th grade)
•
Employment with livable wages and benefits (advocating for a minimum wage of $15 per hour)
•
Safe and affordable housing
•
Economic development for blighted areas in our communities
•
A ban on assault weapons and other guns that threatens the safety of our schools and communities
•
Drug treatment programs for those in society and those incarcerated
•
To reform the present Criminal Justice System in America, i.e., the unjustified shooting of Black Males by the Police
•
Concerned for the increased imprisonment of black males and females in America
As we listen to Jesus in the scripture, He commands and request us to pay attention to the “least of these”. (Matthew 25:34-45) There are many victims in our communities today because of negative and demonic influences in every area of our society. We must identify these critical issues and problems and provide solution-based programs that are effective. We trust that in all elections, we will vote for those candidates who will change public policy at every level. We must then as the church do Voters’ Education, Voters’ Registration, and Voters’ Mobilization to get our people to the poles on or before election day. We must also lobby state government to stop voter’s suppression laws that do not allow early or Sunday voting and provide transportation to the polls by taking off on election day.
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One Church One School I would like to take this time to acknowledge and honor the work of Dr. Phedonia J. Johnson who has served in a volunteer capacity as the National Executive Director for the past 30 Years with excellence. The First Episcopal District held a very successful MLKJR Dream Keepers Workshop in Tennessee and Arkansas. The One Church One School Outreach Program allows us to intervene early at Pre-K through Six-grade so that our children are reading, writing and computing at or above grade level. We know that every local church can give one-hour, one-day to help oneteacher in one-class room to reach one-student and family that needs to be encouraged. It is always the goal of One Church One School to help achieve three objectives in the life of a student: 1) improved one academic achievement, 2) personal development and, 3) the proper social behavior. We can also follow the mission mandate that Jesus gave in his Luke 4:18 call to serve and witness. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,…”. It is very important that we be intentional through local churches to create a culture of love, kindness, excellence and forgiveness as we share the message of Jesus Christ and our wonderful heritage as the CME Church. The ministries of Salvation, Education and Liberation must be directed to meet the needs of the 21st century. We must provide Christian education programs
that reaches the local community and teaches our leaders how to disciple our children, youth and adults of all ages. It is imperative that Needs Meeting Ministries be designed for the local church to address the critical issues in our homes, schools and communities for the children in the sunrise of life and for our elderly in the sunset of life. We must unite the church, home, and school to make our students learn how to succeed in life in the following five ways: Attendance Attention Attitude Appearance Achievement
In our 150th Year, the First Episcopal District hosted the Anniversary Celebration of our denomination from 1870-2020 at Mt. Olive Cathedral in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. This Celebration was made possible by our Technology Team that streamed world-wide for all
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Notes of Gratitude and Reflections of Thanksgiving To God be the Glory for the Great Things He Hath Done! I give God all the Praise, Honor and Glory for allowing me to serve 55 Years of continuous ministry as a Pastor and Bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. I am grateful and honored as the 52nd Bishop of the CME Church to make this my 5th Quadrennial Report to the
39th Quadrennial Session and the 40th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Doris Yvonne Williamson ~ A very Special Thank You to my loving and faithful wife of 48 years. She has served as my partner in ministry, loyal supporter, and dedicated Christian worker. She has been an outstanding mother to our two adult children, Kelli D. Williamson-Key (Ramon) and our son, Henry Williamson, Jr. (Dana). The great joy of our life is our three grandchildren, Jonathan D. Williamson- Carpenter, a 2018 Graduate of Lane College, along with Henry Williamson, III, twelve years old, and Derek Alexander Williamson, 10 years old. Mrs. Alma J. Carvin ~ Mother, I thank God for training me to be an obedient child and guiding me to serve in the life of the church. I thank you for your example and commitment as a dedicated lay person, Sunday School teacher, stewardess and missionary in the CME Church. I thank God for allowing me and the family to serve you with love during your convalescence in your home before passing.. Mrs. Kelli Williamson-Key ~ To our daughter with gratitude and affection in being a dedicated music teacher, anointed singer and excellent director. You have helped tremendously in coordinating the Music Ministry in the District with a great team of gifted musicians. Dr. Phillip & Gladys Nelson ~ Thank you for your tremendous effort in guiding the First District through our C-LIFE Church Growth initiative. As our Evangelist and Church Growth Consultants you have been terrific and effective. Presiding Elders of the First District ~ Thank you for serving alongside me and making a positive difference in our local churches and in the Seven Day A Week Prayer Ministry. Reverend & Mrs. Ronald Williams Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Powe Reverend Peris J. Lester, I
Reverend & Mrs. Don White Reverend Reverend & Mrs. Claude A. Bass. Reverend & Mrs. Bethel L. Harris Jr.
Lane College ~ We thank the leadership, staff and students of this great and historic learning institution. Our President, Dr. Logan C. Hampton Jr. has done a superb job with the support of Dr. Daryll Coleman, Academic Dean, and with the coordinating efforts of the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Darlette Samuels.
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Pastors ~ Thank you for being Great Men and Women of God and Servant Leaders within the CME Church and the larger community where you perform outreach ministry. Loyal Lay Men and Women ~ Thank you for your enormous support and service in the local church where you attend as well as our district, annual and connectional church. You are the key to the growth in the local church as you witness and share your faith with others in Jesus Christ. Children, Youth and Young Adults Thank you for your loyal and positive presence as you serve in your local church in Sunday School, CYF, CEF, and many other ministries. Special Thanks to the Rev. Dr. LaVerne BellTolliver, First District Coordinator of the ‘Jesus Crusade to Save the Children’ Ministry. Keep learning, loving, growing and forgiving as we go and make disciples for Jesus Christ. Missionaries ~ Thank you for being Great Women of God and your outstanding support in being willing workers with your helping hands in God’s Vineyard. You are making a positive difference in your local church as you help to bring in new families and support our One Church One School Outreach Ministry. Retired Bishops & Widows Residing in the First Episcopal District ~ I thank God for each of you: Mrs. Donna Bentley Graves, Mrs. Gladys Brown, Mrs. Esther L. Isom, Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman, and Mrs. Clarice Cunningham for your loyalty and faithfulness to God and the CME Church. Mrs. Jo-Ann Jones ~ I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude for your dedication and perseverance in serving as office manager in the office of the Bishop of the First District. Mrs. Juliet Waddell-Pittman ~ Thank you for your willingness to use your gifts and abilities in support of the CME Church through the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital Renovation Project. Rev. Giovonnt’e Baker ~ Thank you for your willingness to use your gifts and abilities in support of the CME Church through the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital Renovation Project.
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In Closing A Special Thank You for all who serves in a leadership capacity in the First District: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Presiding Elders Bishops’ Appointed Assistants to the Presiding Elders Pastors Joint Board Members Treasurers of the Annual Conference Ushers Stewardess Ministry-to-Men Christian Education Workers Young Adults One Church One School Local Church Coordinators All Choirs in our local churches Trustees Stewards Loyal Laity
To God Be the Glory for those “Precious Saints” who have made their transition from labor to their Heavenly Reward. Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint”. “Hallelujah! The race is run! Eternal life is gained. My happiness has just begun, The crown of life obtained”!
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The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. for the Sixth Episcopal District
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. and Dr. Louise Baker-Brown 45
Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. for the Sixth Episcopal District Salutations Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, 111, Chair of the College of Bishops, Bishop James B. Walker; members of the College of Bishops and your spouses, General and Connectional Officers, members of the Judicial Council, heads of our educational institutions, General Conference delegates, alternates and attendees to this the Thirty-Ninth Quadrennial session of the Fortieth General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, I greet you in the life-giving and ever reigning Lord, Jesus the Christ. I am thankful and exciting to present my first report on behalf of the sensational and scintillating people of the Sixth Episcopal District, I am deeply honored and grateful to have this privileged granted me the CME Church. I am acutely aware that I have entered the labors of stellar episcopal leaders who have, in my living memory, proceeded me in this work, namely, Bishops Peter Randolph Shy, Joseph Carlyle Coles, Jr., Othal Hawthorne Lakey and Kenneth Wayne Carter. Their histories and legacies in the Sixth Episcopal District have bequeathed me with a magnificent work and firm pillars upon which to continue to build. Furthermore, I am indebted to the faithful clergy and laity whose love for Christ and His Church is more than obvious given their enduring commitment and sacrifices on behalf of the mission and vision of the CME Church in Georgia. Acknowledgments: First, I thank God for the Fifty years of partnership that Dr. Louise Baker Brown has graciously and sacrificially shared with me in this call and cause for Christ within the CME Church. July 2022 will mark a milestone of fifty years for us in marriage. Dr. Louise’s devotion to our marriage, companion of love, steadfast faith, and enduring love and parenting of our children, and, now,
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grandparenting our six grands is a debt that I can never repay. From the beginning Dr. Louise has embraced our marriage and ministry with wholehearted commitment and faithfulness. Only heaven can recount the multiplicity of ways she has helped to empower me as a person and enhance my professional ministry in every role I have served. Our children, Nicole Brown Jefferson and Thomas Louis, Jr., our daughter-in-law, Jessica, and our six grandchildren are living signs and symbols of the transforming ways God has gifted and graced our love journey. The labors and faith of my late parents, Stephen and Lillie H. Brown, as well as my late in-laws, Walls and Lura Baker, continue to inspire and imbue me with a sense of gratitude and joy as I serve our Lord and His church. Second, I will always be indebted to the late Rev. Wayne Johnson, whose discerning spirit and fruitful ministry as a pastor and social justice advocate, compelled me in May, 1972, to embrace my call to ministry in the CME Church. Rev. Johnson took me under his wings as a pastor and social justice advocate, and through his clever actions, launched my seminary education at Phillips School of Theology/ITC. My memory of this gentle shepherding presence serves a light of hope and encouragement even now. One year after arriving as the bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District I invited Reverend Pansy Washington (Executive Coordinator, Sixth Episcopal District), who at the time, was the pastor of the Holsey Temple CME Church, Atlanta, Georgia, to join me in my administrative and logical ministry. Rev. Washington has far exceeded my hopeful expectations of how your abilities, gifts and talents, and commitment would help my episcopal ministry in Georgia. I am a far more efficient and effective bishop because of all that she is and does to enhance my work. In addition, Rev. Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin (Practical Ministries Coordinator, Sixth Episcopal District), who was pastor of West Mitchell Street CME Church, and professor of Worship and Music at Interdenominational Theological Center, to join me as a co-laborers and team member in helping to envision, design the programmatic vision for my episcopal ministry of empowering the clergy and laity of the Sixth District. Dr. Allen-McLaurin brings a multiplicity of gifts, graces and extraordinary devotion to the ministry of nurturing the minds and hearts of the people is a great asset to the teaching ministry of the Sixth District. Reverend Washington’s and Rev. AllenMcLaurin’s stellar ministries provide a steady ladder upon which to serve the people of the Sixth District. Additionally, from 1994 to 2006, I was privileged to have Bishop Othal H. Lakey serve as my presiding bishop. I count it a rare blessing and opportunity to now serve he and Dr. Elfreda Lakey in the Sixth District. I thank them for all that they continue to offer the ministry of the Sixth District. The Lakeys are unbelievable partners in my episcopal ministry in Georgia. Bishop Lakey, in addition to his stalwart preaching and teaching, has been a great source of counsel and support. Dr. Lakey has taken on the leadership of reviving the Sixth Episcopal District’s music ministry. Regrettably the pandemic has temporarily interrupted the progress that Dr. Lakey, and her team,
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were making with the development of that ministry. We look forward to resuming the melodious music offered by the voices of the Sixth District under the capable leadership of Dr. Lakey. The pillars to my episcopal ministry are the nine presiding elders who serve with me in my cabinet. Their fervent, gifted leadership and partnership serve as holders of the ladder for my episcopal leadership. Namely, South Georgia is led by Rev. Bobby K. Goliday, Albany/Thomasville District, and Rev. Lavisha Williams, Moultrie-McRae-Brunswick District. The West Georgia Region is led by Rev. Dr. Curtis L. West, Jr., North Columbus/LaGrange District, and Rev. Dr. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr., South Columbus/Cordele District. In Central Georgia, Rev. Jane E. Thomas leads the Fort Valley/Savannah District, and Rev. Dr. Donald R. Jordan, the Barnesville/Macon District. Georgia North Region is led by Presiding Elders Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr., Atlanta/Rome District, Rev. Dr. Wille J. Wiley, August District, and the Elberton/Gainesville District by Rev. Frederick L. Braddock, Sr. The above women and men have shouldered some heavy fiscal and supervision loads, and made unusual sacrifices of travel, meetings and helping churches to make round financial reports. The fiscal affairs of the four regions are entrusted to the faithful leadership of the Joint Boards of Finance for each Region chaired by: Rev. Dr. Anthony Davis, South Georgia (Rev. Ellis Jackson, previously); Rev. Carlton Mahone, West Georgia; Rev. Dr. Da’Henri Thurmond, Sr., Central Georgia, and Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Georgia North. The fiscal stewardship of region is handled by the treasurers: (Rev, Dr. Anthony Davis, former), now Rev. Connie Scott, South Georgia; Rev. Patricia Jefferson, Central Georgia; Mrs. Valerie Alexander, previously and now, Miss Glenda Rivers, West Georgia; and Rev. Dr. James Clements, Georgia North Regions. Their fiscal accountability has greatly helped us maintain a sense of financial accountability and transparency. Among our annual conference leaders, I salute the chairs of the Committees on Ministerial Examination: a) Rev. Tawanna B. Harris, South Georgia; b) Dr. Thomas Slater, Georgia North; c) Dr. Lindsey P. Napier, Jr., West Georgia; and d) Rev. Cedric Allen, Central Georgia. Other officers are the four Conference Missionary Presidents: 1) Mrs. Gloria Cook, South Georgia; 2) Mrs. Linda Bowens, West Georgia; 3) Mrs. Lawana Williams-Grant, Central Georgia; and 4) Mrs. Betty Christian, Georgia North Region. Miss Glenda Rivers serves ably as the Sixth Episcopal District’s Stewardess, President. Reverend Dr. Andre’ Lloyd has served as our Dean of Leadership Education School with imaginative and creative vision effectively impacting many of our youths across the Episcopal District. Our Episcopal Director of Christian Education is under the energetic leadership of Mrs. Karen Searcy, supported by our annual conference directors: Mrs. Cheryl Averett Johnson, West Georgia; Mrs. Belinda Hunt, Central Georgia; Mrs. Annie Adams, South Georgia, and Mrs. Jane Pettis. The Regional Lay ministry is lead respectively by: 1) Mr. Gregory Lewis,
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Georgia North; 2) Mrs. Sandra Alexander Hill, Central Georgia, 3) Mr. Reginald Williamson, West Georgia; and Mr. Robert Harbert, South Georgia Region, and Dr. Jerry Hardee, MTM, South Georgia. Additionally, I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. Barbara Campbell, Episcopal District, Coordinator of Social Concerns; Mrs. Martha Wiley, Sixth Episcopal Representative, Ministers Spouse Mrs. Jacqueline Carter, Director of Women Missionary Institute; Rev. Dr. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr., Coordinator of Episcopal District Finances; Ms. Patricia Yates, Elnora Pl Hamb Chairperson of Health Coordinator and liaison with Balm in Gilead; Rev. Amarylis D. West, Webmaster for Sixth District; Mrs. Kelsey NapierAllen; Representative to the Connectional Young Adult Ministry; and Miss Hannah E. Rhodes, Connectional Youth Vice President for Sixth District. Furthermore, I am honored to serve as the bishop of distinguished General Officers such as Dr. Leo Pinkett (Ministry to Men); Dr. Ore L. Spragin (Editor of The Christian Index), and Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. (Evangelism and Mission) in tandem with Connectional Officers Mrs. Calandra Hunter (Vice-President, Women Missionary Council); Dr. Barbara Campbell (President Connectional Lay Council); Rev. Amina McIntyre, (Pastor President of Young Adults Council); Ms. Paige Perry (Secretary of Phyllis H. Bedford, WMC); Mrs. Hilda Buie (Secretary of Overseas Missions, WMC); and Chief Justice of the Judicial Council, Reverend Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr. Lastly, we remember particularly the untimely deaths of Bishops E. Lynn Brown, William H. Graves, Sr., Ronald M. Cunningham; Bobby R. Best, and Godwin Umoette, and share in the grief of their widows and families. May God bless their memories and ministries!
