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Mr. Simeon Rhoden Jr.President
Mr. Simeon P. Rhoden Jr. was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth of the island of Jamaica to Simeon P. Rhoden Sr. and Lee Dell Wimbush. Along with nine older siblings, he was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Simeon and his family attended Mt. Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and in 1990, Mr. Rhoden pursued his undergraduate studies at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) of Tallahassee, FL and received his Bachelors of Arts in English Education. While attending FAMU, Mr. Rhoden worshiped at Bethel AME Church of Tallahassee, Florida and participated in the Richard Allen Young Adult Council and other organizations/auxiliaries. Upon completion, Mr. Rhoden decided that Education was not the career he wanted to sustain, therefore he was accepted into the College of Architecture at The University of Oklahoma (OU) and earned his Bachelors of Science in Interior Architecture with a Minor in Vocal Performance from the School of Music.
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While studying at OU, Mr. Rhoden worshipped at Avery Chapel AME Church of Oklahoma City, OK where he was the Youth Choir Director, a Steward, and a member of the Lay Organization. Mr. Rhoden’s education did not stop there, soon after, he obtained his Masters and certification in Project Management (PMP) from the Uni Graz schafft Fortschritt (University of Graz) and while studying there, he sang with the Opera House of Vienna, Austria. In addition to his Project Management certification, Mr. Rhoden obtained his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in 2014.
Mr. Rhoden’s education afforded him a great career in Architecture and Facilities/Program Management. In 1998, Mr. Rhoden moved to Seattle, WA and joined First African Episcopal Church of Seattle, WA. Mr. Rhoden’s church involvement includes, but not limited to, the following:
The Music Department (Director): 1998 – Present Class Leader
2005 – Present
The Lay Organization (Local/Conference/District) 1993 – Present
District Level Positions President
2013 – Present
First Vice President
2012 – 2013
Third Vice President
2007 – 2012
Conference Level Positions
First Vice President Young Representative Parliamentarian
Local Level Positions Historiographer Parliamentarian
On the Connectional Level, Mr. Rhoden served on a number of committees, and led many initiatives implementing change to include Young Adult participation, and has executed policies and legislation to help maintain Young Adult visibility at every level of the Lay Organization in the AME Church. His involvement in the Lay Organization is not in vain, and many people have considered his work as “On Purpose and Effective Ministry”. Mr. Rhoden is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and is employed as a Project Manager for Commercial Facilities and Construction at the Boeing Company of Seattle. Mr. Rhoden is a God fearing man who has one son, Gerald Rhoden, and a host of family and friends.
Mr. Rhoden’s education afforded him a great career in Architecture and Facilities/Program Management. In 1998, Mr. Rhoden moved to Seattle, WA and joined First African Episcopal Church of Seattle, WA. Mr. Rhoden’s church involvement includes, but not limited to, the following:
The Music Department (Director): 1998 – Present Class Leader
2005 – Present
The Lay Organization (Local/Conference/District) 1993 – Present
District Level Positions President
2013 – Present
First Vice President
2012 – 2013
Third Vice President
2007 – 2012
Conference Level Positions
First Vice President Young Representative Parliamentarian
Local Level Positions Historiographer Parliamentarian
On the Connectional Level, Mr. Rhoden served on a number of committees, and led many initiatives implementing change to include Young Adult participation, and has executed policies and legislation to help maintain Young Adult visibility at every level of the Lay Organization in the AME Church. His involvement in the Lay Organization is not in vain, and many people have considered his work as “On Purpose and Effective Ministry”. Mr. Rhoden is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and is employed as a Project Manager for Commercial Facilities and Construction at the Boeing Company of Seattle. Mr. Rhoden is a God fearing man who has one son, Gerald Rhoden, and a host of family and friends.
Executive Board 2017-2021
Lay Theme: Laity Fulfilling the Great Commission – Season of the Harvest Matthew 28:16-20
5th District Theme: A Holy Nation – Season of Epiphany/Color Blue/Symbolism Flowing Water
Nehemiah 8: 1-10 & 1 Peter 2: 9
5th District Theme: A Holy Nation – Season of Epiphany/Color Blue/Symbolism Flowing Water
Nehemiah 8: 1-10 & 1 Peter 2: 9
Fifth District Map, Boundaries
Conference Presidents and Boundaries
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Missouri conference comprises that part of the State lying south of the Missouri river
including the County of Cooper and also all the churches of the Columbia-St. Louis Presiding Elder District with the exception of Glascow: The President is Ms. Pamela Williams. |
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California Conference comprises all points north of the San Luis Obispo Line on the coast and all points north of Kern County Line in the Valley. The President is Ms. Sue Seldon Ward
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Southern California Conference comprises all points not embraced in the California Conference and all points in the southern State of Nevada. The President is Dr. Dorothy Vails Weber
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Desert Mountain Conference comprises the States of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. The President is Ms. Melba Salter.
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Pacific Northwest Conference comprises all the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. The President is Mr. Bobbie Brown
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Midwest Conference comprises the States of Kansas and Nebraska, the Presiding Elder District of Pettis, Kansas City, Sedalia, with Johnson County together with the St. Joseph-Moberly District of the North Missouri Conference, plus Boonville Conference, Speed Circuit and Glascow. The Kansa-North District and the Kansas-South Districts are the two Presiding Elder districts of the Northwest Missouri Conference. The President is Melvin Jenkins, Esq.
