Palmetto SC Annual Conference, Day II Minutes

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022 BUSINESS SESSION NO. 3 The Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference was called to order at 8:00AM.. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. greeted the conference and opened with a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving.

Bishop Samuel L. Green called for the approval of the minutes that captured the events on August 18, 2022.

Annual Conference Secretary, Reverend Jarrett Washington informed Bishop Green that the secretarial staff sent an email to all conference leadership, Pastors, and Delegates, along with the members of the Board of Examiners on last evening.

The motion was made by Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington that the Minutes be adopted as information with any necessary updates or corrections. The motion was seconded by Reverend Dr. Arthur Holmes. The motion carried.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then asked the Annual Conference Secretary, Reverend Jarrett B. Washington, to call the names of the persons who did not answer the roll electronically. After the names were called, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. asked those persons and pastors with locals in their church to see the secretarial staff to verify attendance and provide updated information.

During the roll the following actions were taken: • Reverend Henry Howard will be referred to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee as he has not been in attendance or a part of the active ministry.

• Reverend James Loadholt was transferred to the Northeast Conference and further action will be taken by Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. during that conference.

• Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. instructed the Ministerial Efficiency Committee to research Reverend Kirk Belleson’s whereabouts as he is a Supernumerary Elder under suspension.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr, asked Episcopal Supervisor, Phyllis Nadine Green, to share greetings with the conference. Supervisor Green reminded the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference that God is a good God and He can do anything and everything but fail. Supervisor Green stated that she is ready for a good day of annual conference sessions.

Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. presented the report for the Committee on Annuity and Investments.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Dr. Betty Clark and seconded by Reverend Glannie Tisdale.

At the direction of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Reverend Jarrett Washington, Palmetto Conference Secretary and member of the General Board serving on the Department of Retirement Services Commission, and more specifically the Investment Committee to share important information pertaining to the restructuring of the retirement plan.

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In sum, Reverend Washington shared that the funds the Seventh Episcopal District has paid towards the salaried servants of our church since the summer of 2021 has been deposited into an escrow account that will be used to fund the New Life Plan.

Reverend Washington explained that the New Life Plan will be vested with Wespath Benefits and Retirement Services. The launch date for the new plan is October 1, 2022. All members of the Seventh Episcopal District have been asked to complete an updated profile that was sent to them during the Aspire conference. To date, the Seventh Episcopal District has 508 respondents, with over 100 respondents from the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then asked Reverend Washington to entertain questions. They were as follows:

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Reverend Is there a date that reports will resume. o Answer: As of October 1, 2022, you will have access?

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When will funds from the old account be transferred from the old accounts to the new accounts held at Wespath? o Answer: The General Board of the AME Church has reported that due to the Class Action lawsuits filed against the AME Church salaried servants of the church will not have access to the funds deposited prior to the summer of 2021 until the courts have adjutegated the situation. The church is prevented from accessing at this time but there is an account of every dollar in the fund, totalling over $37 million dollars. Furthermore, Bishop Green mentioned that a motion has been filed to have the lawsuits dismissed.

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How do we prevent this from happening again? o The new process will minimize this from ever happening again. Once the plan has been activated on October 1, 2022 your funds that have been deposited will be reflected on your individual Wespath account. You will have 24/7 access, along with constant statements. o Funds will be sent directly to the Episcopal Office and will be swiped directly to Wespath. There will be no need to send funds to the Department of Retirement Services.

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When will accounts be active? o Answer: October 1, 2022

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State Representative, Reverend Carl Anderson, stood to say that this is an excellent plan and one similar to the plan used by the Government.

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Bishop Green stated that he still believes in Scripture that things will work out for our good.

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Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton shared that there was an issue with the Annuity and Investment plan 30+ years ago, but we made it through this. He asked, can we remain members of the plan even after we retire? o Answer: Yes.

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Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark stood to say she feels good hearing this information today. She had been in the dark for most of this and only was hearing from what “people say” and feels great about it after hearing from Reverend Washington and Bishop Green.

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Reverend Robert Morris stated that it is always good to have someone at the table and was appreciative to have Reverend Jarrett Washington on the board to report back to the conference.

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Reverend Eduardo Curry stated that our Bishop is trying to lead us to transparency. That as members of this district we should speak positively about our bishop and share the truth when we are given the opportunity; yet we must also remember that the AME Church is an institution that has a unified message from the leadership of the church.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. commended the conference for not speaking to the press. He stated that there’s history behind each lawsuit and each person. He reminded us that he was the chair of the commission in 2016 and the funds in questions were removed between 20052015 but sometimes those things don’t matter when people have made up their mind about you. Just keep praying and trusting God in all things.

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Reverend Peggy Jenkins shared her daughter is employed in the actuary sciences and is willing to assist in this endeavor. o Noted.

Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington concluded by thanking Bishop Green for the opportunity to serve on the General Board and more specifically, the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then shared that “Jarrett is a shining example of a father and husband. He is an exceptional pastor to the people of the Hopewell Church, the Georgetown District, the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference, and the Seventh Episcopal District. He makes us proud! It is my hope that the AME Church continues to see his gifts and talents and that he will make an excellent CIO, General Secretary of the AME Church.”

Immediately, Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton, stood to further endorse the candidacy of Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington for CIO, General Secretary of the AME Church and then asked everyone to point their hands in his direction and he prayed with power.

Reverend Kelly Spann presented the report on the Incorporation of Churches.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Kelly Spann and seconded by Reverend Dr. Betty Broomfield. The motion carried.

Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomfield presented the report on Missions, Circuits, & Stations.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomfield and seconded by Presiding Elder Remus Harper. The motion carried.

Reverend Eduardo Curry presented the report on Deeds, Abstracts, and Abandoned Property.

Bishop Green asked Reverend Curry to identify the three churches in the Mt. Pleasant District that has abandoned property.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton and seconded by Reverend Joseph Swinton. The motion carried.

Bishop Green requested that workshops are coordinated for all local trustees in the Palmetto Conference to help deepen the understanding of what in-trust means and how we protect AME property. Reverend Curry committed to making an addendum to honor Bishop Green’s request.

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Reverend Rose Smalls presented the report for the Committee on Social Action report.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Rose Stokes-Smalls and seconded by Reverend Isaac Grant. The motion carried.

Reverend Virgil Hammett presented the report for Christian Education.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Virgil Hammett and seconded by Vermel Taylor. The motion carried.

Supervisor Phyllis Green presented Sister Cecelia Wragg for the report for the Debutantes and Masters Commission. Supervisor Green shared that this is Sister Wragg’s last report as the Commissioner for the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference. She thanked her for her service and all she has done to push the mission forward for our church.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Reverend Robert Morris, II and seconded by Reverend Eduardo Curry. The motion carried.

Supervisor Phyllis Green presented Sister Juanita Lockwood, the newly elected Palmetto Conference MSWAWO + PK’s to present the report.

The motion to adopt the report was made by Sister Von Sellers Buckner and seconded by Sister Regina Cooper. The motion carried.

Reverend Peggy Pope led the Memorial Service. Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference memorialized the following: The Secretary of the Conference called the roll for the last time. The names of our deceased members are as follows: Bishop William P. DeVeveaux, Supervisor Lucinda Crawford Belin, Supervisor Barbara J. Chapelle, Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams (Retired General Officer), Judge Patricia Mayberry, Chiquita Fye (former Medical Director, AMEC Health Commission), Reverend Dr. Alonzo Middleton, Reverend William Alston, Reverend John Gillyard, Reverend McNeil Evans, Reverend Melvin McClennon, Reverend Rober Washington, Reverend Andrew Adams, Reverend Kenneth Aiken, Reverend William James Sargent, Reverend Corean Anderson, Reverend Edward Fludd.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr asked the choir to sing, “Oh, I want to See Him.” He then made the adjustment to the Ordination Service to begin at 7:30PM. At 10:25 AM, Bishop Green adjourned the business session until the start of the Allen University Rally.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FRIDAY,

AUGUST 19, 2022 Allen University Rally At 11:50 AM, the Allen University/Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary Annual Rally began and alumni, Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton, served as the worship leader. The President of Allen University, Dr. Ernest McNealey, greeted the conference and shared the progress and innovation that Allen is experiencing.

Dr. McNealey shared highlights on Dickerson Green Theological Seminary. There are 55 students enrolled in the Fall Term. Dickerson Green Theological Seminary was welcomed into membership into ATS and the goal is to become fully accredited by ATS and SACS. Dickerson Green Theological Seminary will relocate to the top floor in the Waverly Building and will have a lounge and library.

Due to the resignation of the former dean, there is now an acting Dean and Dr. McNealey shared that this may cause a delay in the accreditation process and initiation of the Doctor of Ministry program in January, 2023.

Allen University has an enrollment of 600 students which is less than anticipated. As a result, the $32 million budget approved by the Board will be adjusted and a revised budget of $27 million will be presented. The current operating budget is $25 million.

The Higgins Hall and Reed Hall have undergone $6 million in renovations without incurring debt and students are living well. Dr. McNealey shared a current project they are exploring, the revitalization of the Carver Theater, which is a registered historic site.

There is still a vision to construct athletic facilities which is desperately needed despite the challenge of finding suitable land close to the campus. There is a negotiation in progress regarding a parcel of land that is 2.5 miles from campus. Dr. McNealey shared that there is an anticipation that the Allen University football team will win more games than they will lose.

