The Rev. Edgar Boyd, new pastor of First A.M.E. Church, was among the appointments made by Bishop T. Kirkland, Sr., to lead churches in the Los Angeles area.
Citing deep prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Kirkland also named new pastors to Ward A.M.E. and Brookins Community A.M.E. Churches, both in Los Angeles.
The Rev. Taurus Myhand will lead Ward and the Rev. Gregory McLeod was assigned to Brookins.
The announcements were made during the Closing and Commissioning Worship Service of the Southern California Annual Conference on October 28 and at the conclusion of the Fifth District Planning Meeting on October 30.
As presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, Bishop Kirkland serves as chief shepherd as well as chief executive officer/administrator of all A.M.E. churches located in the 14 states west of the Mississippi River.
“I am committed to seeking the Lord’s guidance through continual prayer as to the direction we must take in equipping saints for service and reaching out to those who are in search of the message that God is the answer to all of their needs,” said Bishop Kirkland.
“Our district theme, ‘Continue to Rebuild the Walls,’ focuses on strengthening the home, our schools, our churches, the community and the world. I are convinced that any challenges we face will not stop the fearless, faithful and forthright from achieving these goals,” he said.
Bishop Kirkland also announced the transfers of the Rev. Dr. John Hunter to Bethel A.M.E. – San Francisco, the Rev. Joseph Nixon to the St. Peter’s A.M.E. – St. Louis, the Rev. Alvin Smith to Allen Chapel A.M.E. – Sacramento, and the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams to Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. – St. Louis.
Other new assignments were the Rev. Noella Buchannan to Allen Chapel A.M.E. – Riverside, Rev. Michael Eagle to St. James A.M.E., the Rev. John Hill to Grant L.B., and the Rev. Rethis Murray to St. Mark A.M.E.
Several area pastors were reappointed to churches including the Rev. Cedric Alexander, Price Chapel A.M.E.; the Rev. Rosalynn Brookins, Walker Temple A.M.E.; the Rev. John Cager, Second A.M.E.; the Rev. Dr. Kelvin Calloway, Bethel A.M.E.; the Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden, Bryant Temple A.M.E.; the Rev. Darryl Walker, New Philadelphia A.M.E.; the Rev. Mark Whitlock, Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.
The conference delegates accepted the retirements of Presiding Elder LaGrant Moore of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District and the Rev. Dr. Elmer Redding of St. James A.M.E. as well. Presiding Elder Benjamin Hollins was named to replace Elder Moore.
In addition to worship services, business sessions, and Conference Institute classes, participants heard from U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass, about the importance of voting in the November 6 General Election and Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey about her candidacy for L.A. County District Attorney.
