2022 Turner Theological Seminary Founders' Observance Souvenir Journal by Susan Buckson

E. ANNE HENNING BYFIELD

February 7-8, 2022

128th Founders’ Observance

Turner Theological Seminary began as a department of Morris Brown College in 1894. For nine years, Alfred Steward, D.D., a former United States Army chaplain, was elected the first dean of theology. In the interim, the Rev. E. L. Chew was also elected, but the Rev. E. W. Lee, a former principal who was subsequently elected president of Morris Brown College, was the first to serve as dean of theology. Twelve persons made up the first student body. The name Turner Theological Seminary was approved in 1900 in honor of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, the resident Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and senior bishop of the denomination at that time. The Seminary remained on the campus of Morris Brown College until 1957 when a building was acquired at 557 Mitchell Street. The Trustee Board of Morris Brown College, under the leadership of Bishop William Reid Wilkes, Sr., authorized Turner Theological Seminary to become a founding constituent of the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1958. Dr. George A. Sewell was appointed Director/Dean. A charter was obtained in 1975 and a separate Board of Trustees was appointed under the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand. The seminary received its own charter in 1975 and its first separate Board of Trustees was elected. Those who followed Dr. Sewell as deans have included Dr. Josephus R. Coan, Dr. Cecil W. Cone, Dr. George L. Champion, and Dr. Clayton D. Wilkerson. Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs Sr. served as dean from 1985 to 2008. During his tenure the Frederick Hilborn Talbot Hall was erected and the enrollment more than doubled.

Within a year of the election of Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs. Sr. as Dean of Turner Theological Seminary in 1985, construction was begun on the Frederick Hilborn Talbot Hall at a cost of S2.8 million. This facility was the result of the tireless efforts of Bishop Talbot and Dr. Jacobs. It contains offices, a chapel, laundromat, concession area, thirty-two dormitory rooms, twenty efficiencies, and five one-bedroom apartments. It became occupied in October 1987. Dr. John F. Green, a Turner alumnus, succeeded Dr. Jacobs upon his retirement in 2008, with a unique vision for continuing Turner’s pursuit of excellence as an institution for the preparation of young men and women for every division of Christian work. President-Dean Green served the school distinctively with innovative programming to highlight the achievements of its’ alumni in the Church and community, while creating an additional fundraising platform to underwrite the growing student body and its expanding curricula engagement with the four other constituent schools of the ITC. 128th Founders’ Observance

The annual Founders’ Observance expanded beyond the celebratory Convocation to include an Alumni Symposium, Pastors Conference, and a Turner Alumni Hall of Fame honoring the exemplary achievements of notable alumni and other denominational leaders. Dr. Green afforded this significant legacy to his successor, Turner alumna, The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, PhD, on December 13, 2021, as he accepted the position of Executive Director of Global Ministries for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Concurrently, the Turner Board of Trustees selected and celebrated Dr. Davis’ becoming the first woman to hold the highest office of the school in its history – becoming The Eighth President-Dean of Henry McNeal Turner Theological Seminary.

Turner remains committed to its motto “For a Prepared Ministry” in keeping with the aim of its founders to be “an institution for the preparation of young men and women for every department of Christian work.” Turner graduates can be found serving in all areas of the Church: college and seminary teachers and presidents, pastors, presiding elders, and layleaders, and civic and political officials.

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) of which Turner Seminary is one of five constituent schools, is an ecumenical graduate school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools of the USA and Canada and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As such, Turner Theological Seminary students, through the ITC, are exposed to an interdenominational, multi-racial faculty and student body and may receive one of six degrees offered. They include Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Church Music, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling. Turner Seminary graduates also participate in many areas of Christian ministry within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Among our notable alumni and alumnae now serving in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as bishops, pastors, professors and chaplains, include but are not limited to: Bishops Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Preston W. Williams, II, James Levert Davis, E. Earl McCloud, Samuel L. Green, Sr., Julius H. McAllister, Michael Mitchell, and John White, all now serving as active Bishops in the AME Church. Other leaders in the pastorate and the academy include Drs. William Whatley, George Moore, Gregory Eason, Deborah Grant, Jacquelyn Grant, Terence Gray, Leslie White, Vincent Mitchell, Wesley Reid, David Green, Carolyn McCrary, John F. Green, and the current President-Dean, Dr. Ammie L. Davis.

2022 Alumni Hall of Fame 128th Founders’ Observance

Board of Trustees 2021-2022

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chair Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, 1st Vice Chair Bishop Harry L. Seawright, 2nd Vice Chair Rev. Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., President-Dean Dr. Jai S. Haithco, Sr.

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Bishop John F. White Bishop Frederick Wright

President, TTS Alumni

Rev. Augusta H. Hall, Jr. Dr. Ronald Owens

Dr. Larry W. Hudson, Sr., Treasurer

Dr. David B. Rhone

Rev. James A. Alexander

Dr. James Rumph

Rev. Dr. Tar-U-Way Bright Ms. Gloria Byrd Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr.

Dr. Moses Simms Dr. Ronald Slaughter Presiding Elder Thomas Stegall Dr. George W. Tyler

Rev. Christopher Evans, President, TTS Fellowship

Rev. Isaiah J. Waddy

Dr. Anton Elwood

Dr. Richard A. Washington, Sr.

Dr. George F. Flowers

Dr. William D. Watley

Dr. John Foster

Dr. Leslie White

Rev. Terence R. Gray, I

Dr. Harvey Williamson

Hon. Dr. Dorothea “Dee” Dawkins-Haigler 6

128th Founders’ Observance

STATE OF GEORGIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Brian P. Kemp GOVERNOR

February 7, 2022

To: Rev. Ammie Davis, Ph.D. Turner Theological Seminary GREETINGS: On behalf of the state of Georgia, allow me to extend my warmest regards to you as you celebrate your new appointment as the 8th President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary, the African Methodist Episcopal School at The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Please allow me also to welcome your distinguished guests, honorees, families, and other attendees. I send my best wishes for a productive event! Sincerely,

Governor Brian P. Kemp

128th Founders’ Observance

CITY OF ATLANTA 55 TRINITY AVE, S.W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-0300 TEL (404) 330-6100

A n d r e Di c k ens MAYOR

February 8, 2022 Greetings: I am honored to join the African Methodist Episcopal School at The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in celebrating the 128th Founders’ Observance, and the Eighth Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. I greet all attendees and honorees as you embrace this year’s theme, “Prophetic Problem Solvers: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit.” This founders’ week celebration, in conjunction with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, has acknowledged and embraced the power of the AME connection within the ecumenical circle of faith. I congratulate and welcome the Reverend Ammie L. Davis, the first female president and dean in the history of Turner Theological Seminary. It is wonderful that an alumna of the seminary has been called back to educate and train the next generation of faith leaders. Congratulations, also, to the new inductees of the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame, and to the recipients of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Each of these leaders are lauded for their ongoing commitment to the church, the academy and the community. As a man of faith, and deacon of my church, I understand the power of the pulpit and its impact on our communities. I commend your ongoing efforts to combat racial and political divides through social justice initiatives. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, thank you for all you do to enhance the quality of life for your members, alumni and community at large. I send best wishes on a successful service and celebration. Sincerely,

Mayor Andre Dickens 128th Founders’ Observance

February 7, 2022

ToAll Who Gather to Worship, Remember and Celebrate as “Prophetic Problem Solvers”

Today I serve as Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I marvel at the thought. Stepping onto the campus of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center nearly 54 years ago, I could not imagine occupying such a coveted role. I am grateful to our God for granting me so much Grace and so many opportunities for ministry directly related to my matriculation at Turner Seminary. I would eventually serve on the faculty of the ITC, serve on its Board and become the Board’s chair. From that first day on campus, I have been the beneficiary of relationships and friendships with schoolmates that have endured to this moment. Through Turner, I received a quality graduate level theological education. Turner’s commitment to a Bible-based, Christ-centered, Liberation Theology immersed in social justice advocacy has informed my ministry and preaching over these decades since graduation fifty years ago. Through opportunity of position and travel, this exposure has had international impact. I take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Ammie L. Davis in her election and appointment as the new President-Dean of our beloved Turner Seminary. We praise God for this great opportunity and celebrate her historic investiture at this gathering. As she steps into this new opportunity, I also want to express appreciation to Dr. John F. Green for his many years of faithful leadership of our Turner. We pray that his faithfulness will serve him and African Methodism well in his new role as Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministry. Let me also use this space to acknowledge the extraordinary work of the Board Chair, Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson. What a difference his presence and leadership have made in the Sixth Episcopal District! His activism in Social Justice Ministry and political engagement have been difference-makers in America, particularly in the state of Georgia. So, I join with Bishop Jackson and Dr. Davis in extending a warm welcome to alumni from various corners of the globe in celebration of Turner’s 128th Founders’ Day. I join them in encouraging alumni everywhere to show our theological alma mater some tangible affection. I will also use this space to congratulate those alums who have the distinction of being inducted into Turner’s Hall of Fame! God bless Turner Seminary. God bless and preserve our future. Yours in His Service,