Bishop Green announced that there will be a Celebration Gala honoring Dr. McNealey’s leadership on October 7, 2022.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. called for the Presiding Elders of this conference to convene their districts to support the Rally. The donations received are as follows:

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Mt. Pleasant District Kingstree District Georgetown District Bishop Green Total

2020 $60,000.00 $32,025.00 $32,024.00 TBR $124,050.00

2021 $54,925.00 $32,200.00 $32,200.00 $1,500.00 $120,825.00

2022 $ 55,000.00 $ 32,300.00 $ 32,300.00 $. 1,500.00 $ 121,100.00

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. announced a $1,000.00 gift for Allen University from Mother Carrie Grady.

A scholarship endowment fund has been established with a personal gift from Bishop Green in the amount of $10,000.00 which will be reserved for students studying education or music.

The benediction was offered by Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. and the conference was asked to reconvene at 3:00PM.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FRIDAY,

AUGUST 19, 2022 Business Session No. 4

Bishop Green called for the Supplemental Report of the Board of Examiners.

Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners Registrar presented.

To the Right Reverend Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. and the members of the Palmetto Annual Conference, greetings. We the members of the Board of Examiners, beg leave to make the following report on the candidate in Second Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders. We have had the following Licentiate referred to us by their Presiding Elder District: Catonia Inez Dailey Prioleau. Licentiate Prioleau is 57 years old, single, and has two children. She is a member of Bethel AME Church, North Charleston in the Kingstree District. She was licensed to preach June 29, 2019. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Public Service from Trident Technical College; a Certificate in HVAC from Lincoln Technical.She has completed 58 hours of study at Allen University seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies. She has completed her psychological evaluation.

Licentiate Prioleau was referred to the Board in 2021.

Reverend Jarrett B. Washington moved that Catonia Inez Dailey Prioleau be granted her request to change her status from Local to Itinerant. The motion was seconded by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy. The motion carried.

To the Right Reverend Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. and the members of the Palmetto Annual Conference, greetings. We the members of the Board of Examiners, beg leave to make the following report on the candidate on First Year Studies in Pursuit of Itinerant Orders. We have had the following Licentiate referred to us by their Presiding Elder District: James Williams. Licentiate Williams is 59 years old, married, with three children and is a member of Hopewell AME Church in Georgetown where the Reverend Jarrett B. Washington is the pastor. He was licensed to preach in December 2020. Brother Williams received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Limestone College in 2017. He received 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in 2018.

He served as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church for 8 years. He is currently employed as a Social Worker. He has completed his psychological evaluation. Licentiate Williams was referred to the Board in 2022.

Reverend Jarrett Washington moved that James Williams be advanced to the Class on Second Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders. The motion was seconded by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy. The motion carried.

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Reverend Jarrett Washington moved that James Williams be advanced to the Class on Third Year Studies and Ordained an Itinerant Deacon in the AME Church. The motion was seconded by Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton. The motion carried.

Bishop Green shared that he spoke with Bishop Jonathan Holston, the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in South Carolina, in regards to Bro. Williams. Bishop Holston vouched for him and his pastoral services and gave Bishop Green an understanding of what a non-ordained pastor does. He shared that Brother Williams was also licensed for sacramental privileges and that Bishop Holston is in favor of this conference granting the privilege of being ordained an Itinerant Deacon to carry on functions. The conference shared a resounding “yea” to his ordination.

The Palmetto Annual Conference Pastoral Reports continued: Mt. Pleasant District Reverend James Keeton Morris Brown AME Church Care packages were sent to college students and supplies donated to Mitchell Elementary School.

Reverend Keeton earned his Doctorate from Boston University in Transformative Leadership.

Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. Ebenezer AME Church Hosted appreciation lunches for faculty and staff at Charleston Development Academy. Established a Scholarship endowment and a Blessing Box in the rear of the church.

Reverend Richard C.K. Harkness Olive Branch AME Church Provided support for utilities, rent and mortgage assistance. Established partnership with Roper Hospital to address health issues in the community.

Reverend Adrian Kollock Greater Goodwill AME Church Hosted a Faith Manigault Basketball tournament in her memory. Hosted a COVID vaccination site in partnership with Roper Healthcare Systems.

Reverend Dr. Barbara Chisolm Greater Zion AME Church Distributed gift cards for persons who served the church during the Pandemic. Fellowship Hall renovation completed and in addition completed their commercial roofing project.

Reverend Alonzo Redic Friendship AME Church Held an ensemble live recording. Church website created with church information to include persons watching live. Sent water to Louisiana.

Reverend Darien Jones Launched a homelessness Initiative. Coordinated a Voting Drive. Rejoicing for an increase of five members.

