AME Church

Williams Elevated to Presiding Elder in 10th District of AME Church

The Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, well-known to many throughout Southern California, was recently elevated to presiding elder by the Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson, presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District and senior bishop of the AME Church. In his new position, Williams will supervise 26 parishes in the Tyler District of the North Texas Conference in the 10th Episcopal District. “I’m honored and excited to be appointed presiding elder and look forward to serving the AME Church at a higher level,” said Williams, who previously served the past 11 years as the pastor of Smith Chapel AME Church

Joyous Celebration Salutes Life of Rev. G. Mansfield Collins

The Rev. G. Mansfield Collins made a huge footprint during his nearly 102 years of life. His impact was clearly apparent as hundreds filled the sanctuary of Bryant Temple AME Church to salute Collins’ legacy. During an uplifting memorial service on Oct. 10, Collins’ enduring love for God, family and community was celebrated through music, reflections and presentations.

Op-Ed: Black-Owned Businesses Deserve Support

For the past several decades, I have been an active pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving fourteen congregations across Los Angeles County. It is impossible to overstate the importance of Black-owned businesses in these communities. They are the lifeblood of local commerce, but more than that, they are a means to local organization and empowerment. I have seen firsthand the struggles of these business owners to succeed—to meet their payrolls, to support their families, to always be there for their customers. It’s not always easy, especially in the wake of a year-long pandemic, and every dollar matters. That’s

Black Clergy Honor Bass and Lee on International Women’s Day

The California Black Women’s Collective united with faith leaders throughout the state to recognize the achievements of U.S. Congresswomen Karen Bass and Barbara Lee. More than 200 people logged-in on International Women’s Day, March 8, to pay tribute to the political trailblazers. The virtual event, billed as “A Conversation with Black Clergy and Faith Leaders,” was co-sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Conference of L.A. and Southern California (BMC), Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California (SCLC-SC), the AME Church and Allen Temple Baptist Church. The program also focused on strategies to secure the former senatorial seat of U.S. Vice President

Black History Spotlight: Rev. Jarena Lee

Trailblazing preacher broke social barriers for Black women in the 1800s The Rev. Jarena Lee was a Black history trailblazer, who was the first woman to be authorized to preach by Richard Allen, the founder of the AME Church, and the first Black woman to have an autobiography published in the United States. Jarena was born in 1783 to free, but poor, Black parents. She was sent to work as a live-in servant at the age of 7 and was later exposed to Christian teachings. Jarena came to Philadelphia as a teenager and was changed after hearing a passionate sermon delivered

Kirkland Keeping Busy Since Retiring as Bishop

  It’s been nearly three years since the Right Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Sr. retired as an AME bishop after 55 years of ministry, but his schedule remains as busy as ever. A powerful preacher and insightful teacher, Kirkland is frequently invited to deliver sermons at churches throughout Southern California as well as in other parts of the country. His next local engagement takes place at Agape Church of Los Angeles. The ministry, led by Bishop Craig A. Worsham, will welcome Kirkland to deliver the sermon on Resurrection Day, April 21, at the 8 a.m. service in the worship center

This Week in Black Faith History – Minister Jarena Lee

Minister Jarena Lee was the first authorized female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Lee, whose family or maiden name is unknown, was born to a poor but free black family on February 11, 1783, in Cape May, New Jersey. In 1790 at the age of seven, Lee was sent to work as a live-in servant for a white family named Sharp. Lee moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a teenager and continued to work as a domestic servant. One afternoon, Lee attended a worship service at Bethel Church where Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church, was scheduled to preach. After hearing the powerful sermon delivered by

Wilson Focuses on Building New Relationships with God’s People –Inside and Outside Church Walls

Like many pastors, the Rev. Nicolette Birdsong Wilson wants her St. James AME Church congregation to grow spiritually and numerically. But, numbers play a lesser role than relationship building. Her focus is on developing better and new relationships with God’s people, both inside and outside of the walls of the church. “Evangelism was never about just inviting someone to church,” said Wilson, who was appointed in October 2018. “It was and is about building loving and Christ-like relationships with each other.” This approach is not new for Wilson, who employed a similar strategy while serving as spiritual leader of Johnson

Geraldine Stiles Murph Passes at 100

  The Los Angeles faith community extended a fond farewell to Mrs. Geraldine Stiles Murph, who passed away on Oct. 15, at the age of 100-years-old. Long admired for her intelligence, humility and grace, Geraldine made a lasting impression as a first lady, missionary, and AME Episcopal Supervisor as the wife of the late Bishop Henry W. Murph, Sr. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m., at New Vision Ministries, 2400 Southwest Drive in Los Angeles. Her son, the Rev. Dr. Frederick O. Murph, will officiate and deliver the eulogy. A repast