Adam J. Richardson Senior Bishop

128th Founders’ Observance

Dear Alumni, Faculty, Students and Guests: February 7, 2022 Personally, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcome you to Turner Theological Seminary’s 128th Founders’ Day Celebration. This is a historic celebration. Not only do we rejoice over another year of history and achievement, but we also celebrate and install the 8th President/Dean of Turner Theological Seminary and the first woman, Dr. Ammie L. Davis. A graduate, former National Alumni President, and member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Davis brings a vision, commitment, and passion to move Turner Seminary forward. We look forward to great progress under her leadership. This Founders’ Day will also continue the Founders’ Day Heritage Lecture Series. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, Durham, North Carolina, and member of the Judicial Council of the AME Church. The Founders’ Day will be highlighted by the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Twentyseven people will be recognized for their service and accomplishments. They have made us proud. Among them will be Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, President of the Council of Bishops and Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District, who will preach the induction ceremony. Turner Seminary’s Founders’ Day is a reminder of the impact that Turner Alumni are making around the world. In the mold of its namesake Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, alumni are making a difference where they are and around the world. Welcome back to these hallowed grounds. In the times and environment in which we live, Turner Theological Seminary is much needed to prepare both priests and prophets, to serve our churches and shepherd our people; and to declare what thus saith the Lord and speak truth to power. We thank Dr. John Green and Dr. Daniel Jacobs, both President Emeriti of Turner Theological Seminary for their leadership which has brought us to this moment in time. As we begin to write a new chapter in the history of Turner Theological Seminary let us be in prayer for our new President/Dean, Dr. Ammie Davis, Trustees, ITC, faculty, students, and alumni that together we will make Turner stronger and better to the glory of God. All God’s best. Yours and His, Reginald T. Jackson Bishop/Chairman

128th Founders’ Observance

Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Mailing Address: P. O. Box 14227, Jackson, Mississippi 39236 The Right Reverend Stafford J. N. Wicker, Presiding Prelate Telephone: 601 366-8240/ Email: 8thdistrictamechurch@gmail.com

February 7, 2022

Greetings at this historic moment in the history of Turner Theological Seminary and the African Methodist Episcopal Church! The Eighth District, comprised of the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, supports and celebrates the progress of Turner! I am happy to congratulate and offer commendations to Dr. Ammie L. Davis on the occasion of her investiture as President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center. The Eighth Episcopal District praises God and celebrates this major milestone in the life of our Pastor and member. Your elevation to President-Dean at Turner represents several noteworthy accomplishments, all of which reflect the culture and character of the Eighth Episcopal District. Dr. Ammie Davis is a native of Mississippi soil, an alumna of Turner, and the 8th President-Dean who hails from the 8th Episcopal District. As noteworthy as this is, Dr. Davis is also the first woman to serve in this distinguished position. We celebrate you! I acknowledge and appreciate the dynamic leadership of the Board Chair, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, for his activism and social justice ministry in the Sixth Episcopal District (Georgia). God bless Turner under the new and historic leadership of Dr. Ammie L. Davis. Press on!

Stafford J. N. Wicker, Presiding Bishop Eighth Episcopal District

Physical Address: 5450 Executive Place, Jackson, Mississippi 39206

128th Founders’ Observance

702 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairman, Board of Trustees Rev. Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., President-Dean

Phone (404) 527-0080 Fax (404) 527-4687

PRESIDENT-DEAN’S MESSAGE Greetings Alumni and Friends, As Turner Theological Seminary's newly-elected 8th President-Dean, it is my joy and delight to welcome you to the 128th Founders’ Observance! It gives me great pleasure to welcome the trustees, alumni, students, bishops, presiding elders, pastors, members of the AME Church, ITC faculty and staff, and Turner friends. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support as we work to promote, preserve, and pursue theological preparation and Turner Theological Seminary's purpose of "Preparing a New Generation of Leaders for Ministry in the Twenty-First Century." It is my desire and prayer that our lectures and worship experiences will inspire you. We are grateful to you to have been able to join in this year's celebration of alumni, preachers, and academics who represent African Methodism. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who took the time to join us in this celebration. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, our Convocation preacher, and Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, our 8th Annual Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame Preacher, receive special thanks from the Board of Trustees. To the dynamic lecturer, Dr. Jonathan Augustine, we also appreciate his insightful and inspirational development of our theme, “Prophetic Problem Solvers: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit.” Words cannot adequately express our gratitude and appreciation to Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairman of Turner Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees, for his commitment and financial support to Turner Seminary’s ongoing success in providing scholarships and general support to the seminary and students from the Sixth Episcopal District. We congratulate this year's Henry McNeal Turner Hall of Fame Honorees and President’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients on their outstanding leadership and service to the AME Church. Their exceptional ecclesiastical careers have distinguished them as a Turner Theological Seminary Hall of Fame Inductee. I am confident that this honor will strengthen their dedication to the Church and to our beloved seminary. I would like to express my gratitude to Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson, Program Chair, and the Founders Observance Committee for their tremendous efforts in planning and preparing for this year's celebration. I am truly grateful to each of them for their dedication to the success of Turner Theological Seminary’s 128th Founders’ Observance 128th Founders’ Observance. To Reverend Dr. Gregory V. Eason and the Flipper Temple AME Church family,

128th Founders’ Observance

I am especially grateful for their hospitality. Last, but not least, I want to thank TTS President Emeritus, Dr. John Green, Reverend Rae D. Fitch, Reverend B.B. Calloway, Reverend Michael Martin, Reverend Traves Reames, Mrs. Jane Jones, and the Turner Student Fellowship for their contributions toward making this year's program a success. Turner Theological Seminary is on a faith journey to thrive! Faith determines our relationship with God—how we deal with God and how we see God. Faith grabs hold of the truth in God's Word and is energized and inspired by God's Holy Spirit. Therefore, if you, TTS Family and Friends, BELIEVE whatever is asked in prayer will be received (Matthew 21:22), then the windows of heaven will open and remind all of us that Turner is living under an open heaven. Thank you all for supporting Turner Theological Seminary with your presence, your participation, and your contributions. It is my prayer that you will continue the faith journey with us! God is doing some amazing things and opening doors for our seminary to promote, pursue and preserve our legacy of theological excellence. To God be the Glory for TTS, Rev. Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. President-Dean

128th Founders’ Observance

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Department of Global Witness and Ministry

Bishop Michael L. Mitchell

Dr. John F. Green

Chair

Executive Director

January 25, 2022 Greetings! As we gather once again to celebrate the founding of our beloved institution, Turner Theological Seminary, we have much to be thankful for during this 128th observance. First, the opportunity to come together again as alumni and friends to renew our commitment to Turner Theological Seminary and secondly, to celebrate the installation of the eighth President-Dean and the first woman to serve in this position, Reverend Ammie Davis, Ph.D., an outstanding woman of God and alumni who distinguished herself in the ministry of African Methodism as a pastor and Chaplain in the United States Navy. For nearly fourteen years, I was privileged to serve as the seventh President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary and Dr. Davis and so many of you supported me in my leadership responsibilities. Dr. Davis deserves no less than our full support, therefore I am urging all of us, AMEs, alumni, friends, and well-wishers to honor her with our support as she begins a new chapter of leadership and service at the Interdenominational Theological Center, as the PresidentDean of Turner Theological Seminary. Congratulations and Best Wishes Reverend Ammie Davis, Ph.D. as you assume the leadership responsibilities of President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary and special commendations to the 2022 Henry McNeal Turner Hall of Fame Inductees. Have a Blessed Founders Observance and much success in the days to come!

Sincerely,

John F. Green, D. Min.