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Number of Local Congregations 51 49 72 100 272
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Number of New Local Congregations 0 0 0 4 4
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Merger
Atrophy
0 0 0 1 1
1 0 1 0 2
Otherwise
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018 3,325.00 4,404.00 13,343.00 11,928.00 33,000
2019 3,320.00 4,139.00 13,422.00 12,016.00 32,897
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2020 3,320.00 4,128.00 13,314.00 11,918.00 32,680
2021 3,321.00 3,940.00 13,177.00 11,901.00 32,339
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018 76 98 227 246 647
2019 76 71 241 234 622
2020 15 26 74 67 182
2021 19 30 81 79 209
2018 56 59 127 132 374
2019 63 39 134 136 372
2020 10 30 23 28 91
2021 13 1 21 15 50
2020 5 30 51 19 105
2021 6 3 60 66 135
Conversion: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total Otherwise: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018 20 37 100 114 271
2019 13 21 107 98 239
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018 151 169 188 247 755
2019 156 1,416 1,011 1,196 3,779
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2020 31 434 942 1,237 2,644
2021 155 579 754 1,117 2,605
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018 309 286 423 747 1,765
2019 312 236 357 619 1,524
2020 311 236 325 238 1,110
2021 335 266 345 567 1,513
23 12 21 41 97
20 11 23 41 95
21 16 28 40 105
Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
22 12 24 48 106
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Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
Number of Active Traveling Preachers
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range Under 21
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 21-35
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 35-55
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 55-74
South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
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35
11
41
30
11
0
3
15
23
70
51
13
0
6
13
46
102
60
33
0
5
24
64
259
176
68
0
16
68
161
0
2
16
28
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 3 1 8 14
Number of Males 0 2 1 5 8
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Number of Females 1 1 0 3 5
Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 0 2 5 3 10
Number of Males
Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 2 1 2 3 8
Number of Males
Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 1 2 2 6 11
Number of Males
0 0 3 1 4
1 0 2 2 5
1 2 1 3 7
Number of Females 0 2 2 2 6
Number of Females 1 1 0 1 3
Number of Females 0 0 1 3 4
The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference South Geogia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 0 1 0 1
2 0 0 0 2
2 0 2 0 4
1 1 1 1 4
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Transfer: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
1 1 1 0 3
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 1
0 2 2 1 5
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 1
Otherwise: Annual Conference South Georgia West Georgia Cemtral Georgia Georgia North Total
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each annual conference. Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited College or University 1. South Georgia -15 2. West Georgia -10 3. Central Georgia - 21 4. Georgia North -22 Total: 68
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Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the CME Church in Georgia. A. One in The Spirit Banquet – This project began as the vision of Bishop Othal H. Lakey and was continued during the episcopal leadership of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter. We continued to build on their legacies. As a result, we have raised in excess of $400,000 during the Quadrennium. We developed a formula where 40% of each year’s total is targeted for financially assisting local churches in each of the nine presiding elder’s district. As a result of the sacrificial giving of our pastors and churches, more than $320,000 has been given to a plethora of local churches across the Sixth District. Below is a list of most of those churches: Abundance of Praise Bethel Bethel Grove Bishop Nathaniel Linsey Revival Bluff Springs Bold Springs Brinson Chapel Butler Street Byron Chapel College Park Concord-Woodburg Dillinoy Divine Ministries of Faith Ebenezer Evans Chapel Friendship International
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Good Hope Good News Community Grace Holiness Haitian Greater Hopewell Hadley Henry County Mission Holsey Chapel Holsey Sinai Holsey Temple Horne Mission House of Restoration Israel Temple John W. Hall Memorial Linden Shorts Livingston Chapel Midway Ministry at Milton Mount Zion Mt. Pleasant Mt. Sinai Mt. Zion Murray Memorial New Beginning New Bethel New Horizon
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New Prospect Liberty New Victory Notchauway Pleasant Hill Renewed Spirit Restoration Online Ministries Rocky Mountain Rose of Hope Ministries S. James (Lumber City) Saint John Sanctuary of Christian Fellowship Sardis Servants of Christ Shady Grove Shy Temple St. Luke The Power Church of Good News Village of Hope Vineyard at Gwinnett Walker Temple Ward Chapel West Mitchell West Side Community West Wing
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B. The Christian Training Institute – This educational ministry is the result of the vision of Bishop Othal H. Lakey, and continued under the episcopal leadership Bishop Kenneth W. Carter. After assuming the episcopal ministry of the Sixth District, I appointed Reverend Dr. Lisa AllenMcLaurin, Coordinator of Practical Ministries for the Sixth District. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin our Christian Training Institute (CTI) offers two resources each year for the clergy and laity to study. For instance, over the span of the Quadrennium, we have studied Paul Nixon's I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church; Robert Schnase's Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations; David Mathis' Habits of Grace; and this conference year we are studying Dr. William J. Barber's Revive Us Again: Vision and Action In Moral Organizing, and We are Called To Be A Movement. Dr. Allen-McLaurin provides videos and discussion outlines with pertinent questions to be engaged. Each quarter, the clergy and laity assembled to participate in dialogue in response to the books and the outlines presented by Dr. Allen-McLaurin. The attendance for the Christian Training Institute (CTI) has more than quadrupled reaching over 700 registered persons in one setting. The goal of this ministry is to help our pastors and members to make these resources applicable to both their personal lives and the mission of our local churches. C. Conference of National Black Churches – The Sixth Episcopal District partnered with the Conference of National Black Churches, under the Presidency of Dr. Jacqui Burton and Chairman Dr. W. Franklin Richardson and its board offering in-depth training for pastors to empower them to educate their churches on Covid-19 and becoming advocates for taking the vaccines. Many of our pastors and congregations have offered education focused on testing and prevention in addition to inviting our clergy, members and communities to take the vaccines and the booster shots. Approximately 15 of our congregations sponsored Covid-19 testing and vaccination events. A significant number of our pastors signed up the training offered by the Conference of National Black Churches, resulting in their churches receiving $500 to assist those congregations. Hundreds of persons have received testing and vaccines from our congregations' initiatives. D. Technology Team - One of the mixed blessings of the Covid-19 pandemic is it has forced most of our pastors and congregations to embrace online ministries involving Facebook, Zoom and Conference calling. Reverend Pansy Washington has led the way in developing a team of tech savvy persons spanning the breath of the Sixth District to assist us in hosting bishop meetings, meetings of conference officers, training venues, including annual conferences. As a result, most of our pastors and congregations are reaching a much larger audience for worship, Bible studies and other ministries of the local churches, to include many of their own members. E. The Morris Bank Partnership and the Sixth District – As a result of a relationship forged by Presiding Elder Lindsey P. Napier with Morris Bank, located in Warner Robins, Georgia, we began a conversation with the said bank focused on helping finance loans needed by various local churches. In the Autumn of 2019, we began a formal relationship with Morris Bank. As a result, the following churches are benefiting from this venture with Morris Bank:
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1. The New Clifford Temple CME Church, Thomasville, Georgia was purchased for $675,000 consisting of 12,388 feet to include a sanctuary, offices, a number of classrooms, food preparation and dining facility and space for developing a daycare ministry. Clifford Temple is pastored by Reverend Curtis L. Russell, Sr. 2. In August, 2021 the Vineyard Church in Gwinnett County, GA was purchased through Morris Bank. The facility was purchased with a fully functioning sanctuary, a full first level with classrooms with assembling space, and a fellowship/activities building separate from the church. Located in Auburn, Georgia , one of the fastest growing towns in Georgia, this church, under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Dr. Rodney Averett, is attracting a diverse group of young new members and their children. Dr. Averett has initiated a STEMS ministry that is attracting many teenagers for church school. Rev. Nellie Williams initially this mission in Gwinnett County several years ago. Rev. Averett. a resident of this community, let us in purchasing this facility and establishing a location for this the first CME church in Guinnett County. This ministry is flourishing under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Rodney Averett. 3. In August, 2021, the Shy Temple CME Church, which sold its previous facility on Memorial Drive, has purchased over 10 acres in Decatur, Georgia with two existing facilities, chapel, offices and educational, on the campus. Shy Temple has secured a loan with Morris Banks for $1.2 million dollars to erect its new sanctuary which scheduled to be dedicated on June 12, 2022. This church is pastored by Rev. Dr. James Clements. 4. The College Park CME Church, located in College Park, Georgia, has secured a loan with a bank in South Georgia in the amount of $750,000 to build a new office, educational and fellowship center. Construction has already begun. This church is pastored by Rev. Albert Lee, 111. 5. Through Morris Bank, we facilitated a loan for the West Mitchell Street CME Church in order to replace the church’s roof including refurbishing the church’s sanctuary, lightning and other necessary improvements. Rev. Dr. Herman "Skip" Mason is the pastor. 6. At present, the Butler Street CME Church is securing a loan from Morris Bank in the amount of $2.5 million for the purpose of constructing a new sanctuary with educational facilities on a ten acre plot located in close proximity to the Atlanta International Airport off Interstate 75 South. The old historic Butler Street Church, located downtown Atlanta, has been sold. Rev. Christopher Waller is the pastor of the Butler Street Church. F. Purchasing and Renovation of New Episcopal Office - Thanks to the Pastor of Shy Temple Church, Rev. Dr. James Clements and the officers, the Sixth Episcopal District has just finished renovating a new episcopal office which is being leased purchased from the Shy Temple Church. It is a two-story facility designed to house offices, equipment, files and archives of the Sixth Episcopal District.
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G. Establishment of a $300,000 line of Credit with Morris Bank – The Morris Bank and the Sixth Episcopal District have forged a $300,000 line of credit making it possible for local churches, that qualify and may customarily not qualify for such a loan. These small loans through the Morris Bank at reduced interest rates with a focus on helping many of our local churches to do needed and often delayed repairs and refurbishing. The Pleasant Hill Church, Commerce, GA is one of the first local churches to take advantage of this loan opportunity. H. The Herman "Skip" Mason Sunday Afternoon Dialogue - A couple of years ago, Reverend Dr. Mason envisioned a platform for telling the 150th Anniversary story of CME Church by interviewing and telling the life stories of various leaders and personalities of the CME Church. Dr. Mason has broadened this platform to engage a number of events and provocative stories of many others. While this platform targets the audience of the CME Church, Dr. Mason is a proud member of the Sixth Episcopal District, an author, historian and the esteemed pastor of the historic West Mitchell Street CME Church. His reach has greatly enhanced the image of the Connectional CME Church, and indeed the Sixth Episcopal District. I. The Music Ministry of the Sixth Episcopal District. Thanks to Dr. Elfreda Lakey, wife of Bishop Othal H. Lakey, the music ministry of the Sixth District was revived and had been established on sound footing until the onset of the pandemic. This ministry seeks to cultivate the music gifts and voices of lay and clergy across the Sixth District. In addition, it is our hope that this music will help us reclaim the ministry of singing which is one of the great legacies of the Wesleyan movement. We hope to inspire local churches to become more intentional about utilizing the various genres of music and improving the quality of the music being offered across our churches, promoting a deeper knowledge and love for the great music resources of our Zion.
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J. Financial Support of Phillips School of Theology/ITC, Paine College, Eleventh Episcopal District and CME Emergency Fund: First, during the span of this quadrennium the Sixth Episcopal District has averaged annually a contribution of over $60,000. Second, the Sixth District gives to Paine College annually $40,000. Third, the District has given consistently in financial support of the Eleventh District. Fourth, a number of local congregations and individuals give financially in support of various natural disasters during the Quadrennium. This is a great tribute to the sacrificial giving of the clergy and laity of the District. K. Social Action - Working with other faith leaders in Georgia, the Sixth Episcopal District made a significant contribution to rallying voters in the CME Church and beyond in the 2020 National election resulting in two Democratic senators being elected, namely Senators Jon Osoff and Dr. Raphael Warnock. Georgia made history in that election which gave Joseph Biden the winning votes in Georgia, turning the state from red to blue. In November, 2021 three CME bishops, Thomas Brown, Kenneth E. Carter and Sylvester Williams, accompanied by a number of CME pastors, joined over 750 religious leaders in the rally outside of the Brunswick, Georgia Courthouse in support of the family and trial of the murderers of Ahmaud Arbery. L. Hosting of the Women Missionary Council Quadrennium - The Sixth District was honored to host the first Women Missionary Council Quadrennium under the leadership of President Jacqueline Scott. The four missionary presidents and the missionaries across the Sixth District formed a first rate team as they planned and hosted the Council meeting in Atlanta.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
South GA
$98,922.50
$98,922.50
$98,922.50
$98,922
West GA
$106,238.00
$106,238.00
$106,238.00
$106,238
Central GA
$179,536.93
$179,536.93
$179,536.93
$179,536
Georgia North
$205,884.57
$205,884.57
$205,884.57
$205,884
Total
$590,582.00
$590,582.00
$590,582.00
$590,580.00
General Funds Assessed 2018
Gener al Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference
South Georgia West Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
General Funds Paid 2022
$98,922.50 $51,119.00 $179,536.94 $205,884.57 $535,463.01
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The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. The only property owned by the Sixth Episcopal District is the newly purchased and renovated episcopal office. The office is being purchased from the Shy Temple CME Church and sets on one acre of land. With the recent renovations, the office is in excellent condition and presently valued from $300,00 to $350,000.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal District with recommendations: (Check here if available)
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference West Georgia South Georgia Central Georgia Georgia North Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
$463,788.00
$541,108.00
$741,659.00
$741,669.00
$478,440.97
$571,629.58
$484,272.12
$573,775.97
$772,947.00
$718,760.00
$716,506.00
$770,778.00
$768,245.00
$996,830.00
$1,045,680.00
$1,047,680.00
$2,483,420.97
$2,828,327.58
$2,988,117.12
$3,133,902.97
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. Paine College, located in Augusta, Georgia, has experienced some grave challenges during this Quadrennial. The College has gone from being fully accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSOC) to being denied accreditation. Thanks to the leadership of former President, Dr. Jerry Hardee and Paine's Board of Trustees, the college pursued steps towards accreditation by Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Initially Paine was granted candidate status which has now led to the College being fully accredited by TRACS. While Paine continues to face some steep financial woes, the College is now on a path of recovering and achieving its rightful place as a thriving HBCU institution affiliated by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church. Crucial to the future of Paine is the task of increasing its student enrollment which will help the school to become more financial solvent. Additionally, the College will need to drastically increase its fundraising success. Academically, Paine continues to maintain a corps of very able and loyal faculty despite pay reductions and some furloughs. As of February 11, 2022, there are 234 students enrolled for Spring, 2022 which is a 6.77% increase from the same time 2021. There are 1023 pending accepted application for Fall 2022 compared to less than 200 this same time last year. We are projecting a Fall 2022 enrollment of a minimum of 500. Additionally, Paine's basketball program has become a part of the NCCAA Division 1 South Region Basketball and baseball team. In 1975, the late Lee Elder became the first African American to play in the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. As a result of the racist segregation practices at that time in Augusta, Georgia, Mr. Elder found a home at Paine College which assisted with his lodging and fed him on the campus of Paine College. Prior to Mr. Elder's death, he was invited back to Paine where he was bestowed an honorary doctorate. Mr. Elder has facilitated a commitment from the Augusta National Golf Club in fostering a golfing relationship with the students at Paine. The relationship between the Augusta National Golf Club and Paine continues to materialize resulting in the first time in history that Paine has a golfing program and team.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns A narrative stating such from the Episcopal leader. First, chief among the challenges facing the ministry of the Sixth Episcopal District is the dearth of available and ready pastors. I am embarrassed to report that we are not birthing and attracting sufficient pastors to adequately serve many of our local churches. Compounding this challenge is the progressive aging of the pastors who are presently serving. This crisis will only become more exacerbated unless we are able to infuse our clergy ranks with more young, equipped, passionate and committed preachers. 455Of course, the aging of our clergy is a reflection of the same dynamic among the laity in many of our congregations. I believe the impending goals being recommended by the Strategic Planning Team offers us an invitation to restore our sense of the CME Church's highest purpose, vision, and mission. It is profoundly clear that the strategic goals offer viable solutions for our crisis we are confronted with. Moreover, it is imperative that we charge our clergy and laity to join our ministry with children, youth, youth adults and families in all of our engagements. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated our need to double our efforts to ensure that our local churches are attracting, nurturing and discipling this young generation. This process will require us to identify, disciple and equip new leaders who are passionately committed to serving our young while focused on an intergenerational vision for ministry. Second, the vast majority of our churches are located in rural and small town communities which are experiencing continued decline in populations, often becoming economically challenged; and facing serious educational deficits. On the one hand, many of these congregations have endured great losses, yet they continue to maintain themselves. They reflect a national trend of much smaller churches. It is obvious that these small rural churches serve a vital need for both their memberships and communities. Yet, the survival of many of these churches pose a daunting concern for our future. Regrettably most of these churches are not interested in possible merger with other CME churches, leaving them very vulnerable in terms of lack of adequate clergy and lay leadership. Observation has shown that, when assigned able pastoral leadership, some of these churches are experiencing a form of revival and renewed life. Again, I believe our Strategic Planning recommended goals invite us to reinvest ourselves in empowering some of these churches to experience a rebirth. Third, most of our "old first' churches are struggling and suffering from a sense of loss of momentum towards their possible future. Where we have large populations, many of the memberships our churches are not reflecting the population growth that is taking place around them. This is a multifaceted problem that is requiring us to become more strategic in the placement
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of pastors who possess the passionate commitment to address the growth, ministry and facility needs that are facing some of our old historical city and inner-city churches. Fourth, planting new congregations is a must for us if we are serious about inviting a new generation of believers. We have identified a number of locations through the Sixth District where we need to seed a new mission. This challenge will require us to both recruit, train, and equip new leadership that is mission minded, and committed to planting new churches that possess a vision, mission and passion for serving this present age. We will also need to craft our annual conference budgets to help offer the financial resources needed for such a venture. Fifth, it is critical that offer opportunities for both clergy and laity to reimagine who we are and wish to become in this era. As has happened in the past, the church will need to recover its best history and heritage while imaginatively discerning God's call on us for this generation. This will be a painful process. Yet, it will yield a more energized and momentous future for our Zion. We are encouraged by the number of our pastors and congregations that are embracing a hybrid approach to worship and biblical study. Perhaps this pandemic will continue to urge and nudge us to develop a more wholistic adaptive approach to our ministry at all levels of the denomination. Lastly, while our challenges and concerns are immense, I am convinced our church will make the necessary decisions and commitment to respond to God's unfolding call on us as we envision our highest purpose, vision, and charge for such a time as this.
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The Quadrennial Report of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter for the Eleventh Episcopal District
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter and Mrs. Rosia Carter 68
Quadrennial Report of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter for the Eleventh Episcopal District Greetings To Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III; Bishop James B. Walker, Chair of the College of Bishops; each member of the College of Bishop and my colleagues in the Episcopacy; Spouses and families of each member Bishop; General and Connectional Officers, Spouses and families; Judicial Council members, Spouses and families; General Conference Delegates as well as Alternate Delegates to this 40th General Conference Session; Visitors and well-wishers of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, I greet each of you in the Matchless and Wonderful name of Jesus our Christ and soon coming King! Introduction The great Psalmist, hymn writer, and musician, David states sentiments of my heart today: “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who Take refuge in Him. (Psalm 34. 8, NLT) David invites us to test, sample, understand and perceive; to try and experience the goodness of the Lord. With this invitation in mind, I reflectively write. First, I thank God for the warm and wonderful people of the Eleventh District! The Eleventh District was birthed in 2008-as I served, then, as the Presiding Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!” Secondly, I, further, thank God and Missionary Supervisor MuGongo for our first 78 Church Plants that were established at Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congos; and it was in 2008 that these congregations were, fully, integrated into the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!” Thirdly, I would write: the District was birthed out of love for people and the work of Mission Ministry. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!”
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Fourthly, I wish to thank the General Church for supporting and praying for this awesome, God-given, ministry! Indeed, God is “...Able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh within us!” Eph. 3.20, KJV “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!” Finally, I would be remiss if I did not, truly, thank my wife and co-laborer in this ministry to which God has appointed us, Mrs. Rosia Carter. Her daily prayers and constant support of the people and me as well as the work of the Eleventh District has been an indescribable source and resource of strength and motivation! “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!”
