Kirkland Marks 50th Year in Ministry

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr.

By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Sentinel Religion Editor
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Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., is marking his 50th year in ministry and the community is coming together to salute his commitment and dedication to God.

The worship service and reception are set for Wednesday, March 14, at 7 p.m., at the LAX Hilton, 5711 West Century Boulevard in Los Angeles. The theme is ‘Called, Courageous, Committed: A Living Legacy.'

"Fifty years of effective, efficient, encouraging and empowering ministry that has equipped people from the Southern United States, to the West Coast, to Africa, is the hallmark of Bishop Kirkland's global ministry," said the Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid III, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Baltimore and the guest preacher for the Anniversary service.

"Today, his Episcopal ministry is preparing the church to lift up Jesus for a new generation! God bless Bishop Kirkland for his 50 years of greatness in ministry," he added.

Bishop Kirkland is currently the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District and president of the General Board of the A.M.E. Church. Elected and consecrated as the 114th Bishop in 1996, he served four years in Central Africa as bishop of the 17th District, Ecumenical Officer and President of the Council of Bishops.

In 2002, he was assigned to the 9th District (Alabama) and in 2008, he returned to the 5th Episcopal District which includes 16 Western and coastal states.

Prior to the episcopacy, Bishop Kirkland was pastor of Brookins Community A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles for 20 years. Under his leadership, the sanctuary was renovated, surrounding properties were purchased, several outreach ministries were established, and more than 8,000 people were added to the church rolls. Also, Brookins became renown for its socio-political presence in the greater L.A. area.

Bishop Kirkland has been featured in many national publications and has written several books on church growth. A graduate of Alcorn State University, he received his master's degree from Mississippi State University and attended Claremont School of Theology and California Graduate School of Theology.

For information about the events, call (310) 577-8530 or Chairperson Jackie Dupont-Walker at (213) 494-9493.

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