8045 Tara Boulevard #272 - Jonesboro, Georgia 30206

128th Founders’ Observance

INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW  Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4143 Phone: 404-527-7702  Fax: 404-527-7770 www.itc.edu

Office of the President

February 7, 2022 Greetings Turner Theological Seminary Family, I greet and welcome you on behalf of the Interdenominational Theological Center’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and allies for this 128th Founders Observance of the Henry McNeal Turner Theological Seminary. Turner Theological Seminary has prepared women and men for ministry and leadership since 1894. ITC has been blessed to serve as the home for Turner Seminary since ITC’s inception in 1958. This partnership is now over 60 years in the making and it continues to generate transformative leaders for God’s church and our community, who are committed to justice and peace, grounded in the liberating love of Jesus. I am also delighted to welcome and celebrate the historic appointment of my schoolmate and fellow graduate in the ITC class of 2004, the Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., to the role of President-Dean at Turner. I look forward to partnering with Dr. Davis and the Turner family. Together we will work to prepare the kind of leaders our churches and our communities need now. Black theological education is called to produce leaders who co-create godly alternatives to the status quo. At ITC we describe this educational aim as the calling to cultivate prophetic problem solvers. Prophetic problem solvers don’t just describe or critique the systems that inhibit abundant life. They seek to incarnate theological visions of “justice and peace” through the co-creation of alternative systems that address the persistent flesh and blood problems our communities face. This is the kind of leadership we are called to cultivate. This is the kind of leadership this moment calls for. I pray that this 128th Founders Observance enables us to Sankofa, to go back and fetch the best of our living legacy to forge the future to which God is calling us. Blessings,

Matthew Wesley Williams President

CONSTITUENT SEMINARIES

Ga mmon Theo logic al S e minar y  Turner Theo logic al Se minar y  Ph i l l ips School of Th eolog y Charl es H . Ma son Th eologi cal Se minar y  Moreho us e School of Re l ig ion MEMB ER Associ at i on of Theol ogi cal School s i n t he Uni t ed St at es and C anada  Un i t ed N eg ro Co l l eg e Fu n d So u t h ern A s s o ci at i o n o f Co l l eg es an d Sch o o l s Co mmi s s i o n o n Co l l eg es

128th Founders’ Observance

Office of the President Morris Brown College 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30314 “Morris Brown College is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 58-0607083”

February 8, 2022

Greetings to Alumni, Friends, and Supporters of Turner Theological Seminary! On behalf of the Morris Brown College administration, faculty, and staff, I want to wish the Turner Theological Seminary a Happy Founders’ Day! Your illustrious organization has been a devoted supporter of our College for years; this is visible evidence of its firm belief in the mission of our great institution and mutual commitment to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Your theme this year, “Prophetic Problem Solvers: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit,” reflects the legacy of the College’s history of appreciating its rich heritage through welcoming and celebrating growth, resiliency, and innovation; it also interconnects completely with our hashtag and administration theme, “The Hard Reset,” which is critical to the full restoration of Dear Ol’ Morris Brown College! As John Maxwell stated in his book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Everything Rises and Falls on Leadership! I would like to acknowledge and welcome, Reverend Dr. Ammie Davis, new President-Dean. Moreover, we would like to thank the members of the various planning committees, for their tireless efforts and the many hours of hard work that went into making this special occasion successful. I would also like to congratulate the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees for their leadership and service to the community and beyond! On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Morris Brown Family, I want to express our sincere gratitude and thanks for all you have already done for Morris Brown College, and I look forward to your continued commitment. Happy Founders’ Day! Sincerely, Dr. Kevin E. James 19th President Morris Brown College

128th Founders’ Observance

128th Founders’ Observance February 7-8, 2022

Flipper Temple AME Church

Rev. Gregory V. Eason, D.Min., Host Pastor

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 12:00 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022 Board of Trustees Meeting TTS Board Room, ITC Campus

6:30 PM

Alumni Night TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022

8:30 AM

Turner Student Fellowship Morning Glory The Reverend Lamone Gibson, Preacher

9:00 AM-10:30 AM

Founders’ Day Heritage Lecture I: Social Circumstances Create Prophetic Leaders: A Historical Overview of Prophetic Problem Solving The Rev. Jonathan C. Augustine, J.D., D.Min. 31st Pastor, St. Joseph AME Church National Chaplain, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

11:00 AM

128th Founders’ Convocation and Installation of 8th President-Dean, The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Preacher Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Lunch Transportation will be provided for all overflow registrants to Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta immediately after service.

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Founders’ Day Heritage Lecture II: The Politics of the Pulpit: Prophetic Leadership in a Post-Obama America Lecturer, The Reverend Jonathan C. Augustine, J.D., D.Min. 31st Pastor, St. Joseph AME Church National Chaplain, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Turner Alumni Meeting Turner Student Fellowship Meeting

6:00 PM

8th Annual Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Evening Worship Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Preacher Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District

128th Founders’ Observance

BISHOP HENRY McNEAL TURNER African American

by a free

(1834-1915) He was an African American and a bishop of the He was an African American leader leader and a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal who for argued for American African Methodist Episcopal Church Church who argued African emigration to Africa. Turner's lifeguided was guided emigration to Africa. Henry Henry McNealMcNeal Turner's life was by a

the capabilities of himself andpeople. his people. He was faith faith in theincapabilities of himself and his He was bornborn free Abbeville, on February 1,1834 and raised bymother his mother near near Abbeville, SC onSCFebruary 1,1834 and raised by his and and maternal grandmother. Legend it that his paternal maternal grandmother. Legend had it that had his paternal grandfather grandfather an African Unable go to school because was an Africanwas prince. Unableprince. to go to schooltobecause of state laws, of state laws, he was "apprenticed“ in local cotton but rana he was "apprenticed“ in local cotton fields but ran awayfields and found and found a sweeper in a law office. The young job away as a sweeper in aa job lawas office. The young clerks surreptitiously clerks surreptitiously him toHeread and write. He preached to taught him to readtaught and write. preached to White and Black White and Black audiences South untilhe1858. When he audiences throughout thethroughout South untilthe 1858. When learned of the learned of the all-Black African Church Methodist Episcopal Church all-Black African Methodist Episcopal (AME), he joined it. He (AME), joinedto it. preach He wasin licensed to preach infirst 1853Black and was first was he licensed 1853 and was the manthe to hold man hold the Chaplain in was the U.S. Army. the Black position of to Chaplain in position the U.S. of Army. Turner active in Turner was active in Georgia state Georgia politics, state and he servedand briefly the Georgia He politics, he in served briefly State in theLegislature. Georgia State th AME Bishop became the 12th AME Bishop in 1880. For 12 years he served of Morris Brown in Legislature. He became theas12chancellor in 1880. ForCollege 12 years Atlanta. he served as chancellor of Morris Brown College in Atlanta.

As a young boy, he dreamed that millions of people would look to him as a teacher, and he determined to act on that vision. But first, he had to learn to read and write. He was converted to Christianity and at age 20 was licensed as a traveling evangelist for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He married Eliza Ann Preacher of Columbia, SC, in 1856. The couple moved to Baltimore and eventually had 14 children, but only two sons survived. Turner joined the African Methodist Episcopalian Church in 1858, at 24, because he heard that within that church, Black men could become bishops. He was taken under the wing of Bishop Daniel Payne and pastored at two of his churches. Turner joined the lobbying effort to convince President Lincoln to enlist freedmen in the Union Army. In 1863, Lincoln acceded, and Turner became the first Black chaplain. After the war, Turner walked back to Georgia, and began organizing AME churches there. By some counts, he founded over 100 churches. At the same time, he helped organize the Georgia Republican Party. In 1868, he was elected state representative, but he and 14 other Black representatives were expelled from the Georgia legislature after whites combined in an 82-83 vote. That rejection made Turner turn his back on the American political process and turn his attention instead to developing the political potential of the Black Church.

In 1880, Turner rode a wave of populist popularity to become the first southern bishop elected in the AME Church. He would also prove to be the most controversial. He provoked white racists in print, and advocated a wholesale move of Blacks back to Africa "to achieve our dignity and manhood." He ordained a woman, Sarah Ann Hughes, as a Deacon in the church. He built alliances with Baptists. At the first Black Baptist Convention, he gave the speech for which he would be forever known: "We have every right to believe that God is a Negro," he stated, proclaiming that a people needed to see their reflection in their deity. Turner came close to becoming a national leader in the mold of Frederick Douglass or Booker T. Washington. But in the end, his outspokenness on the Africa issue undermined him.

Turner organized AME Churches all over the state of Georgia. He was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention in Georgia in 1868 and 1870. He was later sent to the Georgia Legislature as a State Senator. Bishop Turner served as AME Church Presiding Elder in Georgia and was elected the Business Manager of the Publication Department. He founded the Southern Christian Recorder, the Voice of Missions and the Women's Christian Recorder. He was elected a Bishop at the General Conference in St. Louis, MO in 1880. During his tenure, he presided over the 8th, 5th, 1st, 12th, 6th and 7th Districts and established an AME church in West and South Africa. As for his personal life, Turner married four times, survived three wives and all but two of his children. His final marriage at 73 to his secretary evoked a storm of criticism and attempts were made to remove him from office. He died, isolated and bitter, May 8, 1915 in Windsor, Ontario, CA.