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
Number or Local Congregations 10 546 57 355 45 44 30 458 1,545
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
Number or Local Congregations 4 353 28 266 29 20 7 1 708
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The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
Merger 0 2 0 10 2 0 0 0 14
Atrophy 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2
Otherwise 3 2 4 37 1 0 19 4 70
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
2018 1,180 126,508 7,866 15,567 3,855 816 1,205 0 156,997
2019 1,240 156,062 9,852 24,633 4,725 1,189 2,312 540 200,553
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2020 1,048 156,062 9,629 24,274 4,222 1,804 2,158 630 199,827
2021 980 156,062 8,491 37,866 4,573 2,288 1,870 721 212,851
The total number of members added in each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
2018 0 199 60 23 50 11 25 0 368
2019 40 250 0 350 0 77 0 0 717
2020
2021 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 46
2018 0 176 61 223 48 20 28 0 556
2019 20 333 0 650 0 110 0 0 1,113
2020
2021 0 0 0 0 0 182 0 45 227
2018 0 342 39 0 0 0 0 0 381
2019
2020
2021 0 0 399 13,592 351 120 0 0 14,462
0 0 41 0 0 0 35 45 121
Conversion: Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
0 0 90 300 0 0 36 45 471
Otherwise: Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
0 23,093 1,986 8,066 870 186 237 0 34,438
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0 0 0 897 0 615 0 0 1,512
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
2018 43 1,023 1,238 1,121 1,336 760 542 752 6,815
2019 51 1,077 1,292 1,413 1,860 811 610 854 7,968
2020 60 1,030 1,140 1,725 1,517 780 559 710 7,521
2021 35 955 1,001 1,601 1,279 600 511 618 6,600
Total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
2018 N/A 454 1,575 425 290 1,820 1,690 310 6,564
2019 N/A 500 1,292 605 374 1,276 966 345 5,358
2020 N/A 427 2,602 707 426 1,301 1,073 450 6,986
2021 N/A 442 1,197 587 401 1,290 866 341 5,124
2018 N/A 505 950 383 314 996 1,401 200 4,749
2019 N/A 541 1,157 433 308 1,141 667 197 4,444
2020 N/A 478 836 481 341 1,002 713 250 4,101
2021 N/A 475 948 407 298 976 652 221 3,977
Lay Council: Name of Annual Conference Burundi DR Congo Egypt/ Sudan Kenya/ Uganda Rwanda Haiti S. Africa/ Zimbabwe Tanzania/ Zambia Total
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SECTION II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Annual Conference
Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Active Males Females Active Active Active Active Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers in Age in Age in Age in Age Range Range Range Range Under 21 21-35 36-55 56-74
Burundi
10
0
5
5
0
DR Congo
647
94
288
186
79
Egypt/ Sudan
61
2
39
20
0
Kenya/ Uganda
465
62
284
78
41
Rwanda
58
4
32
20
2
Haiti
120
18
20
45
37
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
37
1
9
27
0
Tanzania/ Zambia
263
255
8
0
1
206
56
1,651
255
8
181
678
587
215
Total
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The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference
Admitted in Full Connection 2021
Number of Males Number of Females
Burundi
0
0
0
DR Congo
0
0
0
Egypt/ Sudan
0
0
0
Kenya/ Uganda
14
12
2
Rwanda
0
0
0
Haiti
0
0
0
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
0
0
0
Tanzania/ Zambia
8
5
3
Total
22
17
5
Annual Conference
Admitted in Full Connection 2020
Number of Males Number of Females
Burundi
0
0
0
DR Congo
21
18
3
Egypt/ Sudan
2
2
0
Kenya/ Uganda
11
7
4
Rwanda
6
2
4
Haiti
6
4
2
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
1
1
0
Tanzania/ Zambia
0
0
0
Total
47
34
13
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Annual Conference
Admitted in Full Connection 2019
Number of Males Number of Females
Burundi
3
2
1
DR Congo
33
30
3
Egypt/ Sudan
9
8
1
Kenya/ Uganda
24
14
10
Rwanda
8
7
1
Haiti
8
8
0
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
5
5
0
Tanzania/ Zambia
0
0
0
Total
90
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16
Annual Conference
Admitted in Full Connection 2018
Number of Males Number of Females
Burundi
1
1
0
DR Congo
40
35
5
Egypt/ Sudan
12
10
2
Kenya/ Uganda
14
12
2
Rwanda
7
7
0
Haiti
6
6
0
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
5
4
1
Tanzania/ Zambia
3
3
0
Total
88
78
10
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The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer, or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Burundi
0
0
0
0
DR Congo
10
0
0
4
Egypt/ Sudan
2
0
1
3
Kenya/ Uganda
0
0
0
2
Rwanda
0
0
0
2
Haiti
0
0
0
1
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
0
0
0
16
Tanzania/ Zambia
0
0
0
0
Total
12
0
1
28
2018
2019
2020
2021
Burundi
0
0
0
0
DR Congo
0
0
0
0
Egypt/ Sudan
3
3
0
5
Kenya/ Uganda
3
1
1
3
Rwanda
2
0
0
0
Haiti
0
0
0
0
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
0
0
0
0
Tanzania/ Zambia
0
0
0
0
Total
8
4
1
8
Transfer: Annual Conference
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Otherwise: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Burundi
0
0
0
0
DR Congo
12
8
0
2
Egypt/ Sudan
0
0
0
0
Kenya/ Uganda
31
0
1
1
Rwanda
0
1
0
3
Haiti
0
0
2
1
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
0
0
0
1
Tanzania/ Zambia
0
0
0
4
Total
43
9
3
12
The level of academic attainment of preachers in the Annual Conference: Annual Conference
Burundi
DR Congo
Egypt/ Sudan
Kenya/ Uganda
Rwanda
Haiti
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
Tanzania/ Zambia
Primary
2
117
24
37
7
26
4
0
Secondary
7
55
47
37
38
79
22
16
High School
1
1
9
75
8
12
5
1
Bachelors
0
1
3
4
4
3
4
0
Masters
0
1
0
3
1
0
3
1
Doctorate
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
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Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Project A. Salaried Projects: 1. Monthly stipends for Missionary Supervisors and Presiding Elders. In the District, such innovative initiatives were implemented by Missionary Supervisors and Presiding Elders to encourage local, tribal and community pastors; women and Men who do not receive annual or monthly salaries from their communities of Faith. The said project birthed self-sustaining ministries and opportunities for Local pastors to fully engage ministry and peoples, such as; 2. Fish Ponds and Vegetable Gardens, which were established in the countries of Kenya and Uganda by the Women’s Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Additionally, these projects were implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, and Rwanda. To God be the glory! “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him.” 3. The HIV/AIDS Center in Kenya. Through this initiative, hundreds of lives are saved annually from the ravages and pain of these diseases. Additionally, quality of life is embraced as people are educated, celebrated and embraced; and given Medical treatment in this primary care facility. 4.. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Construction Ministry. The CME Construction Ministry was birthed and has grown from the mountainous borders of Rwanda; from which a second Primary/Elementary School was built in order to save the land, keeping it in the care of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. 5. “3 Solomon Clan” along with Rev(s). Akila and Mamdela built an additional learning center (school) as well as were pivotal in the construction of 180 Ugandan churches. Additionally, these persons were vitally instrumental in the construction of the Dr. Jacqueline I. Scott International Missionary Headquarters in the Bosia, Ugandan countryside. 6. The Jefferson-Snorton/Johnson/Pruitt-Edwards “Stem” Middle School (an initiative dedicated to strong Mathematics and Language Curricula) is alive and well. 7. The peoples and Senior Bishop L.L. Redick, III (of the Eighth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church), sponsored the construction and support of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church High School, Sudan, Africa. 8. The people and Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., sponsored, constructed, and provided financial support for Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. Bible College-an institution dedicated to theological and biblical training for Ministers and Pastors in the Mission field. 80
9. The Sudanese people are blessed to have constructed and financially supported the Hilda C. Buie Orphanage- an institution dedicated to the “Lost and least among us”. 10. The Sudanese people are truly blessed to embrace the Wilson/Gary Vocational School-an institution providing “hands-on, practical work experiences and work training”. For each of these, I, reflectively write: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!” B. Other Ministries: 1. International Unity Summit, Nairobi, Kenya; an effort and opportunities to teach connectivity of the General Church to peoples of the Eleventh District so that in every case, “people, places, things and ideas” are made relative, real and unifying among all. 2. Food Banks for elderly and widows of West Kenya, Africa; an initiative to alleviate and deter hunger for those who struggle to find nutritious, tasty food on a daily basis. For each of these, I write: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…!”
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Conditions Total amount of General Funds Assessed and Paid during each of the quadrennium: Annual Conference
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2018
General Funds Assessed 2019
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2020
General Funds Assessed 2021
General Funds Paid 2021
Burundi
$41.66
$41.66
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
DR Congo
$166.64
$166.64
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
$250.00
Egypt/Sudan
$250.00
$250.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
Haiti
N/A
N/A
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
Kenya /Uganda
$166.64
$166.64
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
S. Africa/ Zimbabwe
N/A
N/A
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
Tanzania/ Zambia
$83.33
$83.33
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
$125.00
Totals
$708.29
$708.29
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. There are no educational institutions of the CME Church that the Eleventh Episcopal District is involved with or has any liability in.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns 1. Hugeness of the Eleventh District. It is my opinion and observation that the Eleventh Episcopal District has outgrown a “one-person Episcopacy.” If full efficaciousness is to be realized, then, the Church must intentionally restructure and organize smaller Regions (from within the work) and assign these to US regions of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Shared workload will make the job easier; the quality of which would be more than ever imagined! 2. Travel Distance and Travel Time. Again, it is my educated observation that travel to Annual and District Conferences as well as visitation of churches are time consuming and physically exhausting. For example, Missionary Supervisor Dr. Dieudonne K. Mungogo spends 8 days traveling from his home (via boats, land transport, and walking) in order to arrive at meetings and church visitations. The personal, emotional and physical cost is astronomical! After each meeting, he treks and returns home in an 8 day travel exploit. He does this without complaint or grumbling. Smaller regions' shared ministry burdens and would assist in providing solution(s) to this challenge. 3. In the midst of said challenges, the most gifted, sacrificing people are those of the Eleventh; sacrificing to help and positively impact lives as people seek God’s destiny and purpose. 4. Lack of time in Haitian Work. Again, I make the observation: development of greater Haitian ministry initiatives would be embraced if time permitted and safety concerns were thwarted. Additionally, practices of Voodoo religion are causes of “slow down” and “impracticable”, genuine ministry efforts. Earthquakes, financial exploitation, unstable Government as well as consistent political unrest and insurgence have made it extremely dangerous for travel in the country. In order for Bishop(s) and parties to travel, the active employment of BodyGuards as well as Governmental Officials must be present. 5. Attempting to keep the Bishop W.E. Lockett Learning/Evangelistic Compound afloat. Every other year, outside forces attempt to claim the property on which it is located; therefore, clear and present threats force involvement of courts to settle consequential and related issues over these matters. 6. Ravages of COVID-19 and its Variants are threats to communal, face-to-face worship. Following CDC Safety Guidelines, only 5 to 10 people are able to worship in any one fellowship space at a time. Consequently, it is observed that Church Growth is deterred in such an ethos and environment.
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Special Acknowledgements: •
Thanks to Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr., who purposely worked in areas of Church Planting and Evangelism in the Eleventh District. Through his work, the District has seen quantifiable increases in salvation reports as well as overall congregational growth.
• Special thanks to my Administrative Assistant, Rev. Urseila Williams, for her commitment to serve-efficaciously and industriously-the District, people and me; WITHOUT PAY! • Special thanks to Rev. Mary Campbell-McKinney who has served-throughout my Episcopal Ministry-as my “Mission Professor ''; teaching me the vicariousness and tenderness of bringing Christ alive in lives of the people. • Special thanks to Rev. Dale Sanders; Rev. Dr. Jamie Capers; Rev. Charlton Johnson; Rev. Dr. Gloria Marshall; Rev. Bernard Jackson; Rev. Vincent Andujo; and Rev. Nellie Williams for your continuous advice, prayers, monetary support, gifts and graces offered in the service of our Great Lord and King-even our Jesus! • Special Thanks and a “Shout Out!” to Rev. Akila Wilson Said and the Rev. Mandela Kamal; visionaries in a major Sudan project. These two Saints partnered with the Sudanese government-which provided 30 acres of land on which to build an Evangelistic and Food Source compound that is second to none in the world! Through this partnership-peoples of the Eleventh District, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and Sudanese government-lives were greatly improved and futures made brighter! What was the cost to the General Church or the Eleventh Episcopal District? The only cost, charged to the Church, was that of purchase and provision of construction materials-as construction labor was voluntary in nature and practice. • Special thanks to Missionary Supervisor Joseph Wadwire who proved his role in tasks of everyday Evangelism was-indeed-sacred to him. His “Door to Door” Evangelism paradigm and campaign efforts produced 180 new “Church Plants”; vital and growing congregations to this day! To God be the glory! “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good… The 21st Century Praise and Worship writer, Pastor Joseph Raju, is correct: He is my everything He is my all He is my everything both great and small He gave his life for me Made everything new He is my everything, now how about you? Like Honey in the Rock Sweet honey in the Rock Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good He is just like sweet honey in the rock.
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A SNAPSHOT OF THE WORK “We have Only Just Begun to Build”
86
A SNAPSHOT OF THE WORKERS “We are Building this Work Together.”
87
A SNAPSHOT OF THE MANIFESTATION “We Are Seeing the Fruit of Our Labor”
88
A SNAPSHOT OF UNITY
“Behold How Good & How Pleasant It Is for Brethren to Dwell Together In Unity”
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The Quadrennial Report of Bishop James B. Walker for the Seventh Episcopal District
Bishop James B. Walker & Mrs. Delois Walker 90
Navigating the Shift: 90
AN AGILE CHURCH IN FRAGILE TIMES
Quadrennial Report of Bishop James B. Walker for the Seventh Episcopal District INTRODUCTION The Superlative Seventh Episcopal District is deeply intertwined with the founding of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, beginning with the simple that two of the first three Bishops in Christian Methodism, Bishop Richard H. Vanderhorst, and Bishop Joseph A. Beebe, were born in the states of South Carolina and North Carolina, respectively. The two regions of the Superlative Seventh are, the Carolina Region, which includes the states of North and South Carolina and the New York-Washington Region which includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, portions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia. The Seventh Episcopal District is also home to the District of Columbia, our nations capital and we proudly reflect upon the fact that in 2018, the General Conference prayed for Mrs. Jahana Hayes, who was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in the 5th Congressional District in Connecticut. Today, seated among our delegates, now seeking her third term in office is Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, the Chairwoman of Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. The effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much! The people of the Superlative Seventh have worked together during this quadrennium in ways that have been marvelous in our eyes, hence, we acknowledge the efforts of the congregations, lay leadership, preachers in full connection, pastors, chaplains and para-church ministers whose labor and sacrifice make up this report. I proudly say thank you to the members of the Superlative Seventh for living up to the moniker attached to their name. Each Region is divided into three District Conferences. The Presiding Elders of the Carolina Region and their respective Districts are as follows: Rev. Dr. J. Ronzel Maness (Tanya), Charleston Columbia District; Rev. Dr. Clifton E. Harris (Donethia), Durham District; Rev. Faye R. Houston, Winston-Salem/Greenville District. The Presiding Elders of the New York-Washington Annual Conference are Rev. Kevin J. Agee (Gwendolyn), Washington-Virginia District; Rev. Patricia A. DeGrafenreid, Philadelphia and Interim Presiding Elder, Rev. William D. McCullough (Geraldine), New York-New England District.
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Great appreciation is due these men and women for their diligent administrative oversight, their financial accountability and spiritual guidance as exercised throughout their districts and best wishes to former Presiding Elder, Rev. Fredrick Belcher (Deloris) upon his retirement For several years the face of the Office of the Seventh has been Mrs. Gwendolyn J. Agee and for those years of loyalty and devotion, I express my gratitude. Currently, Rev. Lori Hudson assumed these duties during a “General Conference” year, and I thank her for the willingness to be baptized by fire. The gratitude of the entire Seventh is due to the following staff persons, they are: Mrs. Harriet Mendenhall, Manager for the Bishop C. L. Helton Royal Plaza who graces us with her experience whenever we call upon her. Mrs. Faye Crowder Phillips, and Rev. Patricia DeGrafenreid who serve as our Meeting Planners/Budget Advisors for the Carolina Region and New York Washington Region respectively. Rev. Courtney Adams, Rev. Johnathan Dickie and Rev. Ronald White for applying superior knowledge and skill to the work of the CIT Division of the Seventh which is second to none. The Annual Conference Planning Team, anchored by the technical skills of Rev. Courtney Adams. Team members, Mrs. Faye Crowder Phillips, Rev. Patricia DeGrafenreid and Rev. Chanita Clayton Thompson, Rev. Lisa Clayton, Mrs. Rolanda Baldwin and Ms. Antoinette Dean of the 6th Episcopal District. Their skills and creativity enabled us to create a virtual platform that captured the spirit of our in person activities. The Annual Conference Officers of the Superlative Seventh are heroines and heroes within their own right for leading in a time of unprecedented change and chaos: A representative sampling of those names are as follows: The Carolina Region
The New York Washington Region
Ms. Carolyn Stafford, Region WMS President Ms. Sandra R. Chambers Region WMS President Ms. Severne Budd, Lay Ministry Council Bro. Kenneth Thomas, Lay Ministry Council Leader Leader Dr. Anthony Morrison, MTM Coordinator
Bro. Anthony Smoaks, MTM Coordinator
Rev. Dr. J. R. Maness, Trustee Chair
Rev. William McCullough, Trustee Chair
Rev. Jacob Teasdell, Joint Board of Finance Dr. Ricky D. Helton, Joint Board of Finance Chair Chair Dr. Debra Lowe, Episcopal Director and Rev. Cyreeta Collins, CBOEF, President Region CBOEF, President
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Dr. Cathy C. Jones, Committee on Ministerial Dr. Jermaine Marshall, Committee Examination Chair Ministerial Examination Chair
on
The treasurers of both regions are simply superior, Mrs. Wilma Byrd, New York Washington and Rev. Robert James Williams, Carolina. Their experience and judicious advice during this quadrennium has been foundational to our financial stability The late Ms. Ada Suarez, Episcopal Director of Missions, one who was like unto a sister, served valiantly as she battled with cancer. Her last missionary trip for the Seventh Episcopal District was to her home, the Dominican Republic. She made sure we saw her vision and in she left the Seventh with a tangible challenge. She bequeathed $8,000.00 to the Seventh Episcopal District which is reserved for Missions, preferably in the Dominican Republic.
We count it an honor to have Connectional leaders in the Seventh Episcopal District including Dr. Paul Brown (Deloris), President-Dean of Phillips School of Theology; Dr. Roderick Lewis, General Secretary of Publications Services; Rev. Dr. Jermaine Marshall, General Conference Secretary; Dr. Barbara Nichols, Member of the Judicial Council whose distinguished career will end with her honorable retirement at this General Conference; Rev. Kevin J. Agee, Third Clergy Alternate, Judicial Council; Mrs. Annette Dillard, Episcopal MSWW Representative; Rev. Bonita Collins Hobbs, Connectional Prayer Coordinator; Willie McKnight, President of the Connectional Steward Board; Mrs. Diana Duncan, Connectional Stewardess Vice President; Rev. Carole Richardson, President Christian Educators Council; Ms. Jamea Grace, Vice President, Young Adult Ministry; Rev. Zachary Mullens, Chaplain, Young Adult Ministry; Rev. Cyretta Collins, Connectional Youth Director; Bro. Damarion King, CYF Episcopal Representative; Dr. Judith Grant, our past President Emeritus; Dr. Nellie B, King, WMC Treasurer; Rev. Dr. Ronzel Maness, Vice President of Presiding Elder’s Council; and Rev. C. R. Keys, Chairman of Ministers and Layman Council. And finally, to Bishop Marshall Gilmore, thank you and Mrs. Yvonne Gilmore for leading by example. Thank you for the text messages that preserve your voice. Thank you for being transparent, teaching and modeling the importance of family, and the resilience that can only come from a faith that will not shrink, through pressed by every foe. To Mrs. Jacqueline Best who has taken it upon herself to offer her unending support and guidance. Finally, in the spirit of Sankofa, we cannot go forward without giving God praise for those who have gone from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant. During this season of Pandemic, too many loved ones to count within this space have left us with the golden leaves of their precious memories. I will not call names, but I humbly say, I will see you in heaven.