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The Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the newest in our church relative to our total years of existence. The Organization, like many in our church, at any early age, did not keep official records that would serve as reference material. Research started with a brief history as given by former president, Attorney Herbert L. Dudley of Detroit. He used as his first pamphlet – History and Official Guide of the Lay Movement – by Professor R.J. Gardner of Cleveland, Ohio. In this pamphlet, Professor Gardner states that the “Organized Lay Movement” started at the General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri (Fifth District) in 1912, with Professor Charles H. Johnson of Wilberforce as the first president. It was known as the “Laymen’s Missionary Movement.” Professor Johnson traveled extensively through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, etc. He wrote pamphlets, Men at Work and Laymen’s Missionary Movement. This organization was short lived, Dissatisfaction abound as laymen felt they were not being heard. During the 1916 General Conference, this dissatisfied with the progress of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement resulted in reorganization. The Connectional Lay College was established with Professor Carl V. Roman, a noted Greek Scholar at Fisk University, as president. This organization met only once in four years at the seat of the General Conference and only delegates to that Conference were members. With this ever-changing membership and little funds, etc., the Organization found itself changing so frequently that consistent organization was impossible. Dr. Roman was not elected to the General Conference in 1920, the Lay College proceeded to elect a new president, Mr. Malone of the Poro College. Poro College is famous for educating the Black community of St. Louis, and the college trained women as agents for Poro products. By 1926 the college boasted on graduating 75,000 agents located throughout the world, including the Caribbean. Mr. Malone was the husband of the famous Annie Turnbo Malone, the first black female millionaire of St. Louis, Mo., who served until 1924. Then Dr. R.R. Williams of Tampa, Florida, was elected. Dr. Williams served as president until the General Conference in 1936. Attorney Herbert L. Dudley was elected and served many years.
The banner of African Methodism was planted west of the Mississippi River by Bishop William Paul Quinn between 1840- 1844. Bishop Quinn established churches in the Indiana Territory and in California. He reported to the General Conference in 1844 his successful outcomes but these
conferences were widely separate localities from St. Louis MO and Sacramento CA. The General Conference of 1852 ordered a division of the Indiana Conference because of its vast territory and set a part the Missouri Conference which embraced all of the slave holding states of the west and southwest. The General Conference organized the church into three Districts in 1852.
Subsequently adding more as territories expanded. The Fourth District included Indiana, Illinois. Missouri (in September 1855) Kansas (1880) and Louisiana. Fifth District incorporated Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. Sixth District was called the Pacific Coast. The California Conference was admitted at the General Conference of 1860 but was not formally organized until April 6, 1865. Bishop Thomas Ward served the Pacific Coast for 12 years. The Colorado Annual Conference organized on September 24, 1887 in Shorter Chapel Denver included the States of Colorado Utah Montana Wyoming Arizona, New Mexico.
1873-1892 saw great expansion by the church to develop 11 Districts. At this juncture the Fifth District included Missouri, North Missouri, Kansas, Rocky Mountains and Indian Mission of Oregon.
Nebraska annual conference in 1920 five counties in Kansas and the state of Nebraska were separated from the Kansas conference to form the Nebraska annual conference. Bishop Henry Parks the new bishop arranged to placed Western University and Douglas hospital within the new conference Bishops Carey, Gregg and N. W. Williams. At the present time .Bishops Williams and Reid resided within its confines.
On the hillside of the Western University Campus Quindaro Kansas are the ruins of the home of John Brown which was one of the “Underground Railroad Stations” of pre-Civil War days.
Also included in the ruins is the entrance to the tunnel under the Missouri River used in slave days to pass the fleeing slaves from the south to the north side of the Missouri river.
The first session of the Southern California Conference was held at First A. M. E Church, Los Angeles in September 28 1925, however it was authorized by the General Conference of 1924. Bishop Parks served as Presiding Prelate.
From the 1800’s following Bishops served in the 5th District: Benjamin Tucker Tanner, Thomas M. Ward, Henry B. Park, Dougal O Walker, RR Wright, Joseph Gomez, Howard T. Primm Harrison J. Bryant, Hamel Harford Brookins, Henry Wendell Murph, Vinton Randolph Anderson, Randolph Byrd, John Richard Bryant, Theodore Larry Kirkland and in 2016 Clement Fugh.
The banner of African Methodism was planted west of the Mississippi River by Bishop William Paul Quinn between 1840- 1844. Bishop Quinn established churches in the Indiana Territory and in California. He reported to the General Conference in 1844 his successful outcomes but these
conferences were widely separate localities from St. Louis MO and Sacramento CA. The General Conference of 1852 ordered a division of the Indiana Conference because of its vast territory and set a part the Missouri Conference which embraced all of the slave holding states of the west and southwest. The General Conference organized the church into three Districts in 1852.
Subsequently adding more as territories expanded. The Fourth District included Indiana, Illinois. Missouri (in September 1855) Kansas (1880) and Louisiana. Fifth District incorporated Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. Sixth District was called the Pacific Coast. The California Conference was admitted at the General Conference of 1860 but was not formally organized until April 6, 1865. Bishop Thomas Ward served the Pacific Coast for 12 years. The Colorado Annual Conference organized on September 24, 1887 in Shorter Chapel Denver included the States of Colorado Utah Montana Wyoming Arizona, New Mexico.
1873-1892 saw great expansion by the church to develop 11 Districts. At this juncture the Fifth District included Missouri, North Missouri, Kansas, Rocky Mountains and Indian Mission of Oregon.
Nebraska annual conference in 1920 five counties in Kansas and the state of Nebraska were separated from the Kansas conference to form the Nebraska annual conference. Bishop Henry Parks the new bishop arranged to placed Western University and Douglas hospital within the new conference Bishops Carey, Gregg and N. W. Williams. At the present time .Bishops Williams and Reid resided within its confines.