128th Founders’ Observance

The 128th Founders’ Observance Convocation & The Installation of

128th Founders’ Observance

128th Founders’ Convocation and President-Dean Installation Tuesday, February 8, 2022 – 11 AM

The Reverend John F. Green, D.Min., ’84, Worship Leader Seventh President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary Executive Director, Department of Global Witness and Ministry

The Prelude The Processional

War March of the Priests Felix Mendelsohn, arr.

The Gathering

The Reverend John Foster, Ph.D. ‘03

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

Leader: Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We honor the presence of our ancestors who, in their own right, provided their prophetic voices to pave a way for those who gather to carry their legacy. People: May the Lord bless us in our charge! Leader: We extol the Lord for steadfast mercy to boldly stand in pulpits and classrooms, on garrisons and battlefields, armed with prophetic vision and purpose. People: May the Lord guide our footsteps! All: We bow in the presence of our sovereign Lord as the called, the elect, doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly as prophetic problem solvers. The Hymn of Praise

Presiding Elder Thomas Stegall, ‘00

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

We Gather Together AMEC Hymn No. 16 We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known; The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; He forgets not His own. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine; So, from the beginning the fight, we were winning; Thou, Lord, wast at our side; all glory be Thine! We all do extol Thee, Thou leader triumphant, And pray that Thou still our defender wilt be. Let Thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! The Invocation

The Reverend Moses Simms, D.Min., ‘93

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

The Choral Response

128th Founders’ Observance

The Selection

Ahmad Hall and Friends

The Scripture Lessons The Old Testament

The Reverend Anton Elwood, D.Min., ‘05

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

The New Testament

The Reverend Dee Dawkins Haigler, D.Min., ‘02

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

The Act of Greeting

The Reverend Matthew Williams, ‘04 President, The Interdenominational Theological Center The Reverend Joseph Evans, Ph.D. Chair, Deans Council, The Interdenominational Theological Center Ambassador Michael A. Battle United States Mission to the African Union 2009-2013 Former President, The Interdenominational Theological Center The Reverend Jai S. Haithco, Ed.D., ‘11 President, Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Association The Reverend Christopher Evans President, Turner Student Fellowship Commander Robert Peters, III, DSL Head Chaplain, United States Navy Recruiting Command Miranda Beard State Board Chair, Child Evangelism Fellowship of Mississippi, Inc. The Reverend Erika Crawford, D.Min. President, Connectional AME WIM

The Offering The Choral Response

The Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Sr., D.Min., ‘86 Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees We Give Thee but Thine Own AME Hymn No. 645 We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gift may be. All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.

The Introduction of the Chairman and Preacher

The Selection

“Even Me” Lyrics by Yolanda Adams

The Word of Spiritual Enrichment

Bishop Harry L. Seawright

2nd Vice-Chair, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Directors Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District

The Reverend Glenell Lee Pruitt, Ph.D.

Provost and Academic Affairs/Professor Jarvis Christian College

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79 Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

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THE ACT OF INVESTITURE The Investiture Hymn

Savior Like a Shepherd, Lead Us AME Hymn No. 379

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare: Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are; Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are. We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, Be the guardian of our way; Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray: Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Hear, O hear us when we pray; Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Hear, O hear us when we pray. Early let us seek Thy favor, Early let us do Thy will; Blessed Lord and only Savior, With Thy love our bosoms fill: Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still; Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still. The Call

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

Reverend Dr. Ammie L. Davis, as you have been duly elected to lead as the President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary, please stand and come forward. The Charge

Bishop Michael Mitchell, ‘86 1st Vice-Chair, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Twelfth Episcopal District

It is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles that when the early church grew and increased in number, and the duties of the church increased and became diversified, the church called its members together and chose persons of good character, full of the Spirit of God, and blessed with wisdom and leadership ability, to assist the various ministries of the church. Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District Leaders, thus chosen, were set before the Apostles, who laid hands upon them, praying for them and their duties, thus setting them apart in the presence of all assembled in the place of worship and consecrating them to the duties of their respective office. Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, ‘91 Presiding Prelate, Eighth Episcopal District In like manner, the church, and the Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, having first sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has chosen you to fill a position of leadership and responsibility in sharing the various ministries of this church.

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The Questions

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

My sister, so that all may know your readiness and commitment to serve as the President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary, do you here and now publicly declare your determination to be faithful to the duties of the office for which you have been set apart? President-Dean Elect The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. I do declare it, with the help of God. Bishop Frank M. Reid, III

Presiding Prelate, Eleventh Episcopal District

Will you cheerfully give your time, energy, talent, means, and goods to support the mission, ministry, and work of Turner Theological Seminary? Will you be open-minded and optimistic in your planning, patient in time and trial, diligent in the face of difficulty, and above all Christ-like in your daily work and witness? President-Dean Elect The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. I will, the Lord being my example and inspiration. Bishop Frederick A. Wright

Presiding Prelate Twentieth Episcopal District

By example and precept will you nurture genuine Christian fellowship among all our members and promote the extension of Christ’s Kingdom in your own life; the life of our global Connection, the life of our nation and in all the world, and champion the theological and prophetic advancement of our students? President-Dean Elect The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. With God’s help, I will endeavor to do so. The Declaration of Installation

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

Congregation, please stand as you are willing and able. Dearly Beloved, you have heard the Declaration and Pledge of this our sister who, as office bearer in our Connection, will serve as the President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary. What say you to these things? Congregation We rejoice with you, our leader, in the work we will share as members together of this institution. We will look to you for inspiration and guidance in all those things that will enable us to be faithful members of the Body of Christ and the Turner Theological Seminary. (Please be seated)

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The Robing

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Board of Trustees Turner Theological Seminary Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

Reverend Dr. Ammie L. Davis, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of this institution, I vest you with the authority of President-Dean, granting you the rights, privileges, and responsibilities appertaining thereto. The Medallion

The Reverend John F. Green, D.Min., ‘84

Seventh President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary Executive Director, Department of Global Witness and Ministry

The Hooding

The Reverend Dr. Daniel Wesley Jacobs, D.Min., ’62

Sixth President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary

Wear these symbols of authority with the highest of virtue and the greatest of dignity. The Investiture Prayer

The Reverend Leslie White, D.Min., ’80

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Pledge of Commitment

The Reverend Jai Haithco, Sr., Ed.D., ‘11

Alumni President, Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Association

Because we cherish the unique history of Turner Theological Seminary and the undaunted faith of its founders, because we know the enormity of your task, we pledge ourselves as a connectional community to assist in your leadership towards excellence. We will not cease to pray for you and for those whose lives will be affected by the style and character of your administration. The Declaration

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

Having been duly received by your brothers and sisters of this institution, I hereby declare that you are officially installed as the Eighth President/Dean of Turner Theological Seminary. The Music Selection

Ahmad Hall and Friends

The Response of the President-Dean and The Acknowledgement of Guests

The Announcements

The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., ‘04

Eighth President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary

The Reverend Susan H. Buckson, D.Min., ‘04

Chairperson, Founders’ Observance Committee Pastor, Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta

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The Turner Hymn Lowell Mason (1792-1872) Lyrics: Ernest L. Gordon, ’97 Tune: My Faith Looks Up to Thee Our hope’s inspired by thee True we shall ever be. For thee, we stand. O may we thro’ each day, from thy path never stray. May we for e’er obey, Christ’s call, command. May thy walls e’er prevail. When by thy foes assailed. For Thee, we pray. Proud, sure shall Turner stand. Ne’er felled by mortal man; But, proclaim thro’ out this land God’s truth and way. O citadel be Thou, Free captives by God’s pow’r, Of Thee we speak. And on our journey thro’, May we for e’er be true Bind broken hears we do, empower the weak. If when our fainted hearts May from Thy way depart, From Thee, we stray, We’ll preach to save the lost, No matter what the cost, O let us bear the cross – ‘Til reck’ning day. The Benediction

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

The Recessional The Postlude

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Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Induction Program Tuesday, February 8, 2022 – 6 PM

The Reverend Susan H. Buckson, D.Min., ’04, Worship Leader Chairperson, Founders’ Observance Committee Pastor, Allen Temple AME Church, Atlanta

The Musical Prelude

The Introduction of the 2022 Turner Theological Seminary Hall of Fame The Welcome and Occasion