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Reverend Brian J. Swinton Calvary AME Church Continue to minister to the needs of the congregation and community and serve through prayer services and Bible Study.

Reverend Robert Morris Charity AME Church Implemented strategies for members to return to worship with a focus of reclaiming their members.

Utilized social media to engage members.

Kingstree District Reports Reverend William Pinckney Bethel AME Church, Gourdine Supported the Angel Tree. Purchased tables and banquet furniture, to include pulpit furniture.

Initiated the 90 plus club.

Reverend Gilbert Dekine St. James AME Church Monetary donation made to students who made honor roll and scholarships given to students. Non perishable items given to the community during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The WMS collected canned goods and distributed them in the community.

Reverend Eduardo Curry Mt. Carmel AME Church Sponsored monthly food giveaways. Repairs made to the church. WMS fed seniors in church as well community members.

Reverend Mervin McBride Greater Lane Chapel AME Church Active in the community as evidenced by the support of churches in the community.

Reverend Dr. Robin McGee Frazier Allen Chapel AME Church The WMS awarded a $500.00 college scholarship. Volunteered at the Sumter Free Health Clinic.

Reverend Dr. Joe Lockwood St. Mary AME Church Initiated the” Because We Care program” - feeding families with meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Three young men recently joined the church.

Reverend John Taylor Mt. Zion AME Church - Greeleyville Adopted the Kingstree Nursing Home providing supplies. Provided Back to School Supplies for the community and sponsored a Fall Festival. Provided stipends to students who were successful during the school year.

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Licentiate Kelvin Washington Hickory Grove AME Church Provided Bookbags and other supplies to students. Worship service is streamed on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Reverend Joe Knowlin Bethlehem AME Church Installed monitors inside and outside of the church. Partnered with community entities to provide supplies.

Reverend Nathalee Nelson St. Peters AME Church - Bonneau Purchased and installed two new AC units. Christmas baskets were delivered to the elderly during the holidays. Plaques presented to the mother and father of the year.

Reverend Bernice Cooper Bethel AME Church - Lake City Established a Kindness Community that meets the needs of the community with necessary supplies. Distributed drive through meals for community members. Pastor wrote notes of encouragement and delivered care packages to the communitY. The session concluded at 4:38PM.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FRIDAY,

AUGUST 19, 2022 Ordination Service

The Ordination Service began at 7:30 PM with the processional of the chair of the Board of Examiners, Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy, the candidates for ordination, the board of examiners, and the presiding Elders, Dr. Sandy Drayton, Dr. Juenarrl Keith, and Reverend Remus Harper. The worship service was an exciting moment in African Methodism as the choir sang numerous moving and inspiring selections, such as, “You Fight On” and I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.” Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. presented the preacher, Bishop Gregory Ingram, highlighting the fruitfulness of his ministry and the impact his message will have on the ordinands. Bishop Gregory Ingram preached an energizing and inspiring sermon.

”Are You Sure?”

II Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Bishop Ingram asked the ordinands thought provoking questions. Any person desiring to be a candidate for ministry must come to grips with this question, are you sure? Are you sure in your heart that this is something you’ve been called to do?

Bishop Ingram challenged ordinands to understand the clarity of the call vs. the mystery of the call and left them to ponder the following points: (1) How serious and committed are they about their ministry.

(2) There must be a sense of passion about his preaching. (3) You must be sure about your relationship with God. Bishop Ingram reassured the ordinands and the Palmetto Annual Conference that if you make the effort, God will make the way. There will be times when others won’t give you support. You aren’t doing it for them but you are doing it for Him. You are not here to be an entertainer or to impress people. You must take your work seriously and you must not handle the Word of God lightly. As a preacher of the Gospel, you are called to preach the word in season and out of season. The church has high expectations of you. Never be ashamed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is more than an intellectual theory. Faith is knowing that God is able. Paul was convinced that in the center of His Christian faith was a God with power. Bishop Ingram concluded His powerful message with reassurance that God is able.

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During the Ordination Service the following were ordained Local Elder: 1. Reverend Ronald Lewis (Local)— Nazareth AME Church During the Ordination Service the following was ordained Itinerant Deacon: 1. Jeri-Elayne Goosby Smith 2. Tyrese De’Vante Manigault 3. Anthony Michael Taylor 4. Kelvin Cornelius Washington, Sr. 5. James B. Williams During the Ordination Service the following was ordained Itinerant Elder: 1. Reverend Beverly Burgess (Itinerant) 2. Reverend Veronica Marie Finney (Itinerant) 3. Reverend Viola Hardy (Itinerant) 4. Reverend Dr. Jeri-Elayne Goosby Smith (Itinerant) 5. Reverend Peggy Snipe (Itinerant) 6. Reverend Dr. Pamela Vereen (Itinerant) 7. Reverend Alice Wright (Itinerant)

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