BRO. FRANK GILYARD, SR.

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​Bro. Frank Gilyard, Sr., a faithful resident of Reading, PA made significant contributions to the African Methodist Episcopal Church on every level, as well as in his local community.

Bro. Gilyard was born in Reading and came through the Reading Public School System. He was the class president of his High School Class and received the Marion I. Knoll Award for service rendered to his classmates. Bro. Gilyard was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and was granted an Honorable Discharge after sustaining a severe injury. Bro. Gilyard then received an Associate degree in Medical Lab Technology and was a Medical Technician for 15 years.

Bro. Gilyard was a life-long member of Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA. He served faithfully as the Local Lay President for over forty (40) years. He was also a Trustee of the church for over 40 years, the Assistant Pantry Director for 20 years, the church Historian, was part of the Church School, a member of the Male Chorus, and an associate member of the Missionary Society.

Bro. Gilyard was heavily involved in historical efforts and civic organizations at all levels. He served his community as a member of the NAACP, Berks Intercultural Alliance, Historical Architectural Review Board, Berks Community Action Program, Church Historian for the Reading and Berks County Community, and an Underground Railroad Lecturer. So, it was no surprise that Bro. Gilyard became the Historiographer First Episcopal District Lay Organization, and later the Historiographer for the Connectional Lay Organization, a position that he held for eight (8) years. He also served his conference, the Philadelphia Conference as Third Vice President and was First Vice President after his tenure as CLO Historiographer.

Bro. Frank Gilyard, Sr. was proud to be the founder of the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum (known as CPAAM), which was formally located at Bethel AME Church, Reading’s previous location. He along with his wife, Mildred, operated CPAAM for 20 years. Artifacts from CPAAM were donated to Albright College in Reading, PA. It is because of this that Albright College is in the planning stages of creating an African American Museum on their campus. Because of the significant historical contributions Bro. Gilyard made to CPAAM, Albright College, and Central Pennsylvania, a portion of the museum will bear the name of Frank Gilyard, Sr.

​Bro. Gilyard was known as an asset and a wealth of knowledge to all that knew him and came in contact with him. Numerous students, community members, church members and friends that have had the pleasure to learn from Bro. Gilyard speak extremely highly of him and the lasting impacts that he has left on them. Bro. Gilyard passed away in January of 2013. The mural below was painted to honor the legacy of Bro. Frank Gilyard, Sr. It is located at Third and Walnut Streets in Reading, PA.

The quote on the mural states, “From the slave ship to the spaceship,” which notes the progress and achievements of African Americans in American history.
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Submitted by:
Shawn J. Lee
Historiographer, First Episcopal District Lay Organization