The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., ‘04

President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary

The Opening Hymn

The Black National Anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list’ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the day when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered; Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last, Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on our way; Thou who has by thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee Shadowed beneath the hand, may we forever stand, rue to our God, True to our native land. The Invocation

The Reverend Augusta Hall, ‘95

Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Augusta, Georgia

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The Scripture

The Reverend Tar-U-Way Bright, D.Min., ‘01, ‘08

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Pastor, Turner Chapel AME Church, Marietta, GA

The Selection

Allen Temple AME Church Choir

Atlanta, Georgia

President’s Lifetime Achievement Awards Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate Sixth Episcopal District

Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield

Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District Bishop Clement Fugh Presiding Prelate, Fifth Episcopal District

Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III

Presiding Prelate, Eleventh Episcopal District

The Reverend Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper General Secretary/Chief Information Officer

The Selection

Allen Temple AME Church Choir

Atlanta, Georgia

Turner Theological Seminary Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., ‘04 President-Dean

INDUCTION OF 2022 HONOREES Chaplain Alice Henderson, ‘72 Rev. Dr. Cheviene Jones, ‘77 Rev. Dr. Lavern Witherspoon, ‘83 Rev. Dr. Reginald McRae, ‘84 Rev. Lester Foster, ‘87 Lt. Col. Dr. Mark Cisco, ‘89 Rev. Ronald Miller, ‘89 Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, ‘90 Presiding Elder Willie Marshall, ‘93 Rev. Vonshurii Wrighten, ‘95 Rev. Barry Henry Spencer, ‘96 Chaplain Grace Hollis, ‘97 The Presentation of the Presiding Prelate

Chaplain, Dr. G. Dianne Lewis, ‘97 Presiding Elder Spencer Francis Barrett, ‘97 Rev. Dr. Donna Marie Calix, ‘98 Rev. Dr. Marcus Green, ‘98 Rev. Ferrun Johnson, ‘03 Rev. Dr. Michelle Rizer-Poole, ‘03 Rev. Dr. Orlando McCauley, ‘06 Rev. Elijah Shafah, ‘07 Rev. Henry E. Green III, ‘08 Presiding Elder Bertram Smith, ‘10 Rev. Dr. Robert Richard Allen Turner, ‘10

The Reverend Gregory Eason, Sr., D.Min., ‘86

Member, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees

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The Presentation of the Preacher

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79

Chairman, Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate Sixth Episcopal District

The Selection

Allen Temple AME Church Choir

The Induction Address

Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield

Atlanta, Georgia

132nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop Presiding Prelate, Thirteenth Episcopal District

The Appeal to Alumni and Friends

The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., ‘04

President-Dean, Turner Theological Seminary

The Announcements The Acknowledgements

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, ‘79 The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D.,‘04

The Turner Hymn

The Benediction

Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield

132nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop

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CONVOCATION PREACHER BISHOP REGINALD THOMAS JACKSON Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson is the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church which encompasses over 500 churches in the state of Georgia. He was elected and consecrated the 132nd bishop of the A.M.E. Church in 2012 at the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference held in Nashville, TN and was appointed to the 20th Episcopal District (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda) and as the Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer. He has served as the chairman of the Social Action Commission of the A.M.E. Church and is the current chairman of the Commission on Colleges, Universities and Seminaries. A native of Dover, Delaware, he was born on April 26, 1954. After graduating from the Dover Public Schools, he enrolled, and in 1976, graduated from Delaware State University with a bachelor’s degree in History. In 1972 Bishop Jackson was licensed to preach at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Dover under the pastorate of The Rev. Rudolph W. Coleman. He was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 1975 by Bishop Earnest Lawrence Hickman and assigned as the supply pastor of Graham A.M.E. Church, Greenwood, Delaware where he served for one year, before leaving to go to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, GA. He was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand in 1977. In 1978 while still in seminary, he was assigned to serve as supply pastor, at St. John AME Church, Coleman St., Atlanta. Upon graduating in 1979, he was appointed by Bishop Hildebrand to St. John AME Church, Jersey City, NJ, where he served for two years. He was then appointed in 1981 by Bishop Hildebrand to St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Orange, NJ. This was the beginning of a pastorate that would last 31 years. During his ministry at St. Matthew the congregation grew from approximately 75 to more than 2800 Disciples of Christ, engaged in ministry, mission and outreach. Included in this number were more than 300 children and youth, on whom he placed special emphasis and time. Shortly after arriving in Orange, Pastor Jackson became involved in the life of the city, county, and state, speaking out on social justice issues and organizing ministers and the community to act in promoting God’s kingdom on earth and in their best interest. In addition to pastoring St. Matthew Church, Pastor Jackson served as the Executive Director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey (BMC), representing more than 600 Black churches in New Jersey from 1994-2012. He was outspoken on every major issue in New Jersey and as the Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, Bishop Jackson has continued to speak out against disparities in the state of Georgia and beyond. As a result of his leadership in social justice advocacy, Bishop Jackson spearheaded the campaign that led to Georgia’s hate crime legislation. He is also a strong opponent to Georgia’s new, far-reaching elections overhaul, signed into law by it current governor. He has pushed for state voter registration initiatives through the more than 500 AME churches in the state and has encouraged COVID-19 vaccination. Bishop Jackson has received numerous honors. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a Life Member of the NAACP. He has received honorary doctorates from Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary. He is married to Christy Davis Jackson, Esquire and the father of Regina Victoria Jackson, graduate of Florida A & M University and Seth Joshua Jackson.

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ALUMNI HALL OF FAME PREACHER BISHOP ANNE HENNING BYFIELD Bishop Anne Henning Byfield is one who dares to Live, Learn, Lead, and Love GOD with creativity and passion as a bishop, preacher, psalmist, poet, spoken word artist, strategic consultant, writer, composer, wife, mother, and grandmother. Married to Ainsley for 45 years, they have one son, Michael, a daughter in love, Adrienne, and four grandchildren. She serves as the 135th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. Her historic election in the year 2016 represents the first time in the history of the AME Church, a person was elected who had a sibling on the Council of Bishops, Bishop C. Garnett Henning. She serves as the bishop of the 13th Episcopal District, which includes the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. She is the former Presiding Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District, which includes the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. She is the President of the Council of Bishops, Chair of the Social Action Commission of the AME Church, Chair of the Global Development Council, and former Chair of Women in Ministry. She is also a member of the International World Methodist Evangelism Committee and a Golden Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Born in Tennessee to the Rev. Dr. Herman W. Henning and Mrs. Mattie Elizabeth Henning, Bishop Byfield had seven siblings. Her early education occurred in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga, TN. She has an Associate of Science degree from Chattanooga City College, Bachelor of Science from Wilberforce University, a Master of Divinity from Newburgh Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from R. R. Wright School of Religion, Johannesburg, South Africa. Her dissertation is entitled The Effects of Short Notice Appointments on Itinerant Ministers in the North District Indiana Annual Conference, AME Church. Bishop Byfield is the former Presiding Elder of the North District Indiana Annual Conference and of the South District. She is the first female Presiding Elder in the Fourth Episcopal District and considered the first woman Presiding Elder in the AME connection whose father was a Presiding Elder. She served as Senior Pastor of three churches, Bethel AME Church, Bloomington, IN, Robinson Community AME Church, Indianapolis, and St. Paul AME Church, Detroit, MI. She is an executive coach. She is also the former Assistant Director of the Department of Labor Contract Compliance Program, Indianapolis Office, and Executive Director of the Wayne County Community Action Program. She is the author of three books: Let the Worship Begin, The Essence of My Existence, and Produced by Strength, Living by Power, a Co-Author of Odyssey, A Girls Mentoring Program, Editor of From The Heart of A Leader, and a contributor to several including Those Preaching Women, International Edition, Mr. President, Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama, and Black Women and Black Girls Matter. She wrote the litany used for Mrs. Rosa Parks’ funeral in Detroit, Michigan, and Congresswoman Julia Carson’s funeral in Indianapolis. As a composer, she has published in the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism Hymnal, debuting at the 2018 Hampton Ministers and Music Conference. She also wrote the lyrics for Rosa Parks Hymn for the State of Alabama AME Holiday Celebration. She also has a Spoken Word CD Flowing Essence. She is a 2020 recipient of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Beautiful Are Your Feet Award, recipient of the Indiana Christian Drum Major for Peace and Justice Award, the Indiana Health Department 25 years of continued Service for the Healing and Support to the HIV AIDS Community, among others.

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FIRST WOMAN & 8TH PRESIDENT-DEAN THE REVEREND AMMIE L. DAVIS, PH.D.