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference
Number of Local Congregations
Carolina Region
99
97
New York Washington Region
63
62
Total
162
159
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference
Number of New Local Congregations
Carolina Region
2
New York-Washington Region
2
Total
4
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Merger
Name of Annual Conference Carolina Region
Atrophy
2
New York-Washington Region
2
Total
2
94
2
Otherwise
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference
2018
2019
Carolina Region
13,876
14,729
14,421
14,600
New YorkWashington Region
19,820
19,403
19,284
19,703
Total
33,696
34,132
2020
2021
33,705
34,303
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
Carolina Region
175
148
159
105
New YorkWashington Region
331
277
229
68
Total
506
425
Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Carolina Region
237
144
290
211
New York-Washington Region
224
192
107
72
Total
461
336
397
283
388
2021
173
Conversion:
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Otherwise: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Carolina Region
320
298
212
213
New York-Washington Region
141
147
182
83
Total
461
445
394
296
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Annual Conference. Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Carolina Region
3,096
2,827
2,775
2,683
New York-Washington Region
1,106
1,001
1,078
882
Total
4,202
3,828
3,853
3,565
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Carolina Region
1,011
902
1,030
978
816
819
819
728
1,827
1,7,21
1,849
1,706
New YorkWashington Region Total
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Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Carolina Region
1,700
1,094
1,121
1,241
New York-Washington Region
670
687
973
1,197
Total
2,370
1,781
2,094
2,438
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Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference Annual Conference
Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Active Males Females Active Active Active Active Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers in Age in Age in Age in Age Range Range Range Range Under 21 21-35 36-55 56-74
Carolina Region
191
95
96
0
4
78
109
New YorkWashington Region
109
69
40
0
8
35
66
Total
210
164
136
0
12
113
175
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021
Number of Males
Number of Females
Carolina Region
Karen Cozart, Fredrick Douglas, Kenith Johnson
1
2
New YorkWashington Region
Cynthia Bryant, Dean Jones II, Bernard Adams, James Green III, Kere Patterson-Boyd, Linda Briggs, Tiffany Jackson, Larry Moore
4
0
5
2
Total
98
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020
Annual Conference
Carolina Region
None
New YorkWashington Region
Geraldine McCullough, Cynthia Truesdale-Bray
Total
Number of Males
Number of Females
0
0 2
0 Admitted in Full Connection in 2019
Annual Conference
2
Number of Males
Numbe r of Females
Carolina Region
None
0
0
New YorkWashington Region
Khalif Crutcher, Annette Wright
0
1
0
0
Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018
Annual Conference
Number of Males
Number of Females
Carolina Region
None
0
0
New YorkWashington Region
None
0
0
0
0
Total
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The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Carolina Region
2018
2019
Robert Hall, Frances McDowell, Barbara Phillips, Joe Lee Singleton, Johnny Ware
New YorkWashington Region
2020
2021
Clinton McKinley Allen, J.I. Thompson, James Williams, Jacob Middleton, Bishop Bobby Best
Anthony Anderson, Will Chambers, James Lowrance, Harold Sullivan, C.B. Timpsom, Margaret Murdaugh George Brown
Weldon Thomas, Patricia Spruill, Nathaniel Baker
Total
5
3
5
7
2018
2019
2020
2021
Rev. James Tillman, Southern California Conference
Rev. Matthew Bonner—New York/Washington Conference, Rev. Lavisha Williams— Georgia Conference
Rev. Dr. Joquin Barnes, Southern California Region, Rev. Larry Brown, Rev. Drexel Mitchel
Transfer: Annual Conference Carolina Region
New YorkWashington Region
Total
Paul Everett, Valerie Everett, Joyce Orr
Arthur Green, Alfreda Jackson, Kevin Brown, Keith Mitchell
3
5
100
2
3
Otherwise: Annual Conference
2018
Carolina Region
2019
Thomas Abrams, Guidner Earl Brewer
New YorkWashington Region
2020
None
2021
Glenda Johnson
Francis Coates
Total
2
Alice Henderson
Sylvester Turner
1
1
2
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each Annual Conference.
14 6 17 39 31 12 2 6 1 3 18 2 7 1 4 1
New York-Washington Region Educational Attainment High School only Associates Degrees Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Arts Master of Divinity Master of Arts Master of Science Master of Social Work Doctor of Ministry PhD Bible College Associates Degrees Bible College Bachelors of Arts Bible College MA Bible College MDiv Bible College Doctor in Ministry ABD (PhD) Doctor in Jurisprudence
Carolina Region Educational Attainment High School only Associates Degrees Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Arts Master of Divinity Master of Arts Master of Science Master of Social Work Doctor of Ministry PhD Bible College Associates Degrees Bible College Bachelors of Arts Bible College MA Bible College MDiv Bible College Doctor in Ministry Licensed Electrician LPN
30 12 15 43 29 10 5 2 7 2 13 9 15 0 6 1 2
Table 1-1 Degree
HS
AA
NY-WA
14
6
17 39 31
12
CA
30
12
15 43 29
10
44
18
32 82 60
22
Total
BS
B A
MD iv
MA MS
MSW
DMin
PhD
B/C AA
B/C BA
B/C MA
B/C MDiv
B/C DMin
JD
ABD
2
6
1
3
18
2
7
1
1
4
5
2
7
2
13
9
15
0
6
1
5
4
13
3
16
27
17
7
7
2
101
Other
3 4
3
Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the church. Unused space utilized as the funding source for renovation. The decision to modernize their unused attic and render it as an attractive leasable space created a funding source for the renovation of the Israel Metropolitan CME Church in Washington, DC, Rev. Dr. Ricky Helton, pastor. Since completion of the three-phase renovation plan Israel Metropolitan is now 100% ADA compliant, the sanctuary, offices, bathrooms, and the Pastor’s Executive Suite are renovated. The formerly unused third floor is an attractive, modern, multi-purpose space. Additionally, the church enjoys multiple technology upgrades throughout the facility. The long-term lease on the formerly unused third floor now fully funds the mortgage payments for this massive renovation. To God be the glory. A Heart for Rural Congregations. When Rev. Johnny L. Searight promised the people of Stoney Knoll, Mills Spring, NC and Pastor Arbutus Hines that he would find a way to equip their building with indoor restrooms at no cost, it was too good to be true. But, three years later, the work is complete, and not only are there indoor restrooms, the entire facility was renovated at no cost. Rev. Johnny Searight is a CME pastor with a business acumen and a heart for struggling congregations. Rev. Johnny and Mrs. Shirley Searight have also made considerable investments in other congregations. Thank you Rev. Searight for leveraging your ability along with your networks to give hope to congregations that need a helping hand. Making the impossible happen: Selling a historic church. Williams Temple, Philadelphia, PA, Rev. Dr. Tiggs Washington, her millennial pastor, did what is normally impossible. When the maintenance costs were no longer reasonable, the church agreed to sell their historic property and relocate. They negotiated a sale above the appraised value, then purchased and renovated another facility with a positive net in funds. I credit pastor Washington for carefully preparing his membership and meticulously following the discipline at every step of this transaction. After 19 years, Bunton Memorial prepares for the return. Bunton Memorial, Washington, DC, and Pastor Gordon Oliver are preparing for a return. Through radical generosity, tithes, offerings as well as the participation of the Annual Conference, the funds for the restoration are in place and the contract is signed. All documentation for the final permit has been submitted and we expect the work to begin soon. Renovations and make-overs. St. James CME, Chocowinity, NC, Minister Michael Blackledge. The new Fellowship Hall has been a three pastor journey, but it is now at the stage of completion and the building is debt Free; Rock of Ages, Walterboro, SC, Rev. Edward Moultry, Sr. constructed a Multipurpose Building debt free, just in time to serve as an information center during the height of COVID-19; Lane Memorial, Washington, DC, Rev. Kere Patterson Boyd; The entire facility was renovated, debt free. Making disciples, online and in-person. New Start is a mission church without an address. Rev. Shelia Wannamaker, Durham District is exploring the discipleship possibilities to be found in Social Media and online spaces. We remain open to future developments. Mt. Pisgah, Baltimore, Rev. Patricia DeGrafenreid
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began a 40 Day Faith Sharing journey which increased online log-ins from 124 to a high of 456. Their Faith Sharing Journey has led to eight commitments for Baptism on Easter Sunday. Pre-pandemic strides were being made in the area of Friendship Evangelism in Israel Metropolitan, Greenville, SC, Rev. Courtney Adams and Faith, Charlotte, NC, Rev. Dr. Sandra Gripper. Both congregations held large inperson gatherings with 500-1000 persons attending. Scores of persons in that number made professions of faith in Jesus Christ for the first time. The Feeding of the 10,000! Taking their cue from Jesus ’“Greater works than these shall you do”…Jn 14:12, Williams Memorial, High Point, NC and Rev. Robert Williams begin each May preparing to serve at least 2000 Thanksgiving baskets that feed a families of five. One of the Annual high points in High Point, NC is now “The Feeding of the 10,000. Thank you Pastor Williams for boldness in ministry. Standing our legal Ground. Attorney Cheri Hamilton leads the legal battles against congregations leaving the denomination and attempting to take CME Church property. With her assistance, we reclaimed the property of Mt. Zion CME Church in Galax, Virginia. We also prevailed in reclaiming the property of St. Mark CME Church in Philadelphia, PA even though they left the CME Church over seventeen years prior to my administration. We are awaiting a court date on Bethel, Blacksburg, SC, Rev. Solomon Stover, pastor. Attorney Hamilton has demonstrated legal proficiency in her work with the Seventh Episcopal District. Civic Engagement. The Seventh takes pride in the legislative work of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, as she offers herself for a third term in the US Congress. We are proud of her service as a devout and devoted member of Christ CME, Waterbury, CT. Further, Rev. Dr. Doris Hicks regularly speaks to educational and economic issues as our representative with the South Carolina Bishops Coalition. The involvement of Presiding Elder Kevin J. Agee, President-Dean Paul L. Brown, Dr. Doris Hicks and Rev. Greg King in the African American Ministers Leadership Coalition gives us a voice on national issues. Additionally, when US Senate Majority Leader, Charles “Chuck” Shulmer visited upstate NY, his choice to hold the press conference at New Bethel, Rochester, NY, is a testament to the involvement of that congregation and Rev. Dr. Julius Clay. Walking with the Best! Faith, Charlotte, NC, Rev. Dr. Sandra Gripper and a host of community and governmental agencies as well as the Police Department of Charlotte NC joined forces to create the Bishop Bobby R. Best Walking Trail. The memorial is a beautiful foot path, lined with hand crafted park benches and fruit trees. The multi-pronged partnerships in this effort stand as a testament to the life and witness of Bishop Bobby R. Best. Grants that Empower Congregations. Faith, Charlotte, NC, Rev. Dr. Sandra Gripper, awarded a $25,000 Kinship Initiative Grant to assist Foster Parents. Miles Memorial CME, Washington, DC, Rev. Julio Andujo. Received Homeland Security’s maximum award of $100,000 from the Non Profit Security Grant Program, which upgraded security features throughout the church; St. Paul, Chester, PA, Rev. Aaron Donnelly received a significant Philabundance Award, which will fund a refrigerated truck for their food pantry, enabling the church to compete for contracts, create jobs and dramatically increase their level of community service. Going Green, deciding in favor of the planet and our pocketbooks. Congratulations to St. John, Washington, DC, Michelle Parker/Rev. Marcus Rogers for the insight to install a Solar Panel system at the church, thereby reducing costs and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Mortgage Pay-Offs. Parkwood Institutional, Charlotte, NC, Cathy C. Jones; Logan Chapel, Charlotte, NC, Rev. Edward Moultry, Jr.; Mt. Pleasant CME, Halifax, VA, Rev. Evon Bush; New Hope, Halifax, VA, Rev. Blanche Stewart; Ebenezer, South Boston, Va, Rev. Blanche Steward; St. Paul Norfolk, VA,
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Rev. Bruce Wooten; Broomfield Memorial, Richmond, VA, Rev. Greg King; Crossroads, Iva, SC, Rev. Annette Mathis; St. John CME, Winston Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. Valarie Everett/Rev. Omar Dykes; Holsey Memorial, Statesville, SC, Rev. Barbara McCollum. Land Purchases. Israel Metropolitan Greenville, SC, Rev. Courtney Adams (millennial pastor), purchased a home in a Greenville, SC neighborhood that is now one of the hottest real estate markets in the south. Mt. Olive, Lexington, SC, Rev. B.T. Martin purchased acreage for future development; Larry Temple Mission, North Charleston, SC, and Mt. Clement, Abbeyville, SC all made property purchases adjacent to their facilities which ensure their ability to expand in the future. Service during COVID-19. These congregations distributed PPE, became Vaccine Centers for the unserved, addressed mental health, HIV, AIDS, diabetes and health concerns which fell from visibility during the pandemic, they are: Williams Institutional, Harlem, NY, Rev. Dr. Jermaine Marshall; St. John, Winston Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. Valarie Everett; Haynes Memorial, Winston Salem, NC, Rev. Clarence Cox; Macedonia, Allendale, SC, Rev. Dr. Stacy Bolden; Dunham Temple, Greenwood, SC, Rev. James McKee; Crossroads, Iva, Sc, Rev. Annette Mathis; Christ CME, Waterbury, CT, Rev. Chanita Thompson; Faith, Charlotte, NC, Rev. Dr. Sandra Gripper; Phillips Metropolitan CME, Hartford, CT, Rev. Zachary Mullens/Rev. Dr. Jeremy Williams (millennial pastors). Planning a successful Capital Campaign. Phillips Metropolitan, Hartford, CT, Rev. Zachary Mullens (millennial pastor) is engaged in a $200,000 Capital Campaign, so far, $100,000 has been raised. Additionally, our Episcopal District’s pre-pandemic investment in virtual meeting formats on Annual Conference and District Conference levels has paid great dividends in both regions. History may record the Seventh as the first Episcopal District to hold both Accounting meetings and Quarterly Conferences virtually in advance of the Pandemic. Additionally, virtual formats allowed us to be more intentional in promoting inclusion of youth and young adults in regional meetings. For example, the Seventh Episcopal District hosts two annual Seven Last Words Services, one of which is presented by the CYF and sponsored by the Board of Christian Education and Formation. During the height of the pandemic, our pastoral care professionals, Rev. Adrian Duckett and Rev. Dr. Annette Wright offered both regions a two-part entitled “Sitting with the Unknown.” They helped us walk through the multiple changes brought on by the pandemic at a time when clergy and lay were experiencing multiple losses in the absence of traditional forms of healing and grief management. Our pastoral counselors provided us with the lift we needed. Prior to and during the pandemic, the Seventh held two Sexual Harassment Prevention classes conducted by Attorney Nicole Christie. 1,171 persons attended the two joint sessions, 541 and 631 respectively. These figures include pastors, probationers and laypersons. The Annual Conferences in the Seventh exceeded the directive to invest in local churches as prescribed in Bishop Bobby Best’s Episcopal Address. We assisted local congregations with critical repairs necessary for continuing occupancy. In addition to these efforts, we stopped the foreclosure on Phillips Metropolitan CME Church in Newark, NJ. The New York Washington Region loaned the local church $600,000.00 to save the $2.5 million-dollar property. Gratitude is due to Attorney Ouida Y. Brown, Attorney Cheri Hamilton and Dr. Victor Taylor for their advice and counsel. The NY-Washington Region account balances reflect this expenditure.
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While the spending of people of color supports the markets, too few POC participate in the market. Both Regions continue to model investing in the market for practical and symbolic reasons. Further, the Seventh Episcopal District as of the date of this report, will have collected 100% of our church histories in addition to several stories of members whose contributions to their community and the CME Church are noteworthy. 1000 copies of these histories will be available at the upcoming Annual Conferences (400 are presold). Additionally, we support the work of Dr. Cynthia Johnson Oliver to publish her book on the late Bishop Joseph A. Johnson. In return for our investment, Dr. Johnson-Oliver has agreed to make an exclusive appearance as a guest lecturer once her work is published. We are honored to play a role in this historic connectional moment as our denomination celebrates 150 years in ministry. Still further, we support Phillips School of Theology Master’s Program students with a 50% tuition scholarship. We assist Masters level ministerial students at other Seminaries as funds are available. Also, the two regions do ministry together, the best example of this is the Bread for the World Offering of Letters led by the Region WMS Presidents, Sandra R. Chambers and Carolyn Stafford (formerly, Adrienne Speas). The highest annual total for the Seventh Episcopal District this quadrennial was 38,000 letters. The WMS partnered with our Region Lay Ministry Council Presidents Severne Budd and Kenneth R. Thomas to achieve this laudable goal to reduce the impact of hunger locally and globally. Finally, every Thursday, the Seventh Episcopal District Prays at 7:00 PM. We started this effort under the leadership of our Connectional Prayer Coordinator, Rev. Dr. Bonita Collins Hobbs. In the Superlative Seventh, we refer to our time in prayer as “the best 30 minutes on this side of heaven.”
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium. General Annual Conference Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2018
General Funds Assessed 2019
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2020
General General Funds Funds Assessed Paid 2021 2021
Carolina Region
$238,089.50
$238,089.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241962.50
$241,962.50
$241962.50
New YorkWashington Region
$238,089.50
$238,089.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
$241,962.50
Total
$476,179.00
$476,179.00
$483,925.00
$483,925.00
$483,925.00
$483,925.00
$483,925.00
$483,925.00
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference. General Funds Paid 2022
Annual Conference Carolina Region
$241,962.50
New York-Washington Region
$0.00
$241,962.50
Total
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The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. Our audit will reflect all bills are paid as agreed and we have liquidated all bonded debt.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal District with recommendations: X (Check here if available) The 2018-2022 audit has been provided to the Committee on Episcopacy.
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Carolina Region New YorkWashington Region Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
$1,219,643.00
$1,125,757.00
$1,085,907.00
$1,277,727.00
$991,271.00
$940,603.00
$1,120,616.00
$975,950.00
$2,210,914.00
$2,066,360.00
$2,206,523.00
$2,253,677.00
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District.
There is no educational institution in the Seventh Episcopal District of the CME Church, but we are proud to report to this General Conference that we have donated $15,000.00 to Paine College.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns Challenges and Concerns: The most serious challenge before the Seventh Episcopal District has to do with addressing the continuing effects of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Reentering facilities, re-instituting in-person meetings and rethinking the new normal flow of activities will require us to continue the institutional agility that we exercised during the height of the pandemic. In the Seventh, we connected least well with children and youth during the period of time that congregations were fully virtual. While many congregations did very well maintaining connections with children and youth, this was not true for the majority of us. At one time, for example, the majority of the congregations in the Seventh held services via conference call, which is not an attractive venue for younger populations. As we re-enter facilities, we should do so with serious planning around this group which was vastly underserved during the height of the pandemic. Re-entry means committing to being one church in two locations (a physical location and a location that is virtual). During the height of the pandemic, some of us thought that the internet was a tool, but it is my prayer that as we re-enter our congregations we reimagine the internet as a mission field. Our virtual spaces are “places” wherein we have the opportunity to connect with people that may never enter our physical building. Time, money and volunteers are scarce resources for congregations, particularly small congregations, nevertheless, we must continue to invest in our internet services because it is an important aspect of our ministry. One relevant statistic points out that % of the population works on Sunday. In congregations of color, that percentage is even higher and it suggests to us that having a virtual component available to these groups communicates to them that we respect the dignity of their work and we value their inclusion in their church home. We must maintain a "One church in two locations" mentality. Re-entry also means that congregations are returning to in-person experiences that are in many cases significantly smaller than our pre-COVID experience. Thom Rainer and others indicate that the COVID 19 experience simply escalated the reality congregations were already experiencing. This aspect of our first challenge is related to the second, the challenge of faithfulness to the Great Commission. Faith Sharing is Biblical and the promise that the word will not return empty is real, so the challenge for the church is to be faithful dispersers of that word. The Barna Group found that 51% of Christians are not familiar with the Great Commission found in MT. 28:19-20. Lifeway Research found 79% of unchurched persons were willing to hear a Christians friend talk about their faith one on one, but only 29% say that a Christian friend has shared their testimony. This Lifeway 2016 study directs us to the real problem of shrinking memberships and zero growth congregations, and that problem is not COVID 19. Congregations that are open to sharing their faith are generally congregations that grow. Our invitations, programs and activities are all geared towards inviting, hosting, feeding and programming for our members and the members of other congregations. When we invest in invitations, programs and activities that are geared toward people who are unchurch and or unsaved, it is a recipe for growth.
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Finally, we are challenged by the lack of youth and young adults in ministry. While the absence of young persons in ministry does not feel like an immediate threat, it is exactly that, especially when the equation includes the time required to move from local preacher to full connection. I continue that the local church is losing a connection with its culture of midwifery as it relates to assisting with discerning calls to ministry. Most of us were called to preach in a context where the mothers and fathers of the church “saw something” in us. Today, I suspect that congregations see the call to preach in youth and young adults, and rather than assist in the birthing of ministry, we operate as gatekeepers responsible for postponing ministry until a more opportune time. Research on Clergy in America reveals that African American clergy, male and female are generally older than their white Asian, or Hispanic counterparts. God is still gifting boys and girls in the realm of the sacred. It is a special congregation that can receive ministry from a child, while allowing that child minister to be, grow and develop as a child. In conclusion, I trust the Lord will help the Seventh Episcopal District see in ourselves the greatness that God sees in us! I thank this General Conference for the trust you have bestowed upon me, and again I thank the great people of the Superlative Seventh. Together we have helped local churches, and positioned ourselves to do a great work for the kingdom, and we trust God to bring it to pass. As I take my seat, I vow to the best of my ability to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not vain in the Lord! I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me!
