The Third Episcopal District of the
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church P.O. Box 211237 Normandy, MO 63121 (314) 381-3111—Office
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, On behalf of Michigan/Indiana Region and the Third Episcopal District, Mrs. Williams and I are overjoyed with excitement and jubilation in celebrating the ministry of the Great Gary District. The Gary District is preserved with the hope of inspiring our present and future age during this new millennium. It is our prayer that you will preserve the ideals and dreams of those who labored for so long enduring many hardships while working in this area of the Lord's vineyard. Certainly, God has been our shield and strength. He has guided us with his counsel; blessed us by his providence and inspired us by his spirit. Today we can celebrate a long and lasting legacy of charitable Christian service and traditions based upon vibrant worship services, religious training, and sustained outreach services that have uplifted those who have found themselves counted among the least, the last, and lost. Thank you for your stewardship, your love, and especially your support; but more importantly, thank you for your faithfulness. May God continue to bless you and your families in all that you endeavor as “Many generations continue to praise thy works.” Humbly submitted,
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. Presiding Prelate
The Great Gary District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams Presiding Elder Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. Presiding Prelate
On behalf of Lisa and my entire family, I want to congratulate the Souvenir Journal Committee on making this year’s Journal a success. I recognize that none of us get where we are without the support, prayers and guidance of others. With that being said, I know we stand on the shoulders of so many who has went from labor to reward. This year’s journal pays tribute to those individuals as a means to not only never forget, but also memorialize those of the Gary District who gave their all for God and His Church. As your Elder, I am truly honored and blessed to serve this district and its wonderful members and leaders. I encourage all of us to take some time and reflect on the goodness of God and all that He has done to bring us this far. We are truly surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. To the Souvenir Journal Chairpersons, Sis. Vanessa Harris and Roxanne Wallace, I commend you on a job well done. You can truly see that you have poured out your Heart and Soul into this endeavor. We are a better district for what you have done today. In closing, I want to encourage us to remember the words of Paul as expressed in the letter to the Church of Corinth. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the Heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who Love Him.” May God bless and keep you always, Rev. Dr. Curlee and Lisa Adams Presiding Elder & First Lady Great Gary District Michigan/Indiana Region Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
History Of The Gary District The Gary District of the CME Church has a great history and one that has birthed many leaders and ministries that has blessed the CME Church and the communities where many of the churches are located. In 1958, Bishop J. Claude Allen was assigned to the Third Episcopal District of the CME Church. Because of Bishop Allen’s commitment to church growth, the areas in and surrounding Gary, Indiana grew. It was during Bishop Allen’s tenure that the Michigan/Indiana Region was formed. The region would consist of all churches in the North part of Indiana and all churches west of Battle Creek Michigan. Out of that formation, the Gary District would be birthed. The churches would consist of Israel, St. James, Carter Memorial, Laymen Chapel, St. Mark, Allen Chapel, J. Claude Allen, Metropolitan and Wheeler Chapel. Rev. Samuel A. Sea, was appointed as the first Presiding Elder. Since that time, the Gary District has become a major voice in the Third Episcopal District and continues to maintain the commitment to ministry first started by Bishop Allen. The District is grateful to the many elders, pastors, ministers and laity, who have utilized their gifts and graces to make the Gary District what it is today. As we move forward into the future, our prayer is that the Gary District continues to grow as a District and look forward to where God is going to take us.
Presiding Elders Of The Gary District Rev. Samuel A. Sea Rev. Carrell K. Cargle Rev. Norman Ott Rev. W.J.G. McLin Rev. Dr. Janice Blackmon-Smith Rev. Dr. Essie Clark-George Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams
DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, BELOVED MEMBERS OF ST. JAMES HAVE JOINED THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES. 2020 MR. STEVEN JACKSON MR. LINDSEY FLEMING MR. WILLIE BUTLER SMITH MRS. LOLA LEE WILLIS MS. DIANE CHAMBERS MR. ARTHUR WASHINGTON MR. MANDELL KNOTT 2021 2022 MRS. MARJORIE PERKINS MR. MANDELL KNOTT MS. HELEN HARPER MRS. ALDEAN HARPER MS. SADIE FULWILEY
ST. JAMES IS THANKFUL TO GOD THAT THESE PRECIOUS SOULS PASSED OUR WAY, BUT I HAVE TRUSTED IN THY MERCY, MY HEART SHALL REJOICE IN THY SALVATION. PSALM 13:5
ST. JAMES CME CHURCH • 2012 CHICAGO ROAD • CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411
St. Mark C. M.E. Church “The Cornerstone of The Gary District” Honor and Memorialize
Members who have passed from this life to Reward 2018-2022 Sis. Antoinette Anderson Sis. Catherine Brown Sis. Mattie Clark
Rev. Stephen D. Deloney Bro. Byron McKenzie Sis. René Neal Sis. Oriole Powell Sis. Helen Washington Bro. Clyde Williams
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us Hebrews 12:1
St. Mark C.M.E. Church “The Cornerstone of The Gary District” Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us Hebrews 12:1
The ministerial staff, officers, and members pause to remember those members that laid a strong foundation of faith and trust in God for us and future generations. § Their lives were a blessing, Their memory a treasure, They were loved beyond words And are missed beyond measure.
Remembers and celebrates the Members who have gone from Labor to Reward. We will continue to build on the firm foundation you laid.
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” I Corinthians 3:10
Rev. Jacquelyn H. Collier, Pastor Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams, Presiding Elder Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Presiding Prelate
These young adults were 15 years old when they joined the church and now represent the next generation of CME’s; that was the one mission of South Suburban. Thanks Gary District for the journey and growing me up as one of your sons.
Rev. Dr . Otis M. Lane &
Minister Leona Lane, First Lady
The Gary District Missionary Society Remembers Our Officers From This Quadrennial Michele R. Wallace Served as President
LeWanda West Served as Vice-President
Diane Chambers Served as Treasurer
Rev. Stephen D. Deloney Served as Patron Pastor
Though you are no longer with us, your Memory and Legacy remains. “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13 NIV eno devol ruMrs. o fo yBessie romeM nI Harrell traeh ruo ni reverof era uoy
In Memory of our loved onesCollier and Rev. Jacquelyn Harrell you are forever in our hearts
Sis. Bertha Sims
Sis. Mary Perkins
ikreP yraM .siS smiS ahtreB .siS Sis. Bertha Sims Sis. Mary Perkins p reh roF ?namow suoutrWho iV a Can dniffind naCa o hW woman? For her price is far above Virtuous Proverbs VJK 01:13 sbrevorP .seibur rubies. Proverbs 31:10 KJV 31:10 KJV
Sis. Terry Alexander & Sis. Dorothy Goshay
yhtoroD .siS & rednaxelA yrreT .Sis. siS Terry Alexander & Sis. Dorothy Goshay
“…The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38
The Missionary Society of Baker Memorial CME Church Linda Giles, Gary District Missionary President Sandra Banks, Local Missionary President