"Combines a love of God with a passion for ministering to the People." Dr. Ammie L. Davis is a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with an enthusiastic, innovative, and holistic approach to the worship experience, community outreach, and pastoral care for God’s people. Dr. Davis is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Dr. Davis is the Eighth President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia, Connectional First Vice President of AME/Women in Ministry (WIM), and member of the Commission on Chaplains of the AME Church. Dr. Davis is the first woman and Navy Chaplain to serve as President-Dean at Turner Theological Seminary. Dr. Davis was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate Program Officer in the United States Navy Reserves in April 2002. In August 2002, Dr. Davis graduated from the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, subsequently reporting to Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia. August 12, 2005, Dr. Davis was commissioned for active duty to serve in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. Dr. Davis served 14.5 years enlisted (Hospitalman Corpsman) and 13.5 years as an officer (Chaplain) in the United States Navy. After 28 years of military service, Dr. Davis retired from active-duty service on September 30, 2016, as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Chaplain Corps. Dr. Davis earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management (2000) from Southern New Hampshire University. She graduated with honors from Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree in Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care and Counseling (2004). While a student at Turner Theological Seminary, Dr. Davis was elected to serve as President of the Turner Fellowship, inducted into the International Society of Theta Phi and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and College. In February 2005, Dr. Davis was elected President of Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Association. Dr. Davis earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Management and Leadership (2011) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Webster University (2014). In addition, Dr. Davis earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Ecclesial Leadership (2021) from Regent University. Her life is a testimony to the incredible mercy and boundless grace of God through which we all are saved. Faith and persistence are the key. Reverend Davis’ Motto: Worship God Wholeheartedly! Teach God’s Word Effectively! Reach Out to Others Creatively! Encourage Others Continually!

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FOUNDERS’ DAY HERITAGE LECTURER THE REVEREND DR. JONATHAN C. AUGUSTINE The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and as national chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has a proven history of leadership in addressing some of the 21st century’s most pressing social issues. Immediately prior to serving St. Joseph, he served as senior minister of the Historic St. James AME Church in New Orleans (1844), the city’s oldest predominately Black, Protestant congregation. He was also an adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center and Jarvis Christian College. As a pastor, Dr. Augustine has earned a well-deserved reputation for bringing the church into the community and community into the church in addressing pressing social issues. Since his appointment to St. Joseph in 2019, new ministries have been birthed, and many new members have joined the congregation as it developed an outward-facing social justice focus. Dr. Augustine is also a law professor and reconciliation scholar. Prior to his current service at North Carolina Central University Law School, he taught as an adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center. His scholarly publications on immigration reform, environmental justice, and voting rights appear in journals including the Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal, Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal, Louisiana Law Review, Loyola Law Review, and the Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal. In addition, Dr. Augustine currently serves as a missional strategist with the Duke University Center for Reconciliation. As the author or editor of four books, Dr. Augustine is currently under contract completing When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit (Fortress Press, 2022). His current book is Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Model Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion (Baker Academic, 2022). His first book was The Keys Are Being Passed: Race, Law, Religion and the Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement (ROM Publishing, LLC, 2014) and, in his capacity as general chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., during the COVID-19 global pandemic, he also edited Leadership in Times of Crisis: Alpha Phi Alpha’s Minister’s as Prophets, Priests and Kings (ROM Publishing, LLC, 2021). Prior to becoming a law professor, Dr. Augustine served as a nationally noted civil rights litigator. He successfully litigated and settled one of the oldest school desegregation cases in the United States, originally litigated by Thurgood Marshall, before his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. In working as counsel with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Dr. Augustine also co-authored an amicus curie brief filed with the United States Supreme Court in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021), a case brought under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and admitted to practice law before several federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Dr. Augustine is the recipient of many notable awards, including President Barack Obama’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Outstanding Alumni Brother of the Year” Award (2017), Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award (2004) and Ebony Magazine’s “30 Leaders of the Future” (2001). He earned a B.A., in economics, from Howard University, before serving as a decorated, active-duty infantry officer in the United States Army. Immediately after his military service, Dr. Augustine earned his law degree from Tulane University and served as a law clerk to then-Associate Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson at the Louisiana Supreme Court. After holding publicly elected and gubernatorial appointed offices in Louisiana, he accepted the calling to ordained ministry and earned his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary before completing a fellowship for further study at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Augustine also earned his doctorate from Duke University. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine serves as an elected member of the Judicial Council (Supreme Court) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is married to Michelle Burks Augustine. Together, they have two children.

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MORNING GLORY PREACHER THE REVEREND LAMONE A. GIBSON Reverend LaMone Anthony Gibson is a native of Buffalo, NY, and he is newly married to Mrs. Tiearra Gibson. Rev. Gibson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2013 from Canisius College, a private Jesuit Institution with a full scholarship. His course of study consisted of Criminal Justice and Political Science, focusing on Juvenile Delinquency. At Canisius, Rev. Gibson was known as "Mr. Stop the Violence." Throughout his many campus involvements, Rev. Gibson has successfully left his mark of peace prints throughout that community. Today, Rev. Gibson's peace prints still echo through the streets of Buffalo, NY, because of his dedication to Non- Violence. Rev. Gibson has served that community as Youth Coordinator for the Buffalo United Front Inc., Community Action Organization Board of Directors, Leader of "Enough is Enough" citywide Prayer for peace, No More Tears Inc., Founding member and Senior Officer with Buffalo Community Peacemakers to name a few. Rev. Gibson, a fourth-generation AME, is humbled knowing that God has chosen and entrusted him with a calling to serve and minister this generation. Reared in DeLaine Waring AME Church and Bethel AME Church, Rev Gibson has been preaching since 2011. In 2013, Rev. Gibson was elected the First Episcopal District YPD President. Under his leadership, he founded the Saving our Sons program with success within the first year of reaching over 200 young men from street corners and communities who are now affiliated with mentors within the AME Church. Rev. Gibson has also served as the Youth Pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, FL, and the Supply Pastor of New Saint James AME Church in Jacksonville, FL. Rev. Gibson was elected and ordained an Itinerant Deacon in the AME Church in 2021. Professionally, Rev. Gibson was accepted into the John H. Cummings Internship Program through the Federal Bureau of Investigations. After completion, Rev. Gibson relocated to Jacksonville, FL, and was appointed the South East Regional Director of Probation and Community Intervention overseeing Prolific Juvenile Offenders for the United States Department of Justice. Currently, Rev. Gibson is enrolled at Turner Theological Seminary on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center, where he is in his last year of the M.Div. Program. Rev. Gibson published his first book: I Speak Life: 31 Days of Survival, in August of 2020. Rev. Gibson also serves as the Minister to Youth and Young Adults at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, GA, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley. Rev. Gibson truly believes that Prayer should be your steering wheel in life and not your spare tire!

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Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield

Bishop Clement W. Fugh

Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III

The Reverend Jeffery B. Cooper, D.Min.

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Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield Bishop Anne Henning Byfield is one who dares to Live, Learn, Lead, and Love GOD with creativity and passion as a bishop, preacher, psalmist, poet, spoken word artist, strategic consultant, writer, composer, wife, mother, and grandmother. Married to Ainsley for 45 years they have one son, Michael, and daughter in love, Adrienne. and four grandchildren. She serves as the 135th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. Her historic election in the year 2016 represents the first time in the history of the AME Church, a person was elected who had a sibling on the Council of Bishops, Bishop C. Garnett Henning. She serves as the Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District, which includes the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. She is the former Presiding Bishop of the 16th Episcopal District which includes the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. She is the President of the Council of Bishops; Chair of the Social Action Commission of the AME Church, Chair of the Global Development Council, and former Chair of Women in Ministry. She is also a member of the International World Methodist Evangelism Committee and a Golden Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Born in the state of Tennessee to Rev. Dr. Herman W. Henning, and Mrs. Mattie Elizabeth Henning with seven siblings. Her early education occurred in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga, TN. She has an Associate of Science degree from Chattanooga City College, Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University, A Master of Divinity Degree from Newburgh Theological Seminary, A Master of Divinity Degree from Payne Theological Seminary, A Doctor of Ministry Degree from Ashland Theological Seminary, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from R.R. Wright School of Religion, Johannesburg, South Africa. Her dissertation is entitled The Effects of Short Notice Appointments on Itinerant Ministers in the North District Indiana Annual Conference, AME Church. She is the former Presiding Elder of the North District Indiana Annual Conference and of the South District. She is the first female Presiding Elder in the Fourth Episcopal District and considered first woman Presiding Elder in the AME connection whose father was a Presiding Elder. She served as Senior Pastor of three churches, Bethel AME Church, Bloomington, IN, Robinson Community AME Church, Indianapolis, and St. Paul AME Church, Detroit, MI. She is an executive coach. She is also the former Assistant Director of the Department of Labor Contract Compliance Program, Indianapolis Office and Executive Director of the Wayne County Community Action Program. She is the author of three books: Let the Worship Begin; The Essence of My Existence, and Produced by Strength, Living by Power, a Co-Author of Odyssey, A Girls Mentoring Program, Editor of From The Heart of A Leader and a contributor to several including Those Preaching Women, International Edition, Mr. President, Interfaith Perspectives on the Historic Presidency of Barack H. Obama, and Black Women and Black Girls Matter. She wrote the litany used for Mrs. Rosa Parks’ funeral in Detroit, Michigan, and Congresswoman Julia Carson’s funeral in Indianapolis. As a composer. She has a published in the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism Hymnal which was debuted at the 2018 Hampton Ministers and Music Conference. She also wrote the lyrics for the Rosa Parks Hymn for the State of Alabama AME Holiday Celebration. She also has a Spoken Word CD Flowing Essence. She is a 2020 recipient of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Beautiful Are Your Feet Award, recipient of the Indiana Christian Drum Major for Peace and Justice Award, the Indiana Health Department 25 Years of Continued Service for the Healing and Support to the HIV AIDS Community, among others.