In His Service, James B. Walker Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
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Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Sylvester Williams Sr. for the Third Episcopal District GREETINGS AND PEACE,
Senior Bishop L. L. Reddick, III; Bishop James B. Walker, the Chair of the College of Bishops; other distinguished colleagues with whom I joyfully and respectfully share in the Episcopacy and your spouses, General Officers, members of the Judicial Council, heads of our Educational Institutions, Connectional Officers, Delegates, Alternates, faithful members of our beloved Zion, visitors and friends gathered together in this 39th Quadrennial Session and our 40th General Conference. Again, I joyfully express my appreciation for the opportunity to have served the last quadrennial with the wonderful people of the Third Episcopal District (3D), where we have labored together in love and service to God. Although at times we have found our work challenging and sometimes even difficult, God has indeed been our source of help and strength. It is by God’s Grace that I make this report accounting the stewardship of the members of the Third Episcopal District. The Third Episcopal District consist of Three Regions: The Kansas- Missouri Region (Kansas District, Presiding Elder Anthony Hill and the Missouri District, Presiding Elder Dr. Patricia Havis); the MichiganIndiana Region (Gary District, Presiding Elder Dr. Curlee Adams as well as the Mid-Michigan and Detroit Districts, Presiding Elder Dr. Phillip Washington); and the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin Region (St. Louis District, Presiding Elder Janci Finkley, the Chicago District, Presiding Elder Dr. Karen WalkerMcClure, and the Milwaukee District, Presiding Elder Willie Dockery). In each of the Regions/Districts are committed and dedicated people who not only love God and our Church, but people who willingly work with leadership to accomplish goals and engage in effective meaningful ministries. I am not only happy and proud to be a part of 3D, but I am grateful to acknowledge, commend, and thank the members for their faithfulness and how they continue to embrace my family and me. When we left Birmingham following the previous General Conference, we had visions of continuing ministries in a climate that was familiar. We had anticipated continued in-house worship, Retreats and a 3D Y&YA Conference, another trip to the Holy Land, another cruise, etc. Yet the familiar suddenly became unfamiliar. Of course, we recognized the church must continue to address the familiar issues facing our nation like voter suppression, racism, justice and equality, to name a few, but the pandemic that ultimately claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and hampered, halted or altered many ministry efforts suddenly catapulted us in an unfamiliar climate. Consequently, we (the church) had to discover new ways to maintain our current
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ministries while developing ministries to address needs resulting from the pandemic. This proved challenging but the Third Episcopal District rose to the occasion. Despite the church’s membership, financial condition, location, etc., the churches of the Third District engaged in ministries to meet the challenges of an unfamiliar pandemic. I will share more regarding the ministries later in this report. Not only am I appreciative of the wonderful Elders, Pastors, and members of 3D, I’m grateful for my mentor, and father in the Episcopacy, Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr. and Mrs. M. Earline Stewart. Thank you for blessings us through the years. Blessings and appreciation also to the College of Bishops for your support and encouragement. To others across the church, who continue showing love and support, know that you too are appreciated. Thanks to Mrs. Renova Chunn, my Executive Assistant for office support and the many ways you bless all of us in 3D. Lastly, thanks to Carmen Elaine, my wife of 40 years. Thank you for your love, support and ministry to the Church, the family, and me. Our children Samantha (Chris), Sylvia (Alphonso), Sylvester II (Katia) and grands also deserve hearty thanks. Blessings and Peace, Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Number of Local Congregations 18 35 46 99
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Merger 0 0 1 1
Atrophy 3 4 3 10
Otherwise 0 0 0 0
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indian SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
2,709 4,402 26,761 33,872
2,746 4,447 27,160 34,353
2,487 4,447 27,191 34,125
2,422 4,487 27,069 33,978
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
32 34 241 307
16 32 191 239
13 28 139 180
20 0 31 51
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Conversion: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
34 117 290 441
33 82 205 320
4 56 163 223
21 13 47 81
2018
2019
2020
2021
76 59 210 345
19 48 194 261
26 17 107 150
2 3 30 35
Otherwise: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
436 436 1,086 1,958
307 563 1,050 1,920
242 430 1,054 1,726
201 319 1,003 1,523
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
218 391 764 1,373
153 235 718 1,106
197 189 689 1,075
105 274 559 938
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Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
372 443 971 1,786
293 411 894 1,598
306 476 1,296 2,078
185 431 1,184 1,800
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Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
Number of Active Traveling Preachers
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range Under 21
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 21-35
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 35-55
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 55-74
KansasMissouri MichiganIndiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
16
8
8
31
21
10
0
0
8
23
31
22
9
0
0
8
23
78
51
27
0
0
18
60
0
0
2
14
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 2 2
Number of Males
Number of Females
2 1 2
1
6
5
11
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019
Number of Males
Number of Females
1
1
1 0 0
117
1 2
Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020
Number of Males
0 0 0
0
0
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021
0
Number of Males
3 0 3
Number of Females
Number of Females 3
2
6
1
2
4
The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 1 1
2 0 0
1 3 2
0 2 4
2
2
6
6
2018
2019
2020
2021
1
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
1 1 2 4
Transfer: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
1 2
4
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Otherwise: Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
1
1 1 2 4
0 0 0 0
0 1 1 2
1 1 3
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each Annual Conference. Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
Secondary
College
Seminary
Doctorate
4
9 17 19 45
6 4 9 19
3 8 11 22
6 3 13
NAME
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SEMINARY
DEGREE
Kalif Crutcher
McCormick Theological Seminary United Theological Seminary St. Paul School of Theology
D. Min Pastoral Care
Antoine Shyne Gayle Mack-Mason
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Doctoral of Ministry Master of Divinity
Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the church. Over the past quadrennium the churches of 3D have continued to address needs and to be viable resources in their communities. Although many churches through the years had involved themselves in ministries that addressed food shortages, clothing pantries, community, and social issues, the climate and conditions over the past four years mandated the church to discover new ways to “serve this present age.” The past four years saw a rise in social and political unrest. Briana Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery represented cases where because of injustices and the apparent lack of justice aided in a socially charged environment. The mingling of the social with the political views of elected officials further enhanced social divisions that called for the church to reclaim its prophetic place of prominence. Consequently, many churches throughout the Third Episcopal District engaged in voter registration and education, souls to the polls, rallies and marches, letters to leaders, etc., to not only bring attention to injustice but to elect politicians who would promote justice. The William H. Graves NAACP membership drive, in addition to the Black Lives Matter Movement, further enhanced the awareness, commitment, and the involvement of the churches to respond to social and political challenges. Throughout our communities, we have felt the impact of the pandemic. School closings and education, job loss and indebtedness, hospitalizations and deaths, church closures and ministries, vaccinations and immunity, etc., have challenged our work and worship. The churches throughout the Third have sought to address these issues with the following ministries. Virtual platforms for meetings, worship, Bible Study and to maintain contact with members Park n praise which allows worship in the church’s parking lot Churches health ministries that partner with Health Care providers to educate and administer COVID testing, vaccines, booster and flu shots Church distribution sites for masks, sanitizer, needed household items, etc. Churches collaborating with local schools and other community stakeholders to provide after school care, host tutorial programs and give support (food, clothing, financial assistance, etc.) to children and their families Churches partnering with food centers to address food inequity Financial distributions to those without job security and who are delinquent on rent/ mortgages Spiritual care sessions/webinars i.e. “From Grief to Grace” to help caregivers support persons who are coping with grief Self-care webinars to help the Ministers/caregivers with the stress of continuous ministry Gather and disseminate information from health professionals and legal experts regarding safe reentry protocols Church renovations and technological enhancements that maintain social media’s presence to reach the masses Although the aforementioned does not represent an exhaustive list of ministries, it does demonstrate some ways 3D has been involved. It goes without saying, our churches have been forced to be creative and to reimagine church, ministry, and fellowship. We have been catapulted to an era of intentionality, flexibility,
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and relevancy while maintaining the traditions, rituals and sacraments of the Church (Communion, Baptisms, Ordination, Conferences, etc.). Nonetheless, the churches have been steadfast in their dedication and commitment. From the rural to the urban; from the largest to the smallest; from the oldest to the youngest; from Denver to Detroit the members of 3D continue living the refrain “O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will”.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference KS-MO MI-IN SE Total
General Funds Assessed 2018 $103,148.00 $240,678.00 $343,826.00 $687,652.00
General Funds Paid 2018 $103,148.00 $103,148.00 $343,826.00 $550,122.00
General Funds Assessed 2019 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
General Funds Paid 2019 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
General Funds Assessed 2020 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
General Funds Paid 2020 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
General Funds Assessed 2021 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
General Funds Paid 2021 $107,769.15 $244,461.35 $319,230.50 $671,461.00
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference General Funds Paid 2022
KS-MO
$20,000
MI-IN
$20,000
SE
$90,000
Total
$130,000
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The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness.
The Episcopal District residence, as we reported to the last General Conference, was in disrepair and needed much work. During the Quadrennial that property was sold. Currently, the Episcopal Office share space in the Murchison Tabernacle C.M.E. Church.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal District with recommendations: X (Check here if available)
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kansas-Missouri Michigan-Indiana SE MO, IL, WI Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
$233,246.03 $492,250.25 $740,411.21 $1,465,907.49
$201,590.60 $415,249.13 $764,963.08 $1,381,802.81
$308,615.22 $417,373.91 $781,979.70 $1,507,968.83
$222,704.65 $558,780.91 $1,123,099.15 $1,904,584.71
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District.
N/A
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns A narrative stating such from the Episcopal leader.
As I look back over the past quadrennial, I thank God for the blessings and the accomplishments which have been made. Many of those blessings and accomplishment have been highlighted. Despite these accomplishments, however, allow me to list several challenges and concerns, many of which were acknowledged in the previous General Conference, that continue to demand our attention. Although I highlight them as challenges for the Third, I am relatively confident that many of these challenges are not endemic to the Third. These challenges include: Older structures/facilities that need renovations and maintenance. As I have traversed the Third District, I have noticed and been reminded that time has taken its’ toll on our facilities and content. An aging membership while our youth and young adult population seems in decline. Although there could be many reasons for this, without significant membership growth, this trend will take its’ toll. Developing strong ministries which are relevant and meaningful to our communities. Whereas the pandemic has presented problems, many churches have begun ministries to address various concerns An apparent decline in ministers who are willing to dedicate themselves to training and readiness for the pastorate. Often, many persons who feel the call to ministry do not feel called to pastor. Additionally, many who feel called are challenged to attend seminary. The increase in the average age of our pastors and the decrease in numbers of persons who express their call to the pastorate is presenting challenges. Acquiring technological equipment and personnel needed to enhance services/programs/ ministries. In a technological age, it is imperative that we become technologically savvy to promote our ministries, to market our church, and to maintain better records. Discovering revenue streams that will assist in financial stability. With the rising costs to provide services, economic instability, job insecurity, etc., the churches financial stability can be at risk. Even though the aforementioned represent a few of the major challenges of the Third, I remain encouraged by the faithfulness of the members of 3D who continue to rise to the occasion. Though there were times of uncertainty over the past quadrennial, we have witnessed “an on-time God.” Consequently, we are inspired as we go forth knowing that God has not brought us this far to leave us now.
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The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton for the Fifth Episcopal District
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jefferson-Snorton 126
Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton for the Fifth Episcopal District Introduction This report comes with deep gratitude for the honor of serving as Presiding Bishop of the Fabulous, Flourishing, Faithful Fifth Episcopal District for another quadrennium! The pastors and congregations of the CME Churches in Alabama and Florida live into the legacy of the four regions: Birmingham Region, Southeast Alabama Region, North Central Alabama Region, and the Florida Region. I want to thank each presiding elder, pastor and local church for their untiring efforts to navigate through one of the most difficult seasons in our lifetime – the Coronavirus Pandemic. Kudos to those who went above and beyond to make sure the ministry continued to be vibrant and vital even in a virtual world. A special thanks to the greatest group of Presiding Elders: Rev. Dr. Lilly A. Rainey (Anniston District), Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jefferson-Snorton (Birmingham District), Rev. Janice Lewis (Huntsville District), Rev. Paul Harton (Tuscaloosa District), Rev. Desi Echoles (Mobile District), Rev. James Q. Smith (Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District), Rev. Oscar Massey (North Florida District), Rev. Dr. James Morris (Central Florida), and Rev. Calvin Hopkins (South Florida District). It should be noted that in Florida we reconfigured the Presiding Elders District into three geographical areas, rather than two, for greater effectiveness. Thanks are also due to Rev. Gloria Longstreet, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager, Rev. Marquise Hardrick, Executive Assistant for Finance, Mrs. Carolyn Hassell (Meeting Planner, Alabama), Ms. Paula Kay (Meeting Planner, Florida), and Rev. Phoebe Presson (Missions, Special Projects).
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Finally, love and gratitude for my husband, the Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jefferson-Snorton for his unwavering love and support! We are thankful as well as the prayers and love of our mothers (Mrs. Prince Johnson and the late Mrs. Ruby Mae Jefferson), our young adult children (Garland Robinson, Gary Robinson, Joshua Jefferson, Zachary Jefferson, Jeremy Jefferson, Chandra Jefferson, and William Jefferson), our grandchildren (Micah Robinson, Nylah Robinson, Pattersyn Jefferson), our sisters (Rev. Claudette Snorton, Rev. Lisa Snorton, Rev. Ruby Ann Jefferson) and our brothers (Claude Snorton III, Will Ivery Jefferson, Ronald Jefferson, and Jerome Kirk Jefferson), and of course, all our extended family and friends! “To God be the glory for the wonderful things He has done.”
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Number of Local Congregations 38 65 56 38 197
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Number of New Local Congregations 1 0 1 0 2
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Merger 1 0 0 0 1
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Atrophy 2 0 2 0 4
Otherwise 0 0 0 0 0
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018
3,749 5,493 4,143 4,505 17,890
2019
3,654 4,866 4,019 4,476 17,015
2020
2,692 4,746 4,180 4,412 16,030
2021
2,677 4,612 3,791 4,416 15,496
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 27 2 39 64 132
2019 65 53 40 53 211
2020 14 58 44 19 135
2021 4 28 8 31 71
2018 45 74 43 47 209
2019 81 38 40 68 227
2020 20 87 54 47 208
2021 4 32 22 22 80
Conversion: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
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Otherwise: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 26 92 101 106 325
2019 112 92 334 163 701
2020 28 58 62 80 228
2021 10 73 32 63 178
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 39 64 55 36 194
2019 39 57 55 38 189
2020 37 55 55 36 183
2021 37 58 55 34 184
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference Birmingham Northeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 35 55 49 29 168
2019 36 55 50 28 169
2020 35 49 51 30 165
2021 34 50 54 31 169
2018 23 16 25 19 83
2019 22 17 23 16 78
2020 21 14 25 20 80
2021 21 18 27 21 87
Lay Ministry Councils: Annual Conference Birmingham Northeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
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Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
Number of Active Traveling Preachers
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range Under 21
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 21-35
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 35-55
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 55-74
Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
42 61
27 36
15 25
51
32
19
0
0
20
31
49 203
26 121
23 82
0 0
3 7
9 55
37 142
0 0
2 2
10 16
31 43
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 5 3 2 12
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Number of Males
Number of Females
0 3 1 0 4
2 2 2 2 8
Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 0 3 1 2 6
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 2 0 0 2
0 1 1 2 4
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 1 1 1 0 3
Number of Males
Number of Females
1 0 1 0 2
0 1 0 0 1
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 2 4 3 3 12
Number of Males
Number of Females
1 1 1 0 3
1 3 2 3 9
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The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 2 0 3 0 5
2019 1 0 0 0 1
2020 2 1 1 1 5
2021 1 0 4 2 7
2018 3 4 3 1 11
2019 1 0 1 0 2
2020 0 1 0 2 3
2021 0 1 1 0 2
2018 0 1 0 0 1
2019 1 1 0 0 2
2020 1 0 1 0 2
2021 0 0 0 1 1
Transfer: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Otherwise: Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each annual conference. Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
Bachelor’s
M/Div or other Master’s
8 10 9 8 35
8 7 10 22 47
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D.Min or other Doctorate
8 5 2 5 20
Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects NEW EPISCOPAL OFFICE – In March 2019, the new Episcopal Office at 2615 12th Ave, .N., Birmingham, AL was opened. After decades of renting, the Fifth Episcopal District finally had its own 2500 square foot office space in the emerging Uptown area of Birmingham. OUTREACH -This quadrennium, following the model of having an Episcopal District Coordinator for Christian Education, I did the same for our Social Justice and Human Concerns departments. So many of the social and human concerns are statewide rather than limited to a particular region, as are the resources and programs to address those issues. Appointing one person to coordinate the four regional Social Justice and Human Concerns, in collaboration with the regional coordinators, enabled us to be more effective in tapping into resources to distribute food and participate in other outreach ministries. In addition, each local church set a goal in year one to begin or expand an outreach ministry. Ninety percent of the churches did so. ADVOCACY - The Episcopal District was also an active participant in the ecumenical organizations of Faith in Action Alabama and the Florida Council of Churches. Our own Rev. Marvin Lue was the first board chair for Faith in Action Alabama and we have strong local leadership in each of the hub cites (Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile). We have been active participants in campaigns related to voter rights, voter restoration rights for the formerly incarcerated, equity in COVID testing and vaccine availability, victim’s rights and antigun violence. Bishop served on the Clergy Leadership Team for Faith In Action Alabama. ACADEMY FOR PUBLIC THEOLOGY – We continued to offer classes through APT to ministers on trial and others interested in enhancing their knowledge base through a six-class series at the introductory level - Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Effective Worship/Preaching, Church Administration, Pastoral Care. In addition, we launched the Monday Night Academy, a six week series open to all. The first was within the first months of the pandemic in late 2020 and each session was led by a pastor on a subject related to navigating the virtual space for worship and using technology. The second series in 2021 was around the theme of the “Theology of Change” and featured presenters who spoke from the theological, spiritual, sociological, and economic perspectives, with a bonus session for pastors on navigating change when they get a new pastoral appointment. Phenomenal Women’s Summit – Due to the pandemic, we were only able to host one PWS, in 2019. It was attended by more than 150 women and the theme was “Your Voice, Your Vision, Your Victory”, and featured speakers included professional counselor, cancer survivor, an entrepreneur, a social activist, and a Christian comedian.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
General Funds Assessed 2018 $147,957.00
General Funds Paid 2018 $147,957.00
General Funds Assessed 2019 $145,303.00
General Funds Paid 2019 $145,303.00
General Funds Assessed 2020 $145,303.00
General Funds Paid 2020 $145,303.00
General Funds Assessed 2021 $145,303.00
General Funds Paid 2021 $145,303.00
$123,398.00
$123,398.00
$115,241.00
$115,241.00
$115,241.00
$115,241.00
$115,241.00
$115,241.00
$138,093.00
$138,093.00
$160,334.72
160,334,72
$160,334.72
$160,334.72
$160,334.72
$160,334.72
$83,842.00 $493,290.00
$83,842.00 $493,290.00
$80,167.00 $501,045.72
$80,167.00 $340,711.00
$80,167.00 $501,045.72
$80,167.00 $501,045.72
$80,167.00 $501,045.72
$80,167.00 $501,045.72
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference
Birmingham Southeast Alabama North Central Alabama Florida Total
General Funds Paid 2022
$ $ $ $ $
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49,900 5,000 120,253 26,723 201,876
The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. Episcopal Office 2615 12th Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35234 Value $600,000.00 Indebtedness $481,468.00
Episcopal Residence 16 Tutwiler Drive Trussville, Alabama 35173 Value $327,000.00 Indebtedness
$0.00
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal (Check here if available) District with recommendations:
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Birmingham Southeast Alabama
North Central Alabama Florida Total
2018 $ 396,778.26 $ 377,338.94
2019 $ 474,584.53 $ 430,202.49
2020 $ 451,330.40 $ 375,302.22
2021 $ 469,548.65 $ 348,797.73
$ 554,188.86
$ 546,632.12
$ 530,600.03
$ 521,470.89
$ 478,224.14
$ 438,499.39
$ 395,569.61
$ 314,426.02
$1,806,530.20
$ 1,889,918.53
$1,752,802.26
$1,654,243.29
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at the historic Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. The College is strong in fulfilling its mission. President Barbara (Bobbie) Knight was installed in March 2022, after being tapped to be the interim in July 2019 with Dr. George French’s departure and voted as the 15th President (and first female president) in March of 2020. Under President Knight’s leadership, the College has soared. All of the metrics bear witness to her stellar leadership: increased enrollment, increased retention, increased graduation rates, increased fundraising and increased grants and sponsored programs. The physical buildings are receiving much needed repairs and restoration, including a total renovation of the Bishop Chester A. Kirkendoll Learning Resource Center, which was rededicated in March 2022. Future goals include: restoration of the historic Williams Hall, an assessment of the academic curriculum-which will include the addition of majors and minors (Religion was just added back after a more than twenty year absence from the options available), utilization plan for the North Campus following affirmation of re-accreditation later this year, exploration of offering Master’s degrees and seeking University status, and a multi-million dollar Comprehensive Campaign to fund all of this and more. There are no liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. The District has maintained its annual giving to the school of at least $30,000 each spring on Founders’ Day.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns The prevailing challenge of this quadrennium has been the pandemic. Pastors and congregations alike have struggled to navigate the daily uncertainty that has come with the presence of the coronavirus. The initial question was “how to continue worship during the shut-down”. The later and continued questions have been “when and how to re-open safely”. After hosting the 2018 General Conference, the Episcopal District started its work, focusing on outreach ministries. The CME QUADRENNIAL THEME was “Getting Back to Basics as We Envision Our Way Forward in Taking Care of God’s Business”. Each year we adopted a particular focus for living into this theme: In 2018, “Back to the Basics: Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Loving Self” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 In 2019, "From the Great Commandment to the Great Commission: Being A Great Disciple" Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 2020, “Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus” Matthew 25: 34-36 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ For 2021-2022, the Fifth Episcopal District is used the focus - “Reviving the Body, Restoring the Temple” based on Ephesians 2: 20-22“… having being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grown into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Who knew when the Bishop and Presiding Elders developed these yearly foci, that this year (2022) we would be addressing the need to restore the temple, and the body of Christ, after more than two years of an intense life-altering pandemic! Our themes from the past three years have led us to this final year, where the emphasis is on the importance and significance of the Church as the embodiment of Christ in the world. We have sharpened our focus on love, discipleship, service and now how it all comes together so that we can truly be the “Church”.