On the hillside of the Western University Campus Quindaro Kansas are the ruins of the home of John Brown which was one of the “Underground Railroad Stations” of pre-Civil War days.
Also included in the ruins is the entrance to the tunnel under the Missouri River used in slave days to pass the fleeing slaves from the south to the north side of the Missouri river.
The first session of the Southern California Conference was held at First A. M. E Church, Los Angeles in September 28 1925, however it was authorized by the General Conference of 1924. Bishop Parks served as Presiding Prelate.
From the 1800’s following Bishops served in the 5th District: Benjamin Tucker Tanner, Thomas M. Ward, Henry B. Park, Dougal O Walker, RR Wright, Joseph Gomez, Howard T. Primm Harrison J. Bryant, Hamel Harford Brookins, Henry Wendell Murph, Vinton Randolph Anderson, Randolph Byrd, John Richard Bryant, Theodore Larry Kirkland and in 2016 Clement Fugh.
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Bishop Fugh, an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME CHURCH), has served as pastor of congregations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. He led Greater Bethel AME Church, Nashville, TN, in the erection of a state of the art multipurpose worship and service center, fulfilling a thirty-year dream of that congregation.
At the 46th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, held in July 2000, he was elected as its 5th General Secretary and Chief Information Officer. At the 49th General Conference, held in 2012, he was elected and consecrated the 131st Bishop of the AME Church. He was assigned general superintendent of the 14th Episcopal District, comprised of seven West African countries. |
Among his significant accomplishments are: Secretary, Commission on Worship and Liturgy for the AME Church, which was responsible for producing and publishing the Bicentennial Hymnal and The AME Church Book of Worship; Secretary, Compilation Committee, The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church, 1988; Member, Core Strategic Planning Committee for the AME Church; Member, Editing and Correcting Committee, The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church, editions 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012; Secretary, Board of Trustees, Payne Theological Seminary; Contributor to Liberation and Unity, a COCU sponsored devotional; African American Devotional Bible; The Pastor’s Manual for the Twenty-First Century.
Bishop Fugh is married to Alexia Butler Fugh, a registered nurse and Clinical Research Consultant. They are the parents of two adult children, Marcia Fugh Joseph and Joseph Edward Fugh; son-in-law Paul Steven Joseph II; grandparents of a granddaughter, Taylor Joi Joseph, and grandson, Paul Steven Joseph III.
Bishop Fugh is married to Alexia Butler Fugh, a registered nurse and Clinical Research Consultant. They are the parents of two adult children, Marcia Fugh Joseph and Joseph Edward Fugh; son-in-law Paul Steven Joseph II; grandparents of a granddaughter, Taylor Joi Joseph, and grandson, Paul Steven Joseph III.
Fifth Lay Organization Begins
The Lay Organization in the Fifth Episcopal District was established in 1944. However, it was during a two-day session, June 22-24, 1950, at Trinity A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Kansas, the Fifth District Laymen’s Organization was officially organized under the leadership of the late Bishop D. Ormonde Walker and Reverend Frederick D. Jordan who at that time was a Pastor at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, California, and was later elected a bishop.
The first elected president was Mr. George Jones of the Nebraska Conference and Mrs. Georgia Marshall of the California Conference was elected as Vice President.
In 1952, Mrs. Georgia Marshall, acting president for the West Coast Conferences, organized the Puget Sound Conference and Mr. Hubert R. Dewitty was elected their first President.
Mr. Jones served as president until June 1953 when he was elected President Emeritus. Under Mr. Jones’s administration, the groundwork was initiated for the establishment of local lay organizations; observing annual lay days, and also having Douglass Hospital (St. Louis) as a fund-raising project helped the progress of the Fifth District Lay Organization. Attorney R.J. Reynolds (1954) of the California Conference succeeded him
During Attorney Reynolds’s administration, progress was made toward the establishment of a workable financial system for the District Organization under “minimum contributions” from local lay groups according to the size of the church membership. This administration also concentrated on Lay Evangelism during the season of Lent.
The constitution was revised and updated. Also, a monthly publication entitled the Amen Notebook was started in 1955. On July 27-30, 1955, the Fifth District Laymen’s Organization of the A.M.E. Church held its First Annual Convention at Campbell Chapel AMEC in Denver, Colorado. R.J. Reynolds was President. Bishops were Rt. Rev H.T. Primm ; Rt. Rev. J. A. Gomez; Rt. Rev. F.D. Jordan, and Rev. Don C. Stephenson Host Pastor. The 1955 District Convention adopted an objective called “Opposition to the Division of the Fifth District.”; the creation of the Department of Lay Activities, the establishment of voting machines use, and the raising of standards for election. They also worked hard at upholding the eight-year law regarding Bishops.
In 1958 Mr. J.D. Williams was elected President; he continued the work accomplishing previous stated objectives. Mr. Moses Webb was elected President in 1964. Mr. Wyman B. Waldron was elected President in 1968. Mr. Milton Branch was elected President in 1978 however, he died prior to completing his term of office.
Upon his death, Mrs. Doris J. Bailey finished his term and went on to be elected to serve eight years as President. Mrs. Bailey is the only female to have served as President in 5th District and she served a total of nine years.
Mr. Fred Stuart was elected in July 1993. Under President Stuart’s term, the Oratorical Contest established to attract and train youth to participate in the organized Lay. Mr. Stuart also initiated the 5th District Lifetime membership recognizing outstanding achievement for those serving sixteen years or more in the District.