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Bishop Clement W. Fugh Clement Willie Fugh, son of the late Reverend Joseph and Deborah Malone Fugh, is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended the public elementary and high schools. He continued his education at Memphis State University (BBA in Economics and Finance), Boston University School of Theology (Th.M. in Pastoral Care), with additional studies at Atlanta University, Payne Theological Seminary, Memphis Theological Seminary, and United Theological Seminary (DMin as an “H. Beecher Hicks Scholar”). Bishop Fugh, an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), 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. In 2016 he was assigned Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District covering fifteen states from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. A member of the World Methodist Council, he attended its quinquennium meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986, its 2006 meeting in Seoul, South Korea, the 2013 Meeting of the Council in London, England, and the quinquennial held in Houston, Texas in 2016.

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. They are the parents of two children, Marcia Fugh Joseph and the late Joseph Edward Fugh; son-in-law Paul Steven Joseph II; grandparents of a granddaughter Taylor Joi Joseph and grandson Paul Steven Joseph III. 128th Founders’ Observance

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on the Million Man March.” Notably, Bishop Reid and Bethel Baltimore received numerous mentions and were featured in the HBO series, “The Wire.”

Bishop Reid is a gifted orator and dynamic Christian leader, yet he has also been instrumental in equipping and empowering people beyond church walls. During the 1980s, he was a key advisor in the historic presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson. During that same era, he served as a consultant on the hit comedy show, AMEN.

More recently, for two terms, he served on the prestigious Board of Regents for the state of Maryland. In July, 2016, Bishop Reid was elected as the 138th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, marking the first time in A.M.E. history that three generations from the same family were elevated to the Episcopacy.

Currently, Bishop Reid serves as the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District and Chair of Christian Education for the AME Church. Although Bishop Reid has received countless awards and accolades, his greatest legacy is his faith and family. He has been married to the woman he calls “Lady” Marlaà Reid” since March 15, 1980. Together they are the proud parents of three wonderful children: Shane, FranShon Barnes (Rev. Willie Barnes), and Faith; and the grandparents to Harleaux Barnes. At this stage of his life and ministry, Bishop Reid is most intentional about directing his investment of time and wisdom into equipping future generations to glorify God in faith, family, fitness and finance.

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Rev. Cooper has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions during his ministry. Over his forty plus years of ministry, Rev. Cooper has received many sons and daughters into ministry and continues to mentor and advise a host of others. In the year 2012, Rev. Cooper was elected as the General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the AME Church and serves to the present. He has served as President of the General Officers Council and is now the Senior General Officer of the AME Church. Rev. Cooper is married to the Rev. Joanne E. Williams-Cooper, M.D. and they are the proud parents of four children: Ako, Ethan, Charity, and Jeffery, II. They have also been blessed with seven adorable grandchildren: Alex, J’adore, Imana, Jaylan, Legend, Mitchel, and Elijah.

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HENRY MCNEAL TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 128th Founders’ Observance

Henry McNeal Turner

2022 Alumni Hall of Fame

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson Chairman of the TTS Board of Trustees Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District

Chaplain Alice Henderson, Rev. Dr. Cheviene Jones, Rev. Dr. Lavern Witherspoon, Rev. Dr. Reginald McRae, Rev. Lester Foster, Lt. Col. Dr. Mark Cisco, Rev. Ronald Miller, Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, Presiding Elder Willie Marshall, Rev. Vonshurii Wrighten, Rev. Barry Henry Spencer, Chaplain Grace Hollis

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the World. Pastor Barrett is also a member of the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance and an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. Pastor Barrett has received many awards and honors including a Leadership Award from the NAACP Las Vegas; Leadership Award from Las Vegas Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Founder’s Day Speaker Las Vegas Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi, and a Leadership Award American Ministers Association. In November 2014 Rev. Barrett was assigned as Presiding Elder of the Pacific Northwest Conference now called the Cascade District. As such, he administrates eleven churches in Alaska, Washington, Montana and Oregon. In 2019 Presiding Elder Barrett led the Pacific Northwest Conference to officially welcome Fountain Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Vancouver BC as a new charge in the Pacific Northwest Conference bringing the number of churches in the Pacific Northwest Conference to 12. Pastor Barrett’s vision for the Pacific Northwest is to help rebuild the walls of education, economic empowerment and development. He considers it a privilege to motivate and encourage youth, young adults, and adults, through relationship, mentorship and by preaching the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Congratulations and Best Wishes In Honor of The Rev.Spencer Francis Barrett Presiding Elder Cascade District of the Pacific Northwest Conference

From

Pastor Carey G. Anderson, D. Min. Senior Minister

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Greetings & Best Wishes

This Circle of Friends Proudly Congratulates You

Reverend Portia Cavitt on your induction into the

2022 Henry McNeal Turner Theological Seminary Alumni Hall of Fame An Awesome and well-deserved recognition as you continue to soar with good works in the Church and Community Patsy, Gloria, Rich and Richard Johnson, and Howard Galbreath

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Pastor Kenneth Allen, MSR ‘88 and the Zion Baptist Church of Omaha, Nebraska

Extend Our Warmest Congratulations to Pastor Portia Cavitt Trailblazer * Activist * Inspiring Leader President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Omaha

Patrons & Gifts Rev. Dr. Jessiline Anderson James & Regina Riley David & Vallery Stewart and Family Sharon Lockridge Dr. Kathryn Fiandt

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$50

Earline W. Davis Richard Tindal Phyllis Walker Toya Johnson

$100

Rev. & Mrs. Charles Dumas Jemmal & Derrick Johnson Norma & Setina Walker Charles & Mildren Parnell Mary Williams Sandra Chisholm

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Patrons & Gifts $50 Juanita Ferguson Nicole Davis Bryan McAllister Denika Atwell Rev. Clarence Honor Darius Bowers Dr. Augustine McDaniel

$100 Rev. Eddy Moise, Bethel AME Church Daisy Lanier Daisy M. Williams Rebecca Rigsby Rev. Dr. Pat Jackson

$500 Rosey Clervil

$200 Dr. Judy Johnson

Lacarenthia Anderson Katharine McNair

Arrnetta Lee

Rev. Paul Wiggins

Robbie Winbush

Lisa George Rev. Eddy Moise

Rev. Alvin & Dr. Ziggie Jones Beatrice Bryant Pastor’s Aid Board Leon &Shirley Gibson

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Henry McNeal Turner

2022 Alumni Hall of Fame The Rev. Ammie Davis, Ph.D. President-Dean

Chaplain Dr. G. Dianne Lewis, Presiding Elder Spencer Francis Barrett, Rev. Dr. Donna Marie Calix, Rev. Dr. Marcus Green, Rev. Ferrun Johnson, Rev. Dr. Michelle Rizer-Poole, Rev. Dr. Orlando McCauley, Rev. Elijah Shafah, Rev. Henry E. Green III, Presiding Elder Bertram Smith, Rev. Dr. Robert Richard Allen Turner

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McClellan Alabama. After completing the Advanced Officers Course she went on to Boshamer, Germany where she served the largest concentration of American soldiers for three years as Stockade Chaplain. She appreciated this assignment that called for her to cover everything from hospitals to jails to psychiatric departments, meeting the needs of soldiers in the diverse locales. Captain Henderson married 2nd Lt. Bobby Harris, a graduate of Hampton Institute and an officer in the U.S. Air Force. During her military career, Captain Henderson became a mother to two sons; her first born was Timothy Roland Henderson and some years later she welcomed a second son, Charles William Bennett, Jr.