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I am grateful for God’s preparation for the challenges of the pandemic. Although challenged in navigating the regular affairs and worship services of the congregations, most of them immediately engaged in or expanded their outreach ministries as the impact of the pandemic was felt throughout Alabama and Florida. Distribution of food, water, and other items was expansive among our churches. Many served as testing sites for COVID, other had pop-up clinics in their parking lots. Indeed “the people had a mind to work”. However, as the pandemic subsides into an “endemic” phase, we remain challenged by the following: • • • • • • • •
Shortages of pastors and quality ministerial leadership Declining congregational memberships Graying of our members and their energy level for ministry Struggling to define how “to serve the present age” that is more technology-driven than most of our pastors and members are prepared to navigate. The result is the absence of any significant presence of persons 40 and under in our local churches. Declining commitment to a “connectional accountability structure” manifested by pastors’ departures, requests not to be appointed and churches wanting to leave the denomination Declining revenues (as a result of declining memberships and also the high rates of unemployment and under-employment in our communities) Aging church buildings and edifices Resistance to merging congregations
My prayer continues to be for God to give me “vision” as I lead, and in the words of St. Francis’ prayer “Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”
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The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette for the Tenth Episcopal District
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette and Mrs. Elizabeth Umoette 141
Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette for the Tenth Episcopal District Introduction The Senior Bishop, the Chair of the College of Bishops, members of the College of Bishops and Spouses, General Officers and Spouses, Connectional Officers, members of the Judicial Council, Heads of our Educational institutions, Lay Council, the Women Missionary Council, Delegates, Alternate Delegates, and members of our Great Zion, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, friends, visitors and well-wishers. On behalf of Bishop Godwin Thompson Umoette, who just transited this life while still putting up this report, the wife, Elizabeth, the children, and the entire members of the Churches in the Tenth Episcopal District, we bring you greeting in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the third quadrennial report of Bishop Godwin Thompson Umoette, who presided over the affairs of the Tenth Episcopal District. The Tenth Episcopal District covers four West African Countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Liberia with Nine (9) Annual Conferences namely, Western Nigeria Region with 10 Presiding Elder Districts, Southern Nigeria Region with 10 Presiding Elder Districts, Eastern Nigeria Region with 5 Presiding Elder Districts, East Mainland Region with 5 Presiding Elder Districts, Lagos Region with 3 Presiding Elder Districts, Northern Region with 2 Presiding Elder Districts, Ghana/Togo Region with 2 Presiding Elder Districts, Liberia Region with 2 Presiding Elder Districts, and Calabar/Akamkpa Region with 1 Presiding Elder Districts. In the last four years, we have kept the faith and ensued sustainable growth of the congregations. We were determined on resumption of this quadrennium, to return to the General Conference with
142
increment rather than stories of loss of Churches and excuses of ‘we tried our best’. In the words of the commanders of Israeli troops to Moses as recorded in Numbers 31: 49 -50 “Sir, we have counted our troops, and not one soldier is missing…….”, we lay this report before you to attest if we have really kept the faith. We began each year, congregating the people in a solemn assembly, to present our hopes and aspirations to the one who knows the road better than us, the Almighty God. Intermittently, different organs of the Church gathered to worship, intercede and exchange ideas and we rounded up each year with an all-night praise program: The Carol Night and Service of Nine Lessons. Our annual Pastor’s and Church worker’s institute at the Breeding Montgomery Bible College provided Refresher Course to our Pastors, with the aim to stimulate their desire to become effective preachers and human managers. The video clip that will follow after this verbal report will present us an audio-visual of atmosphere of some of our activities.
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Number of Local Congregations 105 59 30 27 22 5 9 15 5 277
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Number of New Local Congregations 5 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 8
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The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Merger 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Atrophy 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 5
Otherwise 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
2018 7,361 7,301 1,988 1,308 1,318 212 1,215 673 309 21,685
2019 7,845 7,355 2,062 1,131 1327 227 1,310 746 313 22,316
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2020 8,013 7,397 2,183 1,127 1,281 235 1,360 752 310 22,658
2021 8,168 7,466 2,243 1,323 1,184 344 1,402 779 324 23,233
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
2018 410 147 62 12 2 4 5 11 2 655
2019 380 132 48 15 17 6 16 9 2 625
2020 318 157 87 12 13 3 22 13 1 626
2021 323 131 65 16 19 5 32 64 1 656
2018 84 70 73 12 45 4 12 18 11 329
2019 63 59 55 18 11 10 10 27 4 257
2020 76 51 73 17 35 5 8 15 7 287
2021 58 45 97 9 33 2 11 55 15 325
2018 10 9 52 42 45 7 3 1 5 174
2019 87 10 64 2 5 2 6 4 1 181
2020 149 11 25 4 3 1 2 5 1 201
2021 19 26 35 35 17 3 10 31 14 190
Conversion: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total Otherwise: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
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The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region
3,343 1,734
3,841 1,313
4,824 1,726
3,912 2,011
Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region
1,179 410 358 107 150
894 387 417 115 260
986 391 301 120 295
906 412 319 161 248
Liberia Region
273
276
325
319
Calabar/ Akamkpa Region
133
142
176
202
Total
7,687
7,645
9,144
8,490
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
2018 921 498 604 215
2019 889 512 499 247
2020 990 586 593 227
2021 1,012 589 721 235
341 98 450 192 80 3,399
316 87 420 189 85 3,244
251 93 438 213 80 3,471
279 86 470 244 82 3,718
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Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
2018 438 391 363 185 191 35 316 210 41 2.170
2019 493 350 338 164 188 41 335 197 44 2,150
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2020 458 321 428 179 178 30 321 219 48 2,182
2021 486 345 334 169 189 23 350 248 47 2,191
Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Number Number Number Number Number Number Number of Active of of of Active of Active of Active of Active Traveling Males Females Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers in Age in Age in Age in Age Range Range Range Range Under 21 21-35 35-55 55-74 120
102
18
0
11
49
60
78
72
6
0
14
50
24
50
30
7
0
15
21
14
36
36
1
0
10
16
8
41 6
37 6
4 0
0 0
8 2
26 3
7 1
15
13
2
0
3
8
4
33 14
23 12
10 2
0 0
10 2
15 10
8 2
393
331
50
0
75
198
128
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 12
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Number of Males
Number of Females
2 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 10
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 3 0 1 0
Number of Males
Number of Females
3 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
2 1 0 0 0 7
2 0 0 0 0 6
0 0 0 0 0 0
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 8 7 0 0
Number of Males
Number of Females
6 7 0 0
2 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 16
0 0 0 0 0 13
0 0 1 0 0 3
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 0 0 0 0
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 1
0 0 1 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0
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The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
2018 6 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 10
2019 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 7
2020 2 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 8
2021 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 8
2018 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
2019 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6
2020 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
2021 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
Transfer: Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
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Otherwise: Annual Conference
2018
2019
2020
2021
Western Nigeria Region
0
1
1
1
Southern Nigeria Region
1
2
1
0
Eastern Nigeria Region
0
0
0
0
East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
Northern Nigeria Region
0
0
0
0
Ghana/ Togo Region
0
5
6
2
Liberia Region
0
5
6
2
Calabar/ Akamkpa Region
0
0
1
0
Total
1
16
15
6
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each annual conference. Since 2012, the policy of Theological training as a prerequisite for ordination in the Episcopal District is judiciously upheld. Over twenty Pastors have acquired Certificate in Theology from the Breeding Montgomery Bible College, a CME Church College at Ifuho Ikot Okpo in Nigeria. Some of other pastors have acquired Diploma and Bachelor Degrees in either Theology; Church Administration or Religious Studies from other tertiary institutions. Some have also acquired postgraduate degrees in other discipline of their professional practices. These have improved their inter -personal and leadership demands in the alter.
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Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the church. Sustainable efforts had been made to consolidate on the gains of the plausible ministries highlighted to the last general conference while faith was put to action with regards to new project. All these were aimed at taking the 10th District to the next level. Some of our pronounced special ministries and programs executed were:
National Summits 1.
2.
3. 4.
5.
The yearly 2-days National Solemn Assembly is always our SHILOH EXPERIENCE. The program usually presents us the opportunity to thank God for the previous year and present our plans and aspirations as a Church, for the ensuing year. It is observed in January at our Episcopal Headquarters, the All Saints’ CME Church, Ikot Akpan Ishiet in Nigeria. The Young Adult Council National Convention/ Camp held every first weekend of September has continued to converge our youths and present them a platform to compare notes and rejuvenate their spiritual consciousness. Running on the theme: “Righteousness is my Pursuit” in 2018, to “I am heavenly conscious” in 2019, the quadrennial ended with “if the Lord had not been on our Side” in 2021. It was a high praise session where we reflected on the faithfulness of God that no member of the 10th died as a result of the pandemic that ravaged the world in 2019. We said as Moses in Numbers 31 vs 49 “Lord we have counted our troops, and not one soldier is missing”. Amongst other competitions engaged during this camping, our National Song Competition now attracts music scholars from the university who visit to get trilled with classical music interpretations by our young adults. The National Women Missionary Council Convention/ Conference continue to give the women the platform to worship, intercede, and receive counselling. Teachings at our Annual Pastors and Church Officers Institute continue to sharpen our hindsight on what we need to do, to stay relevant in the ministry. It is a back-to-school program at our prestigious Breeding Montgomery Bible College and Elnora Hamb Library at Ifuho Ikot Okpo, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria. The yearly National Carol Night and Service of Nine Lessons continue to give the ‘the pulpit and the pew’ all over the Episcopal District, the opportunity to remember and celebrate as one congregation, the gift of Jesus the Messiah.
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HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT Various forms of human capacity development programs initiated at different times during the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Godwin Umoette has continued to add values to the members of the Church. The roll of beneficiaries of the Fountain of Hope Scholarship increases with 2 awardees from each annual conference yearly. Ministerial Licentiates are also not left out in this largess. Our entrepreneurial training and empowerment scheme along with our vulnerable person’s small grant support is sustained.
CHARITY MINISTRY Our widows and widowers at various times are given support to alleviate their plight. Such supports range from clothing materials, bicycle, food and cooking materials. Routinely, we visit the orphanages where we give support to the motherless and less privileged children at the homes. Medical advocacies and outreaches within the host community to any of our events is still upheld by our medical team.
STRUCTURAL FACILITY DEVELOPMENT Remarkable strides have been made with regards to Church’s structural facilities. Financial supports from the Prelate’s office are given to Churches embarking on either construction of new worship centre and parsonage or remodeling same. The Bishop have had the privilege of dedicating over 10 new and remodeled worship centres to the glory of God.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT With projections to boost the economic fortune of the Church, we have taken steps to venture into investment. We have registered and incorporated a business outfit, The CMEC VENTURE, with the Nigeria Corporate Affairs Commission. As the first business line, plans are place to establish a bakery. Site has been allocated near the Episcopal Resident at Ikot Akpan Ishiet. Architectural design has been procured for the production house, a project support vehicle, a Ford Van has also been procured and the investment coordinating team is comparing estimates for the acquisition of machines and equipment for the project.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
$1,700.00
$1,700.00 $1,700.00
$1,700.00
$1,700.00
$1,700.00 $1,700.00
$1,700.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$500.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$300.00
$5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
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Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region Total
General Funds Paid 2022 $0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. The Bishop Court, a 3-bedroom apartment at Ikot Akpan Ishiet, has a bore-hole with overhead tank for water storage. It has no furniture and perimeter fence. A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal (Check here if available) District with recommendations: The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Western Nigeria Region Southern Nigeria Region Eastern Nigeria Region East Mainland Nigeria Region Lagos Region Northern Nigeria Region Ghana/ Togo Region Liberia Region Calabar/ Akamkpa Region
2018 N2,769,027 N 2,211,410 N 1,682,180 N 1,003,456
2019 N 2,966,435 N 2,419,555 N 1,919,210 N 1,142,810
2020 N 2,984,640 N 2,595,155 N 2,100,311 N 1,716,030
2021 N 3,169,721 N 2,642,830 N 2,186,150 N 1,8264800
N 1,462,655 N 246,877 110 ¢ 243LD N 213,276
N1,623,990 N 236,751 131 ¢ 216LD N 225,875
N 1,287,897 N 227,860 100 ¢ 189LD N 231,231
N 1,673,267 N 231,725 179¢ 275LD N 245,265
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Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. The Breeding Montgomery Bible College and Elnora -Hamb Library Centre at Ifuho Ikot Okpo, Ikot Ekpene is in good condition. The Elnora Centre and the College block have been completely renovated and a perimeter fence with an impressive gate provided for the compound. This physical turnaround has given the College an improved aesthetic. All the CME schools in the Episcopal District are operational and graduating students. CMEC High School in Ghana and Secondary School at Ukam, Nigeria, are operated by the government. The Nursery/ preschools are financed by the Church. The Carlton Faulk Nursery School at Ikot Ndua Iman, Onna and Victor Taylor Nursery and Primary School at Minya, Mkpat Enin are both admitting and educating the children. However, both institutions lack perimeter fencing to provide adequate security protection.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns A narrative stating such from the Episcopal leader. In my quest to give purposeful leadership as expected of me and my team, we were confronted with challenges but to the glory of God, we can declare as Paul did in his letter to the people of Corinth: “thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His Knowledge in every place” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV). The primary challenge across all the regions in the 10th was that of strengthening the capacity of the local congregations. Everywhere I went, the Churches and members were asking for assistance not because they were lazy, but they were helpless due to the repressed economy they lived in. The impact of the economy on the members resulted in poor fund-raising ability of the Church and poor emolument to the Pastors and Presiding Elders. I didn’t shy away from intervening as the grace was made available to me. I endeavored to make available financial assistance to Churches undertaking major projects like building or renovation of worship centres and parsonages. Seldom was any annual conference of the 10th able to raise their complete assessed budget, but I had endeavored to report complete budget payment throughout my leadership. This I do, to strengthen the confidence between the local Churches and the connectional Church. Again, I thank God for His enablement. The 10th District has no investment to fall back on for subsidy, all our secondary (High) schools like those of other missionary Churches in West African countries, were taken over by the government. We were evicted from the Shy Hospital facility because of no title to the land where the facility raised. We approached the court and obtained the first verdict but we do not have the financial muscle to take the case beyond where we are. The few nursery/ pre-schools cannot withstand the competition in the sector due to lack of facilities and financial capability to pay the teachers. We were therefore challenged to sought ways to generating income for the Church other than the offerings from the congregations. This is the reason we are taking the step toward establishing a business venture for the 10th District. We therefore need all your support as recorded in Acts 16: 9 “…. Come over to Macedonia and help us!” Conclusion and Notes of Gratitude Within the quadrennial, we were blessed with the Episcopal visits of the Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III and wife, Wynde to our Liberia Annual Conference; the Chair of the College of Bishops and Prelate of Seventh Episcopal District, Bishop James B. Walker to our Western Region Annual conference and the dedication of structure/ Board meeting at the Breeding Montgomery Bible College (BMBC) and the Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, to our National Young Adult Council convention and the dedication service at the Breeding Montgomery bible College. The numerous visit and unflinching support of Dr. Victor Taylor, the General Secretary of Finance & CFO; Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore Jr., the General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions; Rev. Dr. Ore Spragin Jr., the Editor of Christian Index; Dr. Paul Brown, the Dean of Philip School of Theology at ITC and the wife, along with other volunteers/ friends from the United States of America are memorable in our hearts. Dr. Victor Taylor have been exceptional in his support. The campus
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of the Breeding Montgomery Bible College is a beauty to behold owing to his immense financial assistance. The support of Dr. Jacqueline I. Scott, the International President and Executive Board of the Connectional Women Missionary Council to the Episcopal District and the Breeding Montgomery Bible College (BMBC) in particular has been tremendous likewise that of the Department of Lay Ministry and General Secretary of Lay, Dr. Clifford Harris. To all Churches, Presiding Elder Districts, Annual Conferences, individuals and friends who sent us donations (items, funds and cards), we appreciate your love from the depth of our hearts. The work in the Tenth and this report wouldn’t have been possible except for the untiring commitments of Administrative Coordinators in Nigeria conferences, Mission supervisors of Ghana/ Togo and Liberia conferences, all the Presiding Elders and Pastors who ensured that the congregations are nurtured with words appropriate for each season. Thank you for being a team player. The leaders of the Ministry to Men, Women Missionary Council, Young Adult Council, the Chairmen and members of Joint Board of Finances, Annual Conferences Treasurers, Secretaries, Statisticians and other Officers are acknowledged. The loyal services of Rev. Koko Daniel, the Administrative Assistant who ensured that all Episcopal appointments and activities were effectively executed, Mrs. Joyce Howard Johnson, the Administrative Assistant who oversee the Tenth Episcopal Office in the United States, Mrs. Itohowo Uwem Ukoyen, the Office Secretary in Nigeria, and Mr. Ekan, the Chief Driver, are commendable. Now unto Him who is able to keep us from falling be the Honor, Power and Glory! Bishop Godwin Thompson Umoette (Deceased) Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District.
