St. John AME, Huntsville, Celebrates the 236th Founder’s Day

Brother Bobby Adkins II

The Saint John African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church – Huntsville, AL celebrated the 236th AME Founder’s Day on February 12, 2023. The service was marked by sustained enthusiasm, powerful worship, moments of praise, and great interaction from the most senior members to the youngest in both age and faith. It was indeed a glorious event and a blessing to all who attended, both in person and online.

The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, senior bishop and presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, was the honored guest preacher. Senior Bishop Richardson is the active bishop with the longest tenure of service in the AME Church and he is first in the order of precedence among the Council of Bishops. As such, his position occupies a key role in the polity and practice of the AME Church. St. John AME was truly blessed to have Senior Bishop Richardson celebrate with the congregation on this special occasion.

Dr. Pamela Whitehead welcomed parishioners to the service, extending thanks to those online and in person. Dr. Whitehead established celebratory protocol and provided the weekly announcements to kick-start the festive occasion.

Pastor Maurice Wright II, senior pastor, St. John AME, took the service into high gear reminding everyone how blessed we are to be in the presence of the Lord and asking each person to “give God some praise” followed by the leading of a rousing rendition of “Praise Him.” Pastor Wright II continued within the order of service by leading the Doxology.

Presiding Elder Bruce W. Hunter, 9th AME District, South Birmingham-Huntsville-Bessemer District, graced St. John AME with his presence and was on program, leading the “Call to Worship,” providing leadership and active engagement throughout the service, then leading the Hymn of Praise, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” from The AME Hymnal. Brother Reginald Pearson, St. John AME minister of music, provided musical direction.

A powerful and heart-felt Invocation was led by Presiding Elder (ret.) Oliver Allen, Jr., followed by the singing of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” as a very moving prayer response.

Both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures for the anniversary service were read by two new ministers who became part of the St. John family in 2022. Reverend Arthur Washington, itinerant elder, St. John AME, read from the 16th number of the Psalms, verses 5-6. This scripture reminds saints that, “The Lord is our portion and a cup of blessings, who holds our futures.” It is a very present reminder that the Lord is enough, he is always with us, he will provide for us, he has been with us throughout the existence of the AME Church and through him we will prosper in the Lord.

Dr. Raziq Yaqub read the New Testament scripture, taken from 2 Corinthians 4:18. This is such a powerful text that informs the believer to be aware of their gaze and what is drawing the attention of the saints. Paul recognizes that the outward man is perishing (verse 16) but by faith he sees more than the outward and more than the present. We must clearly see temporary things in the light and through the lens of the eternal. Brother Hodges Washington, St. John AME Lay Ministry president, read the Founder’s Day Litany, written by former AME bishop and civil rights activist, Bishop John H. Adams.

Following the Litany, the St. John AME choir ministered through music, with Sister Lula Rochelle leading a stirring rendition of “I Am Blessed.” The soulful and spiritual sounds from the choir had the congregation on their feet, praising the Lord through song, hand claps of praise, and an abundance of “Hallelujahs.”

Sister Joy Wright provided a very inspirational “Moment in Black History” by recognizing two prominent figures, representing the AME Church with a focus on serving in the struggle for the civil rights of black Americans and in black communities throughout the south and the country.

St. John AME Deaconess Earnestine Barnes-Ivery was recognized for her significant and extensive contributions in the fight for civil rights in the south, specifically in the state of Alabama. As a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University, Deaconess Barnes-Ivery was a career educator and also served alongside many luminaries within the Civil Rights Movement, being hand-picked to support vital administrative functions for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Ralph Abernathy, and other pillars in the battle for civil rights.

The legendary and esteemed Fannie Lou Hamer was recognized for her lifelong contributions in the fight for civil rights and voting rights, starting as a young adult in Montgomery County, Mississippi as a member of the Student NonViolent Coordinating Committee. Ms. Hamer became a revered community organizer, coining the phrase, “We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Ms. Hamer, though under constant surveillance and threats of violence, led groups of people to register to vote, eventually running for state offices in Mississippi. Ms. Hamer, through her tireless sacrifices, is black history.

After moments in black history, the Christian Education Department blessed the celebration through dance, performing a powerful rendition to Bishop Cortez Vaughn’s “You Deserve It.” The symmetry of the Praise Dancers was astounding and reflected the tremendous amounts of practice and sacrifice of personal time in the name of giving God the glory through Christian Arts and Education.

An hour into the Founder’s Day celebration and the energy within the sanctuary continued to build, leading into the first live children’s message in almost three years. What a blessing to have the youth of St. John AME back in the sanctuary.

Dr. Thalia Love provided leadership to the aged 12 and under youth with a message built upon the game, “Follow the Leader.” Dr. Love impressed upon the young people the differences in following good leaders, as opposed to bad leaders. Supporting scripture was used to impart the significance of following leaders that set a good example, specifically highlighting the book of Exodus, chapter 23, verse 2, which informs us that we should not follow leaders into wrong doing.

Understanding the energy in the room as the youth were being taught, Dr. Love also reminded ...continued on p20