2001 Mr. Thomas Sutton was elected President. The Oratorical Contest was expanded and is now known as the Lay Christian Art’s Festival (LCAF). The LCAF objective is one component of the organized Lay to encourage, attract and teach our young people about the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
LAOS was established by Ms. Betty Fowler Thompson to provide a monetary gift to a worthy nonprofit project organization that the host president choses at the 5th District Convention each year.
The Fifth District encompassed seven conferences. Ratification of Bill CB-01 merged two conferences (Kansas-Nebraska and Northwest Missouri) during the 48th Quadrennial Session in St. Louis, MO in July, 2008, thereby the Fifth Episcopal District was downsized to six (6) conferences. 2008 also saw the addition of the Country of India into the denomination as part of 5th District.
2009 Mr. Harold Shields was elected President and served four years. The 49th Quadrennial Session in Nashville TN saw the Country of India leaving 5th District and being added to the 4th District.
2013 Mr. Simeon Rhoden was elected President. Under his administration the “Evening of Elegance” was expanded to a gala that sponsors four different higher education funding opportunities merit-based, and non-traditional, scholarships for high school seniors and college students: Bishop Larry T. Kirkland; Mr. Fred Stuart: Leadership and Community Scholarships. Under Mr. Rhoden’s leadership developed a focus on the basic fundamentals of our Church to adopt constructive change in our discipline affecting the church and strengthen Laity obligations by keeping the following commitments: encompassing the teachings of Jesus Christ with Laity and Clergy together and In collaboration with all 6 conferences, the 5th District Lay Organization was successful in submitting 9 pieces of legislation to be reviewed at the 2016 General Conference.
3rd Vice President, Ms. Barbara Moore established Socks for Souls a program that provides socks to a service agency that the host president choses. Each Conference President is asked to be responsible for bringing socks to the convention
The first elected president was Mr. George Jones of the Nebraska Conference and Mrs. Georgia Marshall of the California Conference was elected as Vice President.
In 1952, Mrs. Georgia Marshall, acting president for the West Coast Conferences, organized the Puget Sound Conference and Mr. Hubert R. Dewitty was elected their first President.
Mr. Jones served as president until June 1953 when he was elected President Emeritus. Under Mr. Jones’s administration, the groundwork was initiated for the establishment of local lay organizations; observing annual lay days, and also having Douglass Hospital (St. Louis) as a fund-raising project helped the progress of the Fifth District Lay Organization. Attorney R.J. Reynolds (1954) of the California Conference succeeded him
During Attorney Reynolds’s administration, progress was made toward the establishment of a workable financial system for the District Organization under “minimum contributions” from local lay groups according to the size of the church membership. This administration also concentrated on Lay Evangelism during the season of Lent.
The constitution was revised and updated. Also, a monthly publication entitled the Amen Notebook was started in 1955. On July 27-30, 1955, the Fifth District Laymen’s Organization of the A.M.E. Church held its First Annual Convention at Campbell Chapel AMEC in Denver, Colorado. R.J. Reynolds was President. Bishops were Rt. Rev H.T. Primm ; Rt. Rev. J. A. Gomez; Rt. Rev. F.D. Jordan, and Rev. Don C. Stephenson Host Pastor. The 1955 District Convention adopted an objective called “Opposition to the Division of the Fifth District.”; the creation of the Department of Lay Activities, the establishment of voting machines use, and the raising of standards for election. They also worked hard at upholding the eight-year law regarding Bishops.
In 1958 Mr. J.D. Williams was elected President; he continued the work accomplishing previous stated objectives. Mr. Moses Webb was elected President in 1964. Mr. Wyman B. Waldron was elected President in 1968. Mr. Milton Branch was elected President in 1978 however, he died prior to completing his term of office.
Upon his death, Mrs. Doris J. Bailey finished his term and went on to be elected to serve eight years as President. Mrs. Bailey is the only female to have served as President in 5th District and she served a total of nine years.
Mr. Fred Stuart was elected in July 1993. Under President Stuart’s term, the Oratorical Contest established to attract and train youth to participate in the organized Lay. Mr. Stuart also initiated the 5th District Lifetime membership recognizing outstanding achievement for those serving sixteen years or more in the District.
2001 Mr. Thomas Sutton was elected President. The Oratorical Contest was expanded and is now known as the Lay Christian Art’s Festival (LCAF). The LCAF objective is one component of the organized Lay to encourage, attract and teach our young people about the Mission and Purpose of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
LAOS was established by Ms. Betty Fowler Thompson to provide a monetary gift to a worthy nonprofit project organization that the host president choses at the 5th District Convention each year.
The Fifth District encompassed seven conferences. Ratification of Bill CB-01 merged two conferences (Kansas-Nebraska and Northwest Missouri) during the 48th Quadrennial Session in St. Louis, MO in July, 2008, thereby the Fifth Episcopal District was downsized to six (6) conferences. 2008 also saw the addition of the Country of India into the denomination as part of 5th District.
2009 Mr. Harold Shields was elected President and served four years. The 49th Quadrennial Session in Nashville TN saw the Country of India leaving 5th District and being added to the 4th District.
2013 Mr. Simeon Rhoden was elected President. Under his administration the “Evening of Elegance” was expanded to a gala that sponsors four different higher education funding opportunities merit-based, and non-traditional, scholarships for high school seniors and college students: Bishop Larry T. Kirkland; Mr. Fred Stuart: Leadership and Community Scholarships. Under Mr. Rhoden’s leadership developed a focus on the basic fundamentals of our Church to adopt constructive change in our discipline affecting the church and strengthen Laity obligations by keeping the following commitments: encompassing the teachings of Jesus Christ with Laity and Clergy together and In collaboration with all 6 conferences, the 5th District Lay Organization was successful in submitting 9 pieces of legislation to be reviewed at the 2016 General Conference.