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The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. for the Ninth Episcopal District
Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. and Mrs. M. Earline Stewart 160
In Memoriam
Bishop Bobby R. Best 1956-2020
Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District 2014-2020
Bishop Bobby R. Best and Mrs. Jacqueline Best 161
The Quadrennial Report of Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart. Sr. for the Ninth Episcopal District Greetings One behalf of my devoted wife, Mrs. M. Earline Stewart, and the loyal members of the Ninth Episcopal District, I bring greetings to the faithful members of the 39th Quadrennial Session and the 40th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. I extend my deepest appreciation to the College of Bishops and Members of the Episcopacy Committee of the Christian Methodist Church for entrusting me with the responsibility and authority to lead the Annual Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District during a critical time in the life of the Ninth Episcopal District. I highly commend Bishop Bobby R. Best for his committed leadership and for serving sacrificially during a period when he was suffering and finally dying. I express our heartfelt sympathy and concern for Mrs. Jacqueline Best and the Best family for their love and support of Bishop Best, the Ninth Episcopal District and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. I ask now that we pause and pray for Mrs. Jacqueline Best and the Best family. As I give greetings, my wife and I convey our deepest appreciation and love for all the members, Presiding Elders, Pastors, other Ministers, Annual Conference and District Leaders, and other members of the Ninth Episcopal District for receiving us with open arms, supporting us and helping us in order to make sure that all obligations of the Ninth Episcopal District were met in a timely manner. This included ensuring that all financial payments were made on time. I would like to ask that all members of the Ninth Episcopal District to stand. And, for their resilience, deduction and support to God and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church let us give them a rousing applause. Finally, as Mrs. Stewart and I prepare to give our final report to this General Conference, we express our sincere love and gratitude to the College of Bishops, members of this General Conference and members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for your investment in us; and the tremendous opportunities you have given us to serve this great church and to represent the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church throughout the United States and around the world. May the Lord continue to bless you is our prayer. Thank you.
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Number of Local Congregations 6 7 26 20 23 82
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Number of New Local Congregations 0 0 0 0 0 0
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Merger 0 0 0 0 0 0
Atrophy 0 1 0 1 0 2
Otherwise 0 0 0 0 0 0
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium.
163
Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California
2018 911 515 5,350 1,004 3,008
2019 872 673 5,616 1,173 2,989
2020 702 590 5,867 1,029 2,819
2021 672 552 5830 1,031 3,031
Total
10,788
11,323
11,007
11,116
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 9 12 30 20 60 131
2019 31 8 24 5 39 107
164
2020 6 6 4 2 39 57
2021 1 3 11 5 28 48
Conversion: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 16 6 90 18 28 158
2019 13 5 85 22 45 170
2020 24 8 0 7 24 63
2021 12 2 8 7 24 53
2018 4 18 22 21 57 122
2019 13 34 20 23 73 163
2020 2 8 0 24 32 66
2021 14 5 17 24 34 94
Otherwise: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 115 88 345 225 342 1,115
2019 106 84 347 249 279 1,065
165
2020 101 70 136 184 318 809
2021 91 67 369 184 333 1,044
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 109 47 171 160 809
2019 107 37 328 198 126 796
2020 91 39 137 128 176 571
2021 83 28 341 134 216 802
2018 120 12 204 272 208 816
2019 45 54 126 142 99 466
2020 34 29 92 104 197 456
2021 103 30 135 106 209 583
322
Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
166
Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
Number of Active Traveling Preachers
AlaskaPacific ArizonaNew Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
14
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number Number Number Number of Active of Active of Active of Active Traveling Traveling Traveling Traveling Preachers Preachers Preachers Preachers in Age in Age in Age in Age Range Range Range Range Under 21 21-35 35-55 55-74
8 36 25 12 95
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 0 0 1 1 0 2
Number of Males
1 1
167
Number of Females
1 1
Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 0 0 2 2 1 5
Number of Males
Number of Females
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 1 1 1 1 0 4
Number of Males
2
2
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 0 1 1 1 0 3
Number of Males
Number of Females
2 2
1 1
4
Number of Females 1
1 1
1
1
1
1 2
1
The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 1 1 0 0 1 3
2019 0 0 2 1 1 4
168
2020 0 0 1 0 2 3
2021 0 0 3 1 1 5
Transfer: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018 1 0 1 0 0 2
2019 0 1 1 0 0 2
2020 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 0 0 1 3 2 6
2018 1 0 1 0 0 2
2019 1 1 0 2 1 5
2020 0 1 0 0 0 1
2021 0 0 1 1 4 6
Otherwise: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each annual conference: Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
AA 2 1 5 3 2 13
Bachelor 8 2 17 7 6 40
169
Master 2 8 9 5 22
Doctorate 1 1 2
MDiv. 1 2 4 2 1 10
ITC 1 1 1 3
Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects Churches in the Ninth Episcopal continue to offer special ministries, programs and projects to their churches and communities. Some of the common projects are inter-faith based programs, food and clothing ministries to low income and homeless outreach campaigns, and ministries that offer help to children, seniors and prisons. Some churches have partnered with schools, hospitals and local and state agencies in their efforts to reach those that are in need of these services. Curry Temple CME (Seattle, WA) has a Houseless Outreach program that offers women’s shelter support; St. Stephen CME (Fairfield, CA) has a Summer Algebra Institute that serves youth 5th to 9th grade; St. John CME (Spencer, OK), Greater Cleaves Memorial CME (Oklahoma City, OK) and Curry Temple CME (Seattle, WA) have prison ministries. Curry Temple CME also assisted Travis AFB Chaplain Corp with crisis intervention. Holsey Chapel CME (Tulsa, OK) has “Loads of Love” that offer quarters to those in need at Laundromats. And, at St. Peter CME (El Cerrito, CA) host monthly NAACP meetings. Phillips Temple CME (Los Angeles, CA) and Lewis Metropolitan CME (Los Angeles, CA) sponsoring private schools to equip our children. With the onset of the COVID-19, churches helped with the needed resources to aid with the fight of the pandemic. Churches allowed their locations and facilities to be used for testing and vaccination sites for COVID-19. Beebe Memorial CME (Oakland, CA) gave out 1,900 food boxes to the community in partnership with the Alameda Health System and Bay City produce, and delivered over 1,050 COVID-19 vaccinations in partnership with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office; Phillips Chapel CME (Albuquerque, NM) worked in conjunction with local community agencies to distribute/administer COVID-19 rapid tests and Davis Chapel CME (Richmond, CA) collaborated with government agencies as it served as a free COVID-19 testing site.
Many churches found ways to meet their church and community needs. Churches across the Ninth Episcopal District either started media ministry or updated those that had been in use to address the needs of people. Social media was expanded by the use of Zoom, FaceBook and YouTube to allow us to stay connected to provide teaching and worship experiences to our members and comminutes.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference AlaskaPacific ArizonaNew Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$27,444.06
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$105,202.23 $148,655.33
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
$457,401.01
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference
Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
General Funds Paid 2022
$27,444.06 $27,444.06 $148,655.33 $105,202.23 $148,655.33 $457,401.01
171
The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. I am very elated and excited to report that as a result of the initiative and leadership of Mr. Travis Hicks and Rev. Travis A. Morris, we have secured a government loan which has enabled us to pay off the mortgage on the Episcopal Headquarters in the amount of $89,684.78. And we are very hopeful that this loan will be forgiven. Also, I am happy and enthused to report that because of the connections and leadership of Dr. David C. Isom, a large number of our churches have received financial grants to upgrade their security systems and church properties. Further I wish to report that we owe a balance of $546,557.79 on the Episcopal residence and are current on the payments of the loan and insurance. Finally, I wish to report that we are making progress on making needed repairs to our local church buildings and facilities. We have been collecting restoration funds and giving grants of $25,000 to help identified local churches.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal (Check here if available) District with recommendations: The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Alaska-Pacific Arizona-New Mexico Northern California Oklahoma Southern California Total
2018
$110,454.26 $102,680.00 $496,314.00 $213,249.00 $587,286.75 $1,509,984.01
2019
$109, 295.00 $107,878.80 $470,664.20 $165,673.00 $509,772.00 $1,253,988.00
172
2020
$106,909.00 $116,395.00 $375,207.00 $128,646.00 $424,872.99 $1,152,029.99
2021
$120,413.00 $116,395.00 $390,619.00 $170,855.00 $554,045.00 $1,352,327.00
Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. There are none in this Episcopal District.
173
Section VI. Challenges and Concerns The transition which has occurred as the result of the passing of Bishop Bobby R. Best - I wish to take this time to express our deepest appreciation for the significant contributions and achievements of Bishop Best. We solicit your prayers and support for our Mrs. Best and the best family. To that end let us pause for a few minutes of prayer that God will continue to lift their burdens and bless them with whatever they need. Some of the challenges in the Ninth Episcopal District are: 1.) The recovery of church attendance in light of the Corona Virus pandemic which has led to a significant reduction in church attendance and participation. 2.) The reaching of a large number of our young adults, youth and children whose attendance and engagement have significantly decreased due to the coronavirus and its variants. 3.) The renovation of many of our church buildings and properties which need significant repairs and updated facilities. 4.) The significant need to attract and secure outside funding sources in order to address some of the shortfalls and lack of funds to address the needs of our local churches and communities. 5.) The shortage of people who are entering the ministry, which has resulted in not enough pastors to effectively led our churches. 6.) Meeting challenges to address the lack of training of many of our preachers in order to better prepare them to lead congregations so they can become vibrant and more effectively to make a significant difference in our congregations and communities.
174
The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr. for the Second Episcopal District
Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr. 175
Quadrennial Report of Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr. for the Second Episcopal District Introduction To Senior Bishop and Mrs. Reddick, Chair of the College of Bishops, Bishop and Mrs. James Walker, members of the College of Bishops and your spouses, widows, General Officers, members of the Judicial Council, head of Educational Institutions, delegates, alternates, members, guests, and friends who are gathered at the 39th Quadrennial Session and the 40th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, I greet each of you in the wonderful and blessed name of Jesus the Christ. I am humbled and honored to be able to stand before you as the 62nd elected and consecrated bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition, I am filled with joy to serve as your host bishop for this convening of the General Conference of the CME Church. I will always be grateful to this church for the confidence you placed in me by electing me to office of bishop. I pledge anew to each of you that I will do all in my powers not to betray your confidence and trust. As I stand before you, I stand in the sainted memory of my grandmothers and my mother, Mrs. Minnie Thomas Brown, who was my rock and inspiration until she went home to be with the Lord, six months before I was elected a bishop in 2014. Even to this day, she inspires from her seat among the great cloud of witnesses. I am thankful to my family for their support (Kourtney, Marvin, and Kameron) and my siblings. I would not be here were it not for the nurturing I received while growing up in the Bailey Tabernacle CME Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. I cannot conclude these words without mentioning and thanking Bishops Kirkendoll, Isom, Bass, Lakey, and Carter
176
for all the ways you supported and invested in my journey. A special word of thanks and appreciation to Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr. and Mrs. M. Earlean Stewart for the wisdom, love, and guidance across the years. The other members of the College of Bishops for your love and support, thank you. I want to mention these two giants, Dr. Willie Clyde Jones, my father in ministry and Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., my father in love. I pray that I never disappoint either of them for their investment in me. I really do not where to begin, when it comes to expressing my appreciation to the wonderful, faithful, and devoted presiding elders (Gibson, Jackson, Farris, and Thomas), treasurers (Ms. Rosemary Alexander and Ms. Deborah Evans), pastors, lay persons, congregations, district and annual conference officers of the Second Episcopal District for the honor of serving with you these past four years. You have been a study in kindness, faithfulness, and generosity during our time together. Thank you for making real on our motto, “everysecondcounts” in all the ways you have been the church, doing church. No matter what happens at this General Conference, I will always have eyes for the Second Episcopal District. I also express my sincere appreciation to my Communication Officer, the Reverend Delmetria Cayson Combs. Thank you for all you do and all the ways you help us tell our story. Last but by means least, I am grateful for the Reverend Ian Gibson, who serves as my Executive Assistant. He is the engine that makes the Second go. I and all of the Second Episcopal District are blessed to have you as a key member of our leadership team. Thank you, sir.
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Section I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana
Number of Local Congregations 26 41
Total
67
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Number of New Local Congregations 0 2 2
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise. Name of Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Merger
Atrophy 3 2 5
Otherwise 1 1
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
4809 15855
4782 15881
4753 15926
4783 15864
20,664
20,663
20,679
20,647
178
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
0
0
0
0
2018
2019
2020
2021
51 90
24 63
15 34
13 26
141
87
49
39
2018
2019
2020
2021
38 80
29 114
12 65
4 87
118
143
77
91
Conversion: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total Otherwise: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday School of each Region. Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
341 667
335 697
315 520
265 637
1,008
1,032
835
902
179
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
18 18
17 19
20 24
21 27
36
36
44
48
2018
2019
2020
2021
17 18
16 11
16 16
10 18
35
27
32
28
Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
180
Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Number of Name of Active Annual Traveling Conference Preachers
Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Number of Males
Number of Females
23 39
12 28
11 11
62
40
22
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range Under 21
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 21-35
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 35-55
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 55-74
1
4
23
34
0 1
2 2
11 12
10 24
The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2018 2 3 5
181
Number of Males
Number of Females
1 3 4
1 0 1
Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
Admitted in Full Connection in 2019 1 2 3
Number of Males
Number of Females
1 1 2
0 1 1
Admitted in Full Connection in 2020 1 0 1
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 0 0
1 0 1
Admitted in Full Connection in 2021 0 1 1
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 0 0
0 1 1
The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
2 0
3 3
0 2
1 9
2
6
2
10
Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 1
3 3
2 0
0 1
1
6
2
1
Transfer:
182
Otherwise: Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
0 1
0 0
0 0
1 1
1
0
0
2
The level of academic attainment of the preachers in each annual conference. Kentucky: High School -4, College -14, Seminary or Other Graduate Degrees -5, Doctor Degrees -2 Ohio Central Indiana: High School -13, College -17, Seminary or Other Graduate Degrees -6, Doctor Degrees -3
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Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects A narrative description of those ministries that exemplify plausible solutions to the problems plaguing the church. During the 2018-2022 Quadrennial, the Second Episcopal District meetings have been used as the vehicle for pastors, laity, and congregations to make and hear presentations designed to help equip them to becoming more effective discipleship making and in ways to be better serve their respective communities. Prior to beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, most of our time had been devoted to developing ways to develop ministries that would address the needs and concerns of both the incarcerated and the formerly incarcerated and their families. We were led in these workshops by Dr. John Eason, who at the beginning our relationship was on the Sociology faculty at Texas A&M University. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He brought passion and insight to his presentations. He is the author of the book, Big House on the Prairie: Rise of the Rural Ghetto and Prison Proliferation. It is our hope to resume our work together in the coming months. Another significant project some congregations in the Second Episcopal District are engaged in is the Nehemiah Project at the Louisville Seminary. Several congregations in the Kentucky and one congregation in the Ohio Central Indiana Region are engaged in the project. We are excited about our involvement with Louisville Seminary and the Nehemiah Project. We are also excited to share with you that one of Louisville Seminary's staff leaders for the Nehemiah Project is the Reverend M. Claudette Snorton. We are grateful to have been able to partner with Dr. Jacqui Burton and the Conference of National Black Churches in its Trusted Voices Program and we are excited to be in us continued partnership with CNBC as we work together to address the issues, challenges, and hesitancy surrounding COVID testing and vaccinations. Although, we see our way forward as it relates to COVID, we must still work to keep in in check and we must not lose sight of how quickly it and it variants can change and shift our routines. In addition to these efforts, a number of our congregations and the Episcopal District have been and in some are still involved in local efforts to address some of the problems plaguing the church as well as the local communities.
184
Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference
Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2019
General Funds Assessed 2020
General Funds Paid 2021
$137,440.80
$137,440.80
$137,440.80
$206,161.20
$206,161.20
$206,161.20
$137,440 $206,161
$137,440 $206,161
$137,440 $206,161
$137,440 $206,161
$206,161
$343,602.00
$343,602.00
$343,602.00
$343,601.00
$343,601.00
$343,601.00
$343,601.00
$343,601.00
Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during the current year of the General Conference Annual Conference
Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
General Funds Paid 2022
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00
185
$137,440
The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. The Second Episcopal District's only property is the Episcopal Residence, which is located at 5115 Rollman Estates Dr., Cincinnati, OH. The property is currently valued at $731, 205.00. There is an outstanding mortgage on the property with a balance of around $245,000.00. The monthly payment is $4,000.00. All payments are current. The Episcopal Office is also located in the lower level of the Episcopal Residence and has been the case since around 2016.
A current Auditor’s Statement from each Annual Conference in the Episcopal (Check here if available) District with recommendations:
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference Kentucky Ohio Central Indiana Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
$440,730.00 $552,546.00
$413,560.00 $563,489.00
$321,714.00 $515,355.00
$389, 397.00 $561,713.00
$993,276.00
$977,049.00
$837,069.00
$561,713.00
186
Section V. The State of Academic Institutions A narrative reflecting the condition of the institution and a description of any liabilities that involve the Episcopal District. N/A
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns A narrative stating such from the Episcopal leader. I come to this General Conference grateful for the opportunity to serve as a bishop in the church of my love, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. I stand here humbled and honored to have been blessed to have had had a mother who taught us to love the Lord and his church. A mother, Mrs. Minnie Thomas Brown who by made sure we were in place and active in the Bailey Tabernacle CME Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. I thank God for all of my biological family and my Bailey Tabernacle family for seeing in me what I didn't see. I am grateful for my pastors Drs. W.C. Larkins and Willie Clyde Jones. I thank God for Dr. Jones introducing me to the church beyond 1117 23rd Avenue in Tuscaloosa. I owe a huge debt to he and Mrs. Jones. I am thankful for the bishops I have served us, Bishops Kirkendoll, Isom, Bass, Graves, (my father in love) Lakey, Carter, and my father and mother in the Episcopal Ministry, Bishop Paul A. G. and Mrs. M. Earline Stewart. And last but not least, how blessed I am to share in ministry with the wonderful, praying, encouraging, and supportive people of the Second Episcopal District, where we don't just say it, for us it is a way of life, 'every second counts". I wish I could call every name but time won't allow. However, let me mention presiding elders, Gibson, Jackson, Thomas, and Farris as well as my two key assistants, Reverends Delmetria Combs and Ian Gibson. To all of the Second Episcopal District, thank you for all you have done of for the way you have risen up to serve as the host district for this General Conference. You have done an exceptional job planning and I know you will continue throughout these days in the same vein. Thanks. Always, remember Second Episcopal District, I only got eyes for you. There are two standards in one of the familiar hymns of the church say best what I wish to convey to you regarding the challenges and concerns we have faced and are yet facing in the Second Episcopal District. The words are as follows; "What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last. But out of all the Lord hath brought us by His love; and still He doth His help afford, and hides our life above." We have had troubles of every kind that have demanded our attention. Troubles such as a linger lawsuit,
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church closures, dwindling congregations, scarcity of persons answering and responding to the call to ministry, crumbling physical spaces for worship and ministry engagement, aging congregants, and too many instances where the demands are greater than the resources. In addition to these and others challenges and concerns, we like others have and are still trying to find our way forward beyond the COVID pandemic and the pandemics we are have to deal with as a church, people, and a nation. The good news is that although we did not ask for any of the aforementioned challenges and concerns, we have discovered that we have been made for them. We are also reminded day in and day out, challenge and concerns in and challenges and concerns out that our God is still in in the bringing and bringing through business. The lawsuit is behind and we are still here. In spite of the challenges of the hours, we celebrated several churches that were able to pay off their mortgages (Brown Memoria-Louisville, KY, Wesley Chapel, Madisonville, KY, Metropolitan Church, Cincinnati, OH and Towns Chapel, Lincoln Heights, OH). We celebrated purchase of a new church space by the New Destiny Church in Pittsburgh, PA. We celebrate with the Lane Metropolitan in Cleveland, OH as they await word on their selected new home. There were a number of churches paying off other things such as parking lot, and other special projects. We are saddened by the closure of a few of our congregations but rejoice in the Lord at the beginning of at least three new mission/congregations. We are excited about the possibilities in front of us as we enter the new quadrennial armed with the elements of the Strategic Plan that will come before this General Conference. To this end, we commit ourselves anew to ministry and the work of ministry. This will call for us to recommit ourselves to discipleship growth and development, clergy recruitment and retention, raising our voices and presence with and in response to matters of social justice and injustice and church reimagination to mention a few. We will embrace the challenges and concerns with the assurance of Paul's words in Philippians 1:6; "being confident of this, that he who began a good in you(us) will carry it on to completion." Although, the challenges and concerns before may seem a tough order, we take to heart these
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words from II Chronicles 20:12; "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." Thank you!