While denied the opportunity to pastor a local church before and after returning from the military Chaplain Henderson contends that God fixed it for her to serve more people through her military service and numerous AME churches and other denominational assemblies. “In spite of my perceived short comings, Almighty God provided a greater pastorate than I could have ever imagined”. Welcome to the 2022 Class of the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame!

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Celebratory Patrons Contributions

Bruce King Shaun Owens Ezra Owens Jaden Evans Dawn Prevo Iva Thomas Helen Johnson-Ray Martina Williams Estelle Waples Zandra Whitney Shirley T. Washington Latrellis Dent Mary James Lorenzo Battle St. John AMEC, Stone Mountain, GA Rev. James Alexander, Jr.

Rev. Orea Parker Rev. Phillis Jo Griffin Rev. Angela Starling Rev. Charlie Hicks, Jr. Rev. Isaac Burns, Sr. Rev. Charles R. Ramsey, Jr. Rev. Faith Waters Rev. Charlotte White Rev. Marben Bland Rev. Hope Sims Sutton Rev. Tammie McFadden Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy Rev. Dr. Thomas Bess Rev. Dr. Darryl Williams PE Billy McFadden

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PE Bruce and Gail Hunter Chaplain Curtis Andries Chaplain Jennifer Dukes Chaplain Kenneth Johnson Chaplain Clifford Jackson Chaplain Michele Williams Chaplain Autumn Wilson Chaplain Atticus Taylor Chaplain Wanda Richardson Vanesta Ambrose Freda-Ingram Brown Brock Owens Tammie Owens Derrick Butler Marie Butler

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quadrennials, Global Witness and Ministry (three quadrennials), General Conference Commission, Revision and Credentials simultaneously. While a student at Allen University, Reverend McCauley began his pastoral ministry, serving the following congregations: Reevesville, AME Church, Alcolu, SC, 1997-1998, St. Peters and Mount Pisgah Circuit, from 1998-2000. He was transferred to the Newberry/ Spartanburg District and also served: Mt. Zion, Little Mountain; Cross Road, Saluda; and Elisha, Silver Street, SC., from 20002003. Still a member of the Columbia Conference, he was later transferred to the Columbia District and served the following churches: New Bethel, Lexington; Piney Grove, Gaston; Hopewell, Irmo; and Pine Grove, Columbia. At the mid-year conference of 2015, McCauley was transferred to the Northeast Conference, stationing at St. Luke AME, Sumter. In that same year 2015, Rev. McCauley graduated from Wesley Seminary, Washington, DC, earning a Doctorate of Ministry degree in organizational leadership with emphasis in Pan Methodism. Currently, he is pastor of Saint Matthew AME Church, Hamer, SC in the Florence-Dillon District, Northeast Conference. Dr. McCauley is a husband and father, married to the former, Odell Massa-Zealey Beer, also of Liberia, for 25 years. They are blessed with four children: a daughter, Odora and three sons; Orlando M. McCauley, III, Oliver and Oneil. Dr. McCauley is also an educator by profession apart from his pastoral calling. In 2015, he returned to his undergraduate alma mater, Allen University and began teaching in the religion department, also serving as Coordinator of the Religion Department and now serves as Assistant Professor of Religion in the Humanities Department. Dr. Orlando M. McCauley, Jr., considers his ambition for the episcopacy as a calling, a lifelong dream; since childhood. His mind reflects on its beginning, that fateful day in the fall of 1973 when his parents were commissioned to start a boarding school in the rural part of Liberia.

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2022 Alumni Hall of Fame

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PATRONS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR REVEREND RONALD MILLER St. Paul AME Church Vidalia Gospel Choir St. Paul AME Church Vidalia Stewardess Judge Patricia Mayberry Dr. Sylvia Moore Rev. Dr. Leeomia Kelly David and Cleo Hansley Bernard Thomas Helen Garrett Mary Mann Sandra Witherspoon Rodney and Vanzetta Gibson

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Rev. Dr. Lavern Witherspoon Rev. Dr. Lavern Witherspoon is a native of Kingstree, South Carolina. He is the oldest son of Mrs. Harold Witherspoon and the late Rev. James W. Witherspoon, Jr. Dr. Witherspoon began this Christian journey in ministry in 1973 in the Kingstree District Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Over the last forty-four years his pastoral appointments have covered the Seventh Episcopal District. He is the current pastor of Butler Chapel AMEC Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Dr. Witherspoon received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC on May 12, 2014. He graduated from the U.S. Army Chaplain School and Center in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1995. He received a Masters of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center; Turner Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia, 1982. He obtained his B.A. degree from Baptist College in Charleston, South Carolina in 1976 (currently Charleston Southern University). He graduated from the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug School, in Clemson, South Carolina in 1989. He is also a graduate of Kingstree Senior High School in Kingstree, South Carolina in 1972. Dr. Witherspoon’s Clinical Pastoral Education Training includes South Carolina State Hospital, South Carolina Department of Corrections and The University Hospital of Augusta, Georgia, all approved by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. Dr. Witherspoon has served as an Army Reserve Chaplain for ten years, an Emergency Room and Critical Care Chaplain at Richland Memorial Hospital for four years, Chaplain and Instructor at Allen University. Dr. Witherspoon retired from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2018. He is married to the former Julia Elaine Moton. They are the parents of two adult children, a daughter, Jacintha Dyan and a son, Andre’ Lavern. Dr. Witherspoon also serves as The Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain for The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Jurisdiction of South Carolina. His affiliations include The Prince Hall Free and accepted Masonic Family and The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is also a member of CC Johnson Consistory #136 and numerous other organizations. 128th Founders’ Observance

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Reverend Vonshurii S. Wrighten The Reverend Vonshurii S. Wrighten is a proud graduate of Turner Theological Seminary of The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA where he earned the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education degrees and, attained Certification as a Certified Addition Counselor, Level II. While matriculating at Turner/ITC he was also inducted into Theta Phi International Honor Society. During his course of study, he received additional honors for his leadership ability and was awarded Turner Theological Seminary’s Daniel Lott Jacob Leadership Award, the Isaac R. Clark Preaching Award and the Award. His focus of study was the Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care and Counseling. Upon completion of his course work, he furthered his clinical experience by completing a year of Clinical Pastoral Education at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Rev. Wrighten is a Masters Level Addiction Counselor and a certified John Maxwell Life Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. Rev. Vonshurii S. Wrighten has over thirty years of experience as a leader in the field of addiction and behavioral health. In response to his bi-vocational call, his focus has been to integrate the sacred into the secular toward treatment of the millions who suffer with the disease of addiction. As he is the former Director of Fuqua Hall of the Atlanta Union Mission, he assisted in building one of the premier faith-based recovery centers in the State of Georgia. As the Assistant Project Director of the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center at Morehouse School of Medicine, Reverend Wrighten helped to forge one of the nation’s largest faith-based conferences. Reverend Wrighten has eighteen years of pastoral leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During his pastoral career he has served as Pastor of New Hope AME Hoschton, GA, and Alexander Memorial AME, Atlanta, GA. He currently serves as Pastor of The River of Life AME, in Snellville, GA. In addition, he is the Coordinator of Addictive Disease Initiatives and the State Opioid Treatment Authority in the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. In this capacity Reverend Wrighten has worked continuously to engage and promote the role of the faith-community to address the behavioral health challenges of addiction. He is currently leading the state’s only faith-based initiative to empower faith leaders to respond to the opioid epidemic through training and mini-programmatic grants. Rev. Wrighten is known for his visionary leadership and his ability to initiate and execute from vision to realization. With a life mission to help others attain their dreams and be healed through reconciliation with God through Jesus the Christ, who is our Lord, Rev. Vonshurii S. Wrighten is pleased to be considered among those endeavoring to serve with commitment and dedication to God and The Church.

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The 128th Founders’ Observance Planning Committee Program Committee Chairs The Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson General Chair

Former TTS 7th President-Dean, Dr. John F. Green Consultant

Rev. Dr. Susan Buckson

Founders’ Observance Co-Chair

Rev. Dr. John Foster

The Presidential Installation and Investiture Service

Rev. B.B. Calloway

Rev. Dr. Gregory Eason

Rev. Christopher Evans Rev. Rae D. Fitch

Rev. Jeremiah Hackley Rev. Dr. Jai Haithco

Rev. Dr. Michael Martin Rev. William Thomas

Presiding Elder Thomas Stegall

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