3rd Vice President, Ms. Barbara Moore established Socks for Souls a program that provides socks to a service agency that the host president choses. Each Conference President is asked to be responsible for bringing socks to the convention
Connectional AME Church: Judge Patricia Mayberry:
Judicial Council President
5th District 2nd Vice President 2017-2021
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Patricia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri- Columbia. She received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. Patricia’s employment includes: Air Force JAG, trial attorney with Immigration and Naturalization Services, now Homeland Security, and an appointment as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Patricia retired from the United States Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel, after 24 years. Currently, Patricia continues employment with the United States Air Force in her assignment to Los Angeles Air Force Base.
Patricia passionately participates in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Re-elected at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, she continues to serve as President of the Judicial Council, a/k/the Supreme Court of the AME Church. She serves as Election Commission Chairperson for the Connectional Lay Organization, 2ND Vice President for the Fifth District Lay Organization, SCCLO Chairperson, Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and as a living legend of the Southern California Conference Lay Organization. In her local church, Price Chapel AME Church in Los Angeles, she serves as a Pro-tem of the Steward Board, instructor for the Membership Development Class, a member of the Stewardship and Finance Commission, Chairperson of the Benevolent Committee, Director of Lay Activities of the local Lay Organization, and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Socially and civically, Patricia’s holds membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International (PAD), NAACP, American Bar Association (ABA), honorary membership in Golden Key International Honor Society-University of Missouri-St. Louis chapter and life membership in Blacks in Government (BIG). She travels throughout the AME Church providing leadership training and preparing others for service to God. She trains numerous church boards, organizations and congregations throughout the global African Methodist Episcopal Church. Patricia received the recognition of Outstanding Service as Director of Lay Activities Fifth District Lay Organization (2018), Connectional Lay
Patricia passionately participates in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Re-elected at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, she continues to serve as President of the Judicial Council, a/k/the Supreme Court of the AME Church. She serves as Election Commission Chairperson for the Connectional Lay Organization, 2ND Vice President for the Fifth District Lay Organization, SCCLO Chairperson, Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and as a living legend of the Southern California Conference Lay Organization. In her local church, Price Chapel AME Church in Los Angeles, she serves as a Pro-tem of the Steward Board, instructor for the Membership Development Class, a member of the Stewardship and Finance Commission, Chairperson of the Benevolent Committee, Director of Lay Activities of the local Lay Organization, and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Socially and civically, Patricia’s holds membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International (PAD), NAACP, American Bar Association (ABA), honorary membership in Golden Key International Honor Society-University of Missouri-St. Louis chapter and life membership in Blacks in Government (BIG). She travels throughout the AME Church providing leadership training and preparing others for service to God. She trains numerous church boards, organizations and congregations throughout the global African Methodist Episcopal Church. Patricia received the recognition of Outstanding Service as Director of Lay Activities Fifth District Lay Organization (2018), Connectional Lay
Connectional AME Church Jacquelyn Dupont Walker
LCSW: Consultant to Social Action Commission
Jacquelyn Dupont Walker is the youngest of 5 children born to Rev. King Solomon Dupont and Eleanor Jiles Dupont in Tallahassee, Florida. Early in life she was impacted by the models an entrepreneurial and visionary father and a school teacher mother. A pioneering Black graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree “Jackie” holds the Master of Social Work degree from Atlanta University and has done post- graduate studies (credentialing) as a developer at USC (U.S.C. Commercial Dev. program), and as substance abuse advisor (Washington University in Maryland). Jacquelyn is a licensed clinician (LCSW) in California and holds national certification (ACSW).
After more than 40 years in various professional responsibilities, she is now one of most highly respected and influential lay persons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Jackie” is a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E) and has been an active member of Ward A.M.E Church in Los Angles for 41 years. At Ward, her ministries include: Steward Board, Class Leader, Lay Organization, Social Action Commission, and Sunday School. In 2004 the AME General Board elected her as the Consultant and in 2008, Jackie was elected the Director-Consultant of Social Action and has led in stimulating the social action/justice initiatives for the AME Church in the interfaith, ecumenical, civic, public and secular spheres. In 2011, she led the AMEs On the Hill to its first advocacy day in Washington, DC where 100 individuals traveled from across the country to a high level White House briefing and visit with the US Congress and Senate. At the 2012 General Conference she organized a voter mobilization effort. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker is founding president of the Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in Los Angeles which has built/remodeled/managed low-income housing in the city (120 apartments for seniors at Ward Villas, 91 units of family and singles housing at Tuelyn Terrace, 6 scattered sites and 60 senior apartments at Rosa Parks Villas. Under preconstruction are 37 units for formerly homeless single parent, veterans and 60+ units for diverse family models (single, seniors, homeless and 3-4 person families.) When Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker is passionate, there are no barriers insurmountable nor horizons unconquerable.