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The Quadrennial Report of
Bishop C. James King, Jr.
and Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey Associate Bishop for the
Fourth Episcopal District
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Quadrennial Report of
Bishop C. James King, Jr.
and Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey Associate Bishop for the
Fourth Episcopal District Introduction So often we went before our God; So often his blessings asked Our duty never was a heavy load; Our worship not at all a task. We served as our hearts disposed. To each, God’s blessings did suit; And God did let the seeds we sowed To bear abundant fruit. Mr. Chairman: To the Senior Bishop L. L. Reddick III, our colleagues in the Episcopacy of the church, members of the Judicial Council, General Officers, delegates, and visitors to this 39th Quadrennial Session and 40th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church: This paraphrase of the hymn by J. Hart captures in poetic imagination the Episcopal efforts in the 4th Episcopal District for the past quadrennium. Even though our testimony of how good God has been to us and the witness of blessings we dare not count are on the tips of our lips and embedded in the depth of our hearts, we realize that an Episcopal report to the General Conference is not intended to be a witness to what God has done for us, but, rather, an account of what we have tried to do for God, coupled with our stewardship of that portion of God’s church placed in our hands.
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Accordingly, we begin our report recognizing that the 4th Episcopal District is built on the solid foundations laid by Bishops Joseph A. Johnson, Jr., Marshal Gilmore, Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. and Thomas L. Brown, Sr. One does not have to be in the 4th very long to see vestiges of the heritage each has left behind. All the delegates and members of the 4th agree that these stalwart leaders are our sine qua non — “without which, not”. To them we give tribute and sincerest appreciation. 4th District: Nature’s Paradise The 1958 General Conference divided the CME Church into “permanent’ Episcopal, so that the make-up of Episcopal supervision was no longer determined by the seniority of the bishop assigned. As a result, the Annual Conferences in the state of Mississippi and Louisiana were placed together. One wonders if it was mere happenstance or divine guidance that delegates in Detroit, Michigan would select a habitat of nature approaching Eden, designating it, “The Fourth Episcopal District”. Imagine and fathom: The soil of Mississippi Delta, considered the most fertile in the world, the bayous of Louisiana where rare species of fish, bird, reptilian and amphibian life from pelicans to alligators make their home; the piney woods flanking Interstate 20 across North Louisiana and the crayfish ponds bordering Interstate 10 in South Louisiana; catfish ponds juxtaposed with expansive cotton fields along the Natchez Trace, as the “Father of waters” —the mighty Mississippi— dumps 4.4 million gallons of water into the Gulf of Mexico every second, oblivious to the rhythmic beat of Bourbon Street. Our report is that throughout this paradise of nature designated the 4th District, CME churches have been planted and, for the most part, thriving. In season and out of season, rain, shine sleet, snow, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and, yes, even COVID-19, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached, the sacraments duly administered, the prayers of the righteous fervently offered, the songs of Zion passionately sung, the hungry fed, the sick visited, the naked clothed and efforts made for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. This is the 4th, yea, the faithful Fourth. Presiding Elders. Four geographic Regions comprise the 4th, viz., South Louisiana, Louisiana, Mississippi South and North East Mississippi. The Presiding Elders effectively supervising the ministry of the church during the quadrennium have been Reverends Maggie C. Banks, Earnest Thompson, A. B. Caesar, Earl J. Griffin, Larry D. Anders, Eddie L. Dixon, Earnest Thompson, Wayne A. Williams, Q. H. Whitlock, Jr., Clementine M. Mays, and Bobby G. Wilson. It should be said to this General Conference, and even broadcast abroad, that the most underestimated and unappreciated ministry of the church is that of Presiding Elders. Suffice it to say at this moment that the work of faith this report reflects has been made possible by the indefatigable work of the Presiding Elders of the 4th District. Preachers Called of God. Contrary to popular belief, it is difficult to find biblical support for the idea that God calls us to be Bishop, General Officer or Presiding Elder. The call of God essential to the being of the church, according to the Bible, is the call to preach the Gospel. Jesus did not stop by the Sea of Galilee to
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call bishops or General Officers. No, he called disciples to be “fishers of men”. Paul did not ask, “How
can they hear without a Bishop, General Officer or Presiding Elder? No, he asked, ” How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” We take this biblical excursion —for which we might owe this august body an apology—not to denigrate bishops, heaven forbid! We do so to emphasize what Bishop Luther B. Stewart used to say, “I bishop for a living, but preaching is my business!” The church is the church because Sunday after Sunday hundreds of CME preachers climb behind the sacred desk and dare to proclaim to whomever happens to show up, “Thus says the Lord!” And we are proud to report that among the best, most competent, committed, and faithful are the preachers of the 4th Episcopal District. Yes, there are some 277 of them who heeded the call, “Go preach my Gospel”, saith the Lord, “bid all the world my grace receive. He shall be saved who trust my word; and he condemned who won’t believe.”
Christian —the “Methodist” Way The General Rules, which even this body cannot change, say there is only one requirement for anyone to be a Methodist: “The desire to flee from the wrath to come and be saved from their sins.” But the self-same General Rules go on to say that when that desire is truly fixed in the heart, it is shown by works, by fruits. This fruit, according to the Methodist way, is shown by doing all the good we can, avoiding all the harm we can and by attending all the ordinances of the church. It is our Episcopal report to this General Conference that the hundreds of members who make up the 4th District are dedicated, devoted and devout, striving to be Christian the Methodist way. This is the laos, the laity, the people of God —stewards, stewardesses, trustees, choir members, Christian educators, Missionaries, and adults (who happen to be young). Parenthetically, we seldom use the phrase, “young adults” in the 4th because the abilities they have and use in the service of the church are not qualifiable as “young”. (When Jamie Johnson, the orderly assigned to the bishops, dons her Delta uniform as a flight attendant flying from Jackson to Atlanta to Miami and then back home to Jackson, her badge does not say “young adult”)
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SECTION I. The Numbering of God’s People The number of local congregations in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference South-Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Number of Local Congregations 17 75 81 104 277
The number of new local congregations started in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Name of Annual Conference South-Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Number of Local Congregations 0 0 0 0 0
The number of any congregations lost during the quadrennium by way of merger, atrophy or otherwise Name of Annual Conference South-Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Merge 1 3 0 0 4
Atrophy 0 3 0 0 3
Otherwise 0 0 0 0 0
The total number of lay members in each Annual Conference during each year of the quadrennium Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi
Total
2018 1,940 5118 10,244 16,311
33,613
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2019 1,917 4764 10,224 16,354
33,259
2020 1,512 4612 10,076 16,359
32,559
2021 1,338 4,111 10,100 16,215
31,764
The total number of members added to each Annual Conference by way of baptism, conversion, and otherwise for each year of the quadrennium. Baptism Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018 64 117 79 145 405
2019 36 81 87 150 354
2020 8 101 63 88 260
2021 6 13 54 20 93
2019 8 56 87 200 351
2020 12 41 48 100 201
2021 2 15 18 16 51
2019 15 33 51 90 189
2020 5 64 28 78 175
2021 3 60 26 33 122
Conversion Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018 15 57 53 120 245
Otherwise Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018 34 40 52 130 256
The total number of members enrolled in Sunday Schools of each Annual Conference. Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018 342 865 1,601 512 3,320
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2019 276 807 1,487 1,467 4,037
2020 196 798 ,1451 1,987 4,432
2021 172 658 1,220 2,086 4,136
The total number of members of the Women’s Missionary Societies and Lay Activity Councils for each year of the quadrennium. Women’s Missionary Societies: Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018 141 598 877 1,211 2,827
2019 127 597 929 1,025 2,678
2020 126 505 855 1,549 3,035
2021 112 314 843 1,485 2,754
2018 62 384 510 1,184 2,140
2019 106 349 740 1,624 2,819
2020 157 327 598 1,654 2,736
2021 64 292 598 1,599 2,553
Lay Activity Councils: Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
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Section II. The Ministry of God’s Church The number of active traveling preachers in each Annual Conference. Name of Annual Conference
South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi South North-East Mississippi Total
Number of Active Traveling Preachers
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range Under 21
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 21-35
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 3555
Number of Active Traveling Preachers in Age Range 5574
10 49
8 32
3 28
0 0
0 0
4 13
4 46
66
44
22
0
1
18
45
75
29
0
0
15
104 229
159
82
0
1
80
50
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The number of preachers admitted into Full Connection in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium. Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Admitted in Full Connection 2018 1 3 1 2 7
Number of Males
Number of Females
1 2 1 1 5
0 1 0 1 2
Admitted in Full Connection 2019 1 3 2 2 8
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 2 2 2 6
1 1 1 0 3
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Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total Annual Conference South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Admitted in Full Connection 2020 0 1 0 5 6
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 0 0 4 4
0 1 0 1 2
Admitted in Full Connection 2021 0 3 1 2 6
Number of Males
Number of Females
0 0 1 2 3
0 3 0 0 3
The number of preachers lost in each Annual Conference during the quadrennium by way of death, transfer or otherwise. Death
Annual Conference
2018
Annual Conference
2018 0 3 1 0 4
South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
Annual Conference
South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
1 3 0 0 4
Transfer
Otherwise 2018 0 0 0 0 0
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2019
2020
2021
2019 0 1 3 2 6
2020 0 0 0 1 1
2021 0 0 0 1 1
2019 0 0 0 0 0
2020 0 0 0 1 1
2021 0 0 0 0 0
0 3 3 1 7
0 3 1 1 5
4 3 2 3 12
Section III. Special Ministries, Programs and Projects The 4th District takes seriously what Jesus said about not leaving undone those things we ought to have done. Accordingly, programs and ministries furthering the ongoing life and witness of the church were carried out. • In 2019 the 4th was privileged to host the Quadrennial Assembly of the Woman’s Missionary Council in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the President, our own Dr. Princess A. Pegues, was ending her tenure of faithful service. It was a joy for the Regional presidents, namely, Mrs. Ramona Hyche (South Louisiana)), Mrs. Bonita Black (Louisiana), Mrs. Terisa McQueen (Mississippi South and Mrs. Eva Lay (North East Mississippi, assisted by Mrs. W. Jean Moore (North East Mississippi) to roll out the red carpet for the Missionaries from around the world, dine (without wine) the Episcopal leaders of the church, make sure our President went out it with a “bang”, and witness the election of Dr. Jacqueline Isabel Scott as the new President. (And we say to you, Dr. Scott, the success of your presidency is assured because you were elected in the “Faithful” Fourth) • Several years ago, the Late Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. inaugurated the “Empowering Us to Help Us “(EUTHU) program designed to raise extra funds for scholarships, assist local churches meet some of their needs and further the expansion of the church. Bishop Thomas L. Brown carried the program to new heights. Though hampered by the COVID epidemic, this effective ministry has continued under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Geyen and Mrs. Mathilda Martin (South Louisiana), Mr. Harold Petteway and Mrs. Annie Hill Hamlin (Louisiana), Mr. W. Frank Morris and Mrs. Annie Williams (Mississippi South and Reverend Bobby G. Wilson and Mrs. W. Jean Moore (North East Mississippi). •. At the beginning of the quadrennium Dr. Wayne A. Williams was appointed Dean of the Leadership Training School. Associate Deans were Reverends Lesha Agnew, John Griffin, Jr., Manuel Henderson and James Loftin. Scores of CME youth gathered at Rust College Jun 13 – 19, 2019 for an exciting and inspirational educational experience. Unfortunately, COVID-19 engulfed the nation and the leadership school had to be cancelled for the rest of the quadrennium. •. An exceptional educational experience was a Webinar on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral sponsored by the Episcopal District Board of Christian Education and Formation in March 2022. Four CME scholars discussed Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Christian Experience as the basics of Methodism. Ms. Annetta Garner is the Episcopal District Director. Regional directors are: Dr. Caroyl Roberson (Louisiana), Mr. W. Frank Morris (Mississippi South), Reverend Morris Stephens (North East Mississippi) and Mrs. Thelma Woodard (South Mississippi). •. The 4th District Ministry of Information Technology was established with Reverend Lesha Agnew appointed Director, assisted by Mrs. Katrina Wiley. This ministry has been most efficient in making possible the numerous virtual meetings for the 4th.
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• The ‘Fourth’ Estate is the digital monthly newsletter of the 4th Episcopal District of which Mrs. Saundra Roberson serves as Editor -in-Chief. This is the means by which the members of the 4th stay connected and informed.
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Section IV. Stewardship and Fiscal Condition Total amount of General Funds assessed and paid during each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conferenc e
South LA Louisiana MS South No-East Total
General Funds Assessed 2018
General Funds Paid 2018
General Funds Assessed 2019
General Funds Paid 2019
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
General Funds Assessed 2020
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
General Funds Paid 2020
$57,195.00 $143,310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $529,272.00
General Funds Assessed 2021
General Funds Paid 6/30/22
$57,195.00 143.310.20 $143,310.20 $185,456.60 $385,961.80
$22,257.00 $64,771.25 $143,310.20 $185,456.20 $415,794.65
Total amount General Funds assessed and paid during the fiscal year in which the General Conference is held. Name of Annual Conference South-Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
General Funds Paid 2018 $22,257.00 $64,771.25 $143,310.00 $185,456.60 $415,794.85
The total amount raised in the Annual Conferences for each year of the quadrennium. Annual Conference
South Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi-South North-East Mississippi Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
$189,673.00 $486,467.00 $1,485,002.00 $1,026,853.00 $3,187,995.00
$154,670.00 $466,600.00 $667,633.00 $1,101,151.00 $2,390,054.00
$225,754.00 $452,444.00 $797,662.00 $1,051,151.00 $2,527,011.00
$256,013.00 $426,067.00 $783,564.00 $1,091,151.00 $2,556,795.00
[Nota Bene: A current auditor’s state accompanies this report)
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The fiscal condition of all Episcopal District properties including valuations and indebtedness. We are pleased to report that, thanks to Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., there is no indebtedness on the Episcopal residence located at 206 Springwood Drive, Terry, MS 39170; nor the Episcopal District office located at 5417 Robinson Road Extension, Jackson, MS 39204. An extension. An extension of the Episcopal office for Louisiana, on lease in the office complex of the Williams Memorial CME Temple, 3301 St. Matthias Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana.
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Section VI. Challenges and Concerns As we experience it, there are two primary challenges facing the 4th District, but, we dare say, are not unique to the 4th. The first is this “post-Christian” age in which the church is at best marginalized and at worst, irrelevant. Today, only 47% of the population in America considers itself religious, of that dwindling percentage only 34% are members of any church. Further, the vast majority of these are age 60 and above. This reality is laid bare in the membership and ministerial statistics of the 4th. It is reflected in the paucity of young persons entering the itinerancy of the church in this District. We have no facile answers to the challenge this age poses to the church. However, we agree with Dr. James E. Washington that the popular religion we see on television and zoom, which he describes as ‘moral therapeutics based on Deism” is a part of the challenge —not its solution. Further, we are not convinced that the dwindling of persons entering the ministry of the church can be addressed by simply offering financial inducements such as competitive salaries, better health packages, assured retirement benefits or even guaranteed long term appointments. The second challenge experienced in the 4th that is of serious concerns a bit awkward to state in this General Conference setting. But to put it bluntly, it seems that we are “CME-ing” CMEs to death. Paragraph 700 of the Discipline, for example, calls for twenty Connectional Days each CME Church in the 4th is supposed to observe. There are only 52 Sundays in a year —meaning 38% of the Lord’s Day are CME Days— and most of them ask for an offering. Then, of course, there are the demands of the Annual Conference, the Presiding Elder district askings, the incessant requests of certain General ‘Departments, not to mention the countless workshops conducted by somebody almost every week. Each one of these is good in and of itself, but when they are put together, our concern is that they are draining the spiritual, emotional, and financial life of local CME churches
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Conclusion There are times when the church must face the unexpected. Such was the case in the 4th District this quadrennium when the Presiding Bishop, C. James King, Jr, was beset with some health challenges. Accordingly, he asked Bishop Paul A. G. Sewart, Sr. to assist him. On September 22, 2021, the College of Bishops assigned Bishop Othal H, Lakey, Retired, to be the Associate Bishop, to carry out all administrative responsibilities on behalf of Bishop King until this General Conference. We conclude this second report in the Episcopal ministry of Bishop C. James King, Jr. by saying he has run his race and finished his course. And when the Episcopal Committee reports that his character passes, he will be honorably retired. Accordingly, grateful recognition and thanks are given to Bishop Stewart along with Mrs. M. Erlene Stewart for their help and assistance. Words cannot express the loving and unceasing support of Constance, the First Daughter of the 4th and to “Sis” for keeping the “home fires” burning. Words of thank should also be extended to Dr. Wayne A. Williams for his personal support of Bishop King as well as to Reverend Bobby G. Wilson for his unwavering service as the Executive Assistant. Last, but by no means least, we express not only appreciation but love to Dr. Elfreda Almond Lakey for her understanding though reluctant acquiesce for her” retired” husband to “be on the road again”. And when her husband left to taken extended visits to Mississippi and Louisiana, he loving comment always was, “I’ll be waiting for you when you get back home.” Mr. Chairman, permit me to close with this personal note. On September 22, 2021, an hour after the College of Bishops assigned me Associate Bishop of the 4th, my oldest son, James Othal, died. Though his death was not entirely unexpected, it hurt and has left and aching void in my heart. Trying to serve the people of the 4th these past nine months, however, has soothed that hurt and helped to fill that aching void. Thank you, members of the 4th. And to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church I say in closing that I may report to you ever again, and if I never see you in this setting any more, rest assured that I will be there with you when the morning stars sing together and the sons of God shall shout for joy.
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