Goldsboro Members

stated that she was five years old when she and her parents witnessed the deconstruction of the previous sanctuary. The agreement was reached after years of public requests and protests by the church.

It is a microcosm of a larger conflict over the legacy of the 1950s project, in which black community leaders have long sought redress from Pittsburgh’s political, business, and athletic elites.

The Penguins hope that the agreement and the extensive efforts to redevelop the site can serve as a model for other U.S. cities with similar urban renewal scars from the mid-20 th century.

“I have never been a devotee of hockey”; however, AME Third District presiding prelate, Bishop Errenous McLoud, Jr., thanked the Penguins for “turning him into a hockey fan” during a news conference on the site Bethel is acquiring. He stated that this agreement “could and should serve as a model for reparations worldwide.”

The accord is a component of broader efforts to collaborate with Hill District residents to restore the neighborhood’s former connections to downtown.

All of the main parties, including the city, county, and two public authorities, agreed to include Hill District stakeholders in a plan in 2014.

Church leaders stated, “While the agreement is a step toward reparations for the historic black church and the Hill District, there is still a long way to go in addressing the damage caused in the middle of the 20th century.” https://sdvoice.info/historic-black-church-gets-land-returned-from-nhlpenguins-franchise/ ❏ ❏ ❏

Greetings from New St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. We are honored and pleased to share our two oldest members with you. They were awarded gifts and recognized by our pastor, the Rev. James Sheares, during our Men and Women’s Day Service on March 26, 2023.

Ms. Robena McLean Payton grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She earned an Associate Degree in education and, in 1966, became a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She retired after 37 successful years as an elementary school teacher. During her career, she held many positions in administrative and managerial occupations.

Ms. Robena has a fine eye for fashion and loves getting dressed up when coming to church. Before her health declined, causing loss of eyesight, she loved reading God’s word and taking notes in her Bible. In addition to her diligence as a member of the Steward Board, Ms. Robena served as the musician for the church, a member of the Women’s Missionary Society, pastor’s aide, and the senior choir. She is also a class leader and was honored by the North Carolina Annual Conference. Her family consists of Crystal Mclean Ferrell, Alveroda T. Payton, Mary Payton, and Alveroda M. Payton, Jr. Ms. Robena loves the Lord, loves people, loves to give her time, loves to sing, and loves her church, and paying tithes.

Mr. William L. Kates is an 89-year-old retiree and widower born in North Carolina and a product of Goldsboro, North Carolina schools. During his early adult years, he relocated to Maryland and worked for the Marriott Corporation, where he met his wife, Charlotte D. Kates (Chambers). From their marriage came five children: Priscilla, Andrienne, Angela, Renee, and William, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Later in life, Mr. Kates returned to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he could be close to his aunt, Sudie Kates. Out of the love of his wife, he joined New St. John AME Church, where he is still an active member. He has one sister, Carolyn Kates; a devoted cousin, Helen Kates; and a host of nieces and nephews.

When not attending church, you can usually find him relaxing on his deck, tinkering in his shed, driving to Dee’s Diner for breakfast, or browsing at Lowe’s Home Improvement. He is still very young at heart, and when asked, he will tell you he “isn’t old.” ❏ ❏ ❏ the Honorable Bennie Thompson of Mississippi’s Second District, graced the pu lpit. The theme for the annual program was “Preparing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow.” The Rev. George W. Tyler, presiding elder, retired, was the program chairperson and worship leader. Local elected officials across Mississippi were present, including several state representatives, state senators, and United States District Judge Carlton Reeves. The program included special musical guests, and Pastor Neal gave a moment in black history honoring Bishops Richard Allen, Daniel Alexander Payne, Henry McNeal Turner, and Frederick Douglass. In addition, the Presiding Elder presented Congressman Bennie Thompson with full bravado for his accomplishments and his relationship with New Bethel and the community.

Congressman Thompson began his introduction of Congressman Clyburn with a recollection of their journey together in the House of Representatives. He commended Clyburn’s work for the citizens of South Carolina and the country. He listed the many commendations Clyburn has received since being elected. He also highlighted how during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, it was Clyburn who first endorsed Joe Biden and how his influence during the South Carolina primary gave Biden the win needed to garner the presidential nomination and eventual election as president of the United States. Thompson then shared how he reminded Clyburn to respond to Pastor Lorenzo Neal’s request for Men’s Day speaker as a favor to his friend. After Thompson’s introduction, Brother Ray Magee gave a rousing musical selection setting the stage for Congressman Clyburn’s message.

Congressman Clyburn began his message by recalling the story of having Congressman Thompson speak at a Martin Luther King, Jr. event in his district, where he was again reminded to accept the invitation to New Bethel as a favor to his friend. After the lighthearted words, Clyburn began addressing the historical relevance of the Men’s Day program, referring to the birth of AME founding Bishop Richard Allen and Allen’s work of liberation for blacks during a time when the entire country was beginning. He continued by addressing the immediate condition of black Americans.

He offered steps to continue improving the lot of blacks in communities like Jackson and other urban areas across the country. Clyburn reminded the audience of the many attempts in the country to repress votes and social changes that negatively impact the church and communities. Clyburn emphasized the need for black men to raise boys into leaders while deploring the violence against young black men and women by themselves and others. He encouraged local elected officials to promote and pass liberating legislation that does not infringe on the basic rights and needs of the people. Clyburn’s message was more akin to a preacher giving a sermon than a congressman making a speech.

The program concluded with remarks from Presiding Elder Tyler, Dr. Neal, and Bishop Stafford Wicker and presentations of plaques to both congressmen by Bishop Wicker on behalf of the men of New Bethel.