After more than 40 years in various professional responsibilities, she is now one of most highly respected and influential lay persons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Jackie” is a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E) and has been an active member of Ward A.M.E Church in Los Angles for 41 years. At Ward, her ministries include: Steward Board, Class Leader, Lay Organization, Social Action Commission, and Sunday School. In 2004 the AME General Board elected her as the Consultant and in 2008, Jackie was elected the Director-Consultant of Social Action and has led in stimulating the social action/justice initiatives for the AME Church in the interfaith, ecumenical, civic, public and secular spheres. In 2011, she led the AMEs On the Hill to its first advocacy day in Washington, DC where 100 individuals traveled from across the country to a high level White House briefing and visit with the US Congress and Senate. At the 2012 General Conference she organized a voter mobilization effort. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker is founding president of the Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in Los Angeles which has built/remodeled/managed low-income housing in the city (120 apartments for seniors at Ward Villas, 91 units of family and singles housing at Tuelyn Terrace, 6 scattered sites and 60 senior apartments at Rosa Parks Villas. Under preconstruction are 37 units for formerly homeless single parent, veterans and 60+ units for diverse family models (single, seniors, homeless and 3-4 person families.) When Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker is passionate, there are no barriers insurmountable nor horizons unconquerable.
Ada Groff Connectional Lay Corresponding Secretary 2013- 2021
Ms. Ada Groff has served in following offices:
Parliamentarian of Missionary Society. Founder of Shorter’s Health Unit, Parliamentarian of Shorter Lay Organization ,Liaison from Steward Board to the Stewardess Board, Secretary of Colorado Conference Lay Organization, First Vice-President of Colorado Conference Lay Organization, Corresponding Secretary of Fifth District Lay Organization, Second Vice- President of Fifth District Lay Organization Assistant Recording Secretary of Fifth District Lay Organization, Fifth District Delegate to Biennials, Conference Delegate to Biennials, Parliamentarian of the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization, Chairperson of the Conference Nominating Committee, Chairperson of the Conference Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Chairperson of the Conference Rules Committee, Chairperson of the Fifth District Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Chairperson of the District Nominating Committee ,Chairperson of the District Rules Committee, Connectional Lay Organization Constitution and By-Laws Committee and Connectional Lay Organization Social Action Committee. Ada has had offices in the Choir , Steward Board, Sunday School Teacher and many others at Shorter AMEC.
She regularly speaks at Lay days and does presentation for the Conference. Please see below for the most recent activities:
Parliamentarian of Missionary Society. Founder of Shorter’s Health Unit, Parliamentarian of Shorter Lay Organization ,Liaison from Steward Board to the Stewardess Board, Secretary of Colorado Conference Lay Organization, First Vice-President of Colorado Conference Lay Organization, Corresponding Secretary of Fifth District Lay Organization, Second Vice- President of Fifth District Lay Organization Assistant Recording Secretary of Fifth District Lay Organization, Fifth District Delegate to Biennials, Conference Delegate to Biennials, Parliamentarian of the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization, Chairperson of the Conference Nominating Committee, Chairperson of the Conference Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Chairperson of the Conference Rules Committee, Chairperson of the Fifth District Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Chairperson of the District Nominating Committee ,Chairperson of the District Rules Committee, Connectional Lay Organization Constitution and By-Laws Committee and Connectional Lay Organization Social Action Committee. Ada has had offices in the Choir , Steward Board, Sunday School Teacher and many others at Shorter AMEC.
She regularly speaks at Lay days and does presentation for the Conference. Please see below for the most recent activities:
- Lay Day Speaker at Payne Chapel and Campbell Chapel AME Churches
- Conducted Lay Workshops at Embry Chapel and First AME Churches
- Lay Presentation at the Rocky Mountain District Conference
- Founder’s Day presenter at Shorter’s Children’s Church
Connectional Lay Economic Development Corp. CE0 2009 to Present:
5th District Dr Verda Bradley Historiographer 2013-2021
Dr. Verda Bradley has been a member of the African Methodist Church since childhood and is presently active in the following positions: Connectional Lay Economic Development Corp. CEO; Impaneled member of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee: Elected General Conference 2008 ,2012, and 2016; 5th District Lay Historiographer 2013- present; 5th District Lay Life Member; Southern California Conference Lay Organization; Life Member; Bryant Temple AMEC Los Angeles Lay Organization, Vice President; Bryant Temple AMEC, Los Angeles, CA: Steward; Bryant Temple Church School Teacher Adult Class.
Past Positions:5th District Parliamentarian 2005-2013; Southern California Conference Parliamentarian 2003-2005; 5th District Connectional Lay Economic Development Corp. Director 1993-2007; Bryant Temple AMEC Lay President various times.
Dr. Verda Bradley is president of the Bradley Glenn Behavioral Health Association Agency, consultant and trainer.
She is a licensed psychotherapist and is dedicated to the alleviation emotional suffering brought about by psycho-social stressors, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness. Dr. Bradley has many years of experience in various mental health, child protection and family services, criminal justice agencies, and recovery services. She provides individual, group, bereavement and child & family therapy. Dr. Bradley has developed treatment policies and methods in California and nationwide to improve access and positive clinical outcomes in both private and non-profit agencies through utilizing peer consumers (adults and older adults) as part of the treatment team.
Several Written Accomplishments for the Lay Organization: Lay Study Guide Parliamentary Procedures Resource Guide; Know Your Church Resource and other training documents.
Past Positions:5th District Parliamentarian 2005-2013; Southern California Conference Parliamentarian 2003-2005; 5th District Connectional Lay Economic Development Corp. Director 1993-2007; Bryant Temple AMEC Lay President various times.
Dr. Verda Bradley is president of the Bradley Glenn Behavioral Health Association Agency, consultant and trainer.
She is a licensed psychotherapist and is dedicated to the alleviation emotional suffering brought about by psycho-social stressors, trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness. Dr. Bradley has many years of experience in various mental health, child protection and family services, criminal justice agencies, and recovery services. She provides individual, group, bereavement and child & family therapy. Dr. Bradley has developed treatment policies and methods in California and nationwide to improve access and positive clinical outcomes in both private and non-profit agencies through utilizing peer consumers (adults and older adults) as part of the treatment team.
Several Written Accomplishments for the Lay Organization: Lay Study Guide Parliamentary Procedures Resource Guide; Know Your Church Resource and other training documents.
Connectional Lay First Vice President 2009-2011
5th District President 2001-2009
Thomas M Sutton, Sr. (Tom) was born and reared in Blakely, located in Southwest Ga. Tom accepted Christ as his savior at an early age and attended Wesley Chapel AMEC in Blakely, GA.
After graduating from high school in 1955, Tom joined the U. S. Army. Tom married Evelyn Sutton in. 1966. They were blessed with a son, Thomas M. Sutton, Jr..
Tom retired from the U. S. Army in 1976. Tom attended Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ where he earned an Associate Degree in Humanities in 1978.In 1980, Tom was hired by Motorola Government Electronics Division in Scottsdale, AZ. Tom retired from Motorola in 2000.
Tom and family joined the historical Tanner Chapel AMEC in 1980.
After graduating from high school in 1955, Tom joined the U. S. Army. Tom married Evelyn Sutton in. 1966. They were blessed with a son, Thomas M. Sutton, Jr..
Tom retired from the U. S. Army in 1976. Tom attended Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ where he earned an Associate Degree in Humanities in 1978.In 1980, Tom was hired by Motorola Government Electronics Division in Scottsdale, AZ. Tom retired from Motorola in 2000.
Tom and family joined the historical Tanner Chapel AMEC in 1980.
- Tom is a charter member of the Tanner Chapel Lay Organization and served as Lay President for ten (10) years;
- Tom served as President of the Desert Mountain Conference Lay Organization for four (4) years; • Tom served as Chaplain of the Fifth District Lay Organization for eight (4) years;
- Tom served as 5th District Lay President for eight (8) years.
- Tom served as 5th district Lay member on the AMEC General Board for one (1) quadrennial;
- Tom was appointed as First VP of the Connectional Lay Organization and served for two years; • Tom attended AZSU World Ministries Training Institute in Glendale, AZ;
- Tom currently serves as an Evangelist of the Desert Mountain Conference, AMEC.
- Tom and Evelyn currently reside in Tempe, AZ
Connectional Lay 2 Vice President 5th District President
Ms. Doris Jean Merida Bailey was born in Parsons, Kansas February 15, 1930 to Jessie J and Lorine Merida..Her early education was in Parsons school system. She received a B.S. Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas with a major in-Home Economics and did some graduate work at the University of Missouri.
She met and married Voris G. Bailey, Sr. in 1953. They spent many happy years together until his death in 1998. Doris has been a life-long member (in good and regular standings) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a strong believer in its doctrine, principles and beliefs. She has served in many capacities in the church which includes:
She met and married Voris G. Bailey, Sr. in 1953. They spent many happy years together until his death in 1998. Doris has been a life-long member (in good and regular standings) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a strong believer in its doctrine, principles and beliefs. She has served in many capacities in the church which includes:
- President of Trinity Lay Organization (local) for ten (10) years;
- President of 5th District Lay Organization for ten (10) years (two years of the unfinished term of Melton Branch);
- First woman elected President of the 5th District Lay Organization;
- Organized the Youth and Young Adult Committee in the 5th District to create more interest for the young people;
- Member of the 5th District Economic Development Fund for twenty (20) years, serving as secretary as well as president before retiring from the Board;
- Served as a voting delegate to the General Conference from 1980 to 2016;
- Elected in 1992 as 2nd Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization of AMEC serving for two (2) quadrennials;
- Serves as Trustee of Trinity AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas where she currently serves with much love;
- “Doris says: my roots in the AME Church are planted very deep in the soil of Richard Allen and AMEism. God has truly blessed me, and I am truly grateful.” Doris served thirty-one (31) years as a teacher at Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO
2nd President Connectional Lay and 5th District President 1958
Mr. Jason David ( fondly known as J.D.) Williams of Kansas City, Missouri was elected as the second president of the Connectional Lay. Mr. J.D. Williams served until the 19th Biennial Session in 1985 which was held in Nashville, Tennessee. Although today we have the eight- year term limit that had not been instated and he was able to serve multiple terms.
Mr. Williams was an entrepreneur. Although he was born in Mississippi. he lived most of his professional life in Kansas City, Kansas. He owned a Taxi company and Bus Company and was adamant about laymen becoming invested in business. He is the co– founder of the 5th Episcopal District Economic Development Corporation. He was elected president of the 5th District in 1958,
J. D. Williams Scholarship
The J. D. Williams Scholarship was established by the Connectional Lay Organization for the purpose of assisting young men and women in obtaining a college education. The funds for the scholarship is administered by the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This scholarship is designated for a student planning to attend a four- year A.M.E. college, university, or seminary.
The 5th District also offers an. J. D. Williams Award to honor lay members who demonstrate a lifetime of devotion to the Lay Organization. This award honors the Lay person’ whose devotion and influence spreads across the entire Fifth District. This person must have helped to advance the ideas and goals of the Local Lay Organization, the Conference Lay Organization and the Connectional Lay Organization.
Mr. Williams was an entrepreneur. Although he was born in Mississippi. he lived most of his professional life in Kansas City, Kansas. He owned a Taxi company and Bus Company and was adamant about laymen becoming invested in business. He is the co– founder of the 5th Episcopal District Economic Development Corporation. He was elected president of the 5th District in 1958,
J. D. Williams Scholarship
The J. D. Williams Scholarship was established by the Connectional Lay Organization for the purpose of assisting young men and women in obtaining a college education. The funds for the scholarship is administered by the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This scholarship is designated for a student planning to attend a four- year A.M.E. college, university, or seminary.
The 5th District also offers an. J. D. Williams Award to honor lay members who demonstrate a lifetime of devotion to the Lay Organization. This award honors the Lay person’ whose devotion and influence spreads across the entire Fifth District. This person must have helped to advance the ideas and goals of the Local Lay Organization, the Conference Lay Organization and the Connectional Lay Organization.
5th District President 1983-2001 Connectional Parliamentarian:
Mr. Fred J. Stuart 2000-2008
Mr. Fred J. Stuart to Rev. Fred and Octavia Stuart in Broken Bow, Ok in 1927. He was the oldest of seven children. He was married to Helen Stuart. He had three children.
Mr. Fred J. Stuart served as president of the Southern California Conference for eight years. He was president of 5th District for eight years. He served eight years as Connectional Lay Organization Parliamentarian. He was elected as a Lay Delegate to the General Conferences in 2004, 2008 and 2012. When Fred J. Stuart served his term in office he did not leave the Lay Organization, instead he remained faithful. Mr. Stuart was bold and forthright in speech and honor. He introduced the Oratorical Contest to encourage youth to participate in the Lay.
He did not forget the seniors and established a Life Membership awarded to those who served in the District over 8 years. Brother Fred Stuart was a highly educated man. He was Senior Structural Associate Engineer for 38 years with the City of Los Angeles. Registered as a civil engineer and licensed by the state of California, he also did private engineering consultations. He graduated from Langston University with a BS, Denver University with a BS and MPA from the University of Southern California.
At the time of death Fred (2015) was married to Ann Barnes Stuart. They had been married sixteen years, 5th District honored Fred with a scholarship named the Fred J. Stuart and the scholarship is awarded to the high senior who plans to attend post-secondary education.
Mr. Fred J. Stuart served as president of the Southern California Conference for eight years. He was president of 5th District for eight years. He served eight years as Connectional Lay Organization Parliamentarian. He was elected as a Lay Delegate to the General Conferences in 2004, 2008 and 2012. When Fred J. Stuart served his term in office he did not leave the Lay Organization, instead he remained faithful. Mr. Stuart was bold and forthright in speech and honor. He introduced the Oratorical Contest to encourage youth to participate in the Lay.
He did not forget the seniors and established a Life Membership awarded to those who served in the District over 8 years. Brother Fred Stuart was a highly educated man. He was Senior Structural Associate Engineer for 38 years with the City of Los Angeles. Registered as a civil engineer and licensed by the state of California, he also did private engineering consultations. He graduated from Langston University with a BS, Denver University with a BS and MPA from the University of Southern California.
At the time of death Fred (2015) was married to Ann Barnes Stuart. They had been married sixteen years, 5th District honored Fred with a scholarship named the Fred J. Stuart and the scholarship is awarded to the high senior who plans to attend post-secondary education.
Harold Shields 5th District President 2009-13
Mr. Harold Shields was born to Jessie and Temple LittleJohn Shields on October 22, 1943 in Omaha, NE. He was the eldest of seven children. He graduated from Tech High School going on to Peru State College. There he majored in Electrical Engineering. He retired as an engineer from Balmont Industry. He served his local church , Bethel AME Omaha in many capacities, choir member, choir director, steward and was elected as a delegate to attend many 5th District Conventions and Biennials.
Mr. Harold Shield was a dedicated Lay member joining the Organized Lay in the early 1970s . He spent most of his time in Omaha Nebraska serving as a member in the local Lay, Conference and District as, 3rd Vice President, 2Vice President First Vice President and President. He moved to Las Vegas and joined Southern California Conference where he also served.
He went on to become President of the 5th in 2009. He was married to his wonderful wife Linda in 1961 and they have four adult children. He was very proud to have 10 grand and 12 great grand children. Harold died in 2016.
More information on 5th District
Life Members:
Life membership was designed under the Leadership of
President Fred Stuart and was established to recognition for those members of the 5th that have outstandingly served the District as officers and or standing committee chairs for a period of not less than 8 years. Each Conference may nominate from one to seven persons. No Conference can elect more than seven.
Each life member receives a plaque, life member pin and blazer jacket.
Mr. Harold Shield was a dedicated Lay member joining the Organized Lay in the early 1970s . He spent most of his time in Omaha Nebraska serving as a member in the local Lay, Conference and District as, 3rd Vice President, 2Vice President First Vice President and President. He moved to Las Vegas and joined Southern California Conference where he also served.
He went on to become President of the 5th in 2009. He was married to his wonderful wife Linda in 1961 and they have four adult children. He was very proud to have 10 grand and 12 great grand children. Harold died in 2016.
More information on 5th District
Life Members:
Life membership was designed under the Leadership of
President Fred Stuart and was established to recognition for those members of the 5th that have outstandingly served the District as officers and or standing committee chairs for a period of not less than 8 years. Each Conference may nominate from one to seven persons. No Conference can elect more than seven.
Each life member receives a plaque, life member pin and blazer jacket.
5th District Scholarships
- The Bishop T. Larry Kirkland Scholarship of Excellence is awarded to a returning college student who demonstrate educational excellence
- Fred J. Stuart Scholarship of Achievement is awarded to high school seniors who have achieved and pursuing post- secondary education.
- Lay Leadership Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership throughout high school
- Lay Community Service Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who are active in their community
