The Macedonia AME Church Makes Double History

The 10^th Episcopal District made double history in the city of Lubbock, Texas during its 2003 May Day Celebration, May 8 and 9, at Bethel AME Church. . Rev. Danny Poe, Host Pastor, rolled out the Red Carpet as he greeted and welcomed The Rt. Rev. McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop of the Tenth Episcopal District for this memorable occasion. This was the first time in the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that the May Day Celebration was held in the city of Lubbock, Texas. This was also the greatest multitude of Blacks to ever gather together in one particular place for an affair in this fair city. It all came together at the Holliday Inn Hotel & Towers. But, Most of the activities were held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, just across the street.

The entire Tenth District is on fire this year. At the uppermost part of the heat is the Women’s Missionary Society. That is because they have the honor of hosting the 15th Quadrennial Convention, the very first time a WMS Quadrennial has been held in the state of Texas. WMS Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young met with the Society Members and component leaders for a “Leadership Quadrennial Dinner.” At that time the leaders of different component heads reported their progress. With Texas being the largest state in the Union, The WMS wants to equal the size of Texas in their performances of doing things in “A Big Way.” The YPD, under the leadership of Ms. Sharon Turner Blaylock, is doing their part as well. These two super groups, component leaders and a host of volunteers are working closely with the Supervisor Young to make this Quadrennial a resounding success. That is why she can stand and give a smile of approval and say with confidence, “Together We Can.”

Mamie Nell Watson, 10^th District Choir Director and Minister of Music at Bethel AME Church in San Antonio, Texas, where Rev. Dr. Sarah F. Davis is Pastor, said that there was need for more members to join the 10^th District Choir. This Choir will be supplying the music for the WMS Quadrennial Convention.

The Tenth District Presiding Elders demonstrated the excitement around the District as the spokesman, Presiding Elder W.C. Ervin reported 110% commitment to the task at hand. Those who attended the meeting and heard the reports could see how enthusiastic each reporter was to make sure they had every detail in place that would make this 15^th Quadrennial Convention a Texas Style success in a “BIG WAY.”

On opening day, May 8 as twilight fell upon this West Texas city and the heat of the day became more tolerable, the people made their way to the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center for Opening Worship. There Bishop McKinley Young greeted and welcomed the visitors to the “May Day 2003 Celebration.”

In addition to Bishop Young’s welcome, the Senior Councilman of the city of Lubbock, Mr. T.J. Patterson, along with Mrs. Elurd Devenport and Mrs. Joan Y. Ervin, gave Bishop Young and the Tenth District the Red Carpet Treatment. They all had warm words of welcome. Mr. Patterson, on behalf of the Lubbock City Concil issued certificates to several dignitaries making them citizens of the city and Lubbockites.

Bishop McKinley Young chose The Rev. Kenneth Marcus, Pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Ga. to bring the opening historical message. As Rev. Marcus read several verses from the fourth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John, he chose for his subject, “Have you been to the Well?” from the fourth verse. When he was finished with his unique way of breaking down his six word chosen subject he had well earned a standing ovation, and standing ovation it was. He and his sermon became a part of another historical page in the African Methodist Episcopal Church History. Thus the evening had a high spirited ended. Most of the people went to their places of residence looking forward to the next and last day of “May Day 2003.”

As the sun rose on the horizon the next morning, it was accompanied with heat and humidity. Nevertheless, it did not discourage the awaiting crowd from wanting to be a part of the closing “May Day Services.”

The Department of Church Growth and Evangelism, directed by Rev. Beverly Freeman, awarded Certificates to the Soul Winners for the 2002/2003 Reach Three Evangelism Program.

The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) made sure that everyone knew exactly what progress they had made, and what was needed to finalize their readiness for the 15^th Quadrennial Convention. They accomplished this by having the Presidents of each component to make one last report of their progress.

Through all their excitement, they did not forget their custom of giving their Supervisor a Mother’s Day gift. This year their immediate Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young were the recipient of a seventeen diamond heart shaped Pendant set in 14kt.yg. weighing 1ct. total weight.

As the time for the closing Worship Service arrived for this Historical Celebration, the one chosen to preach was The Rev. Silvester Beaman, Senior Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, Delaware. Preceding his approach to the pulpit there were three songs chosen that were appropriate for this Celebration. They were; “Bless the Lord,” “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” and “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow.” All three songs might cause one to search him or herself and realize the goodness of God.

As Rev. Beaman stood boldly behind the pulpit and read from Matthew 28: 16-20 he chooses “Feed My Sheep,” for his text. During his delivery he challenged the Pastors, “Preach Jesus Christ and I dare your church to grow.” He also told them that, “S-H-O-N-U-F-F preaching Jesus Christ gets beyond maintaining church.” When he came to the close of his sermon, the sanctuary was filled with a highly spiritual attitude. One of his final remarks was, “May Day is Over, Pack Up and Go Home.”

Even though the statement was taken heartly, it was a true fact. It was said by many that this was the best “May Day Celebration” ever. As they were assembling in the Hotel Lobby to check out, the atmosphere was filled with joy and happiness as they said good-by to their friends and colleagues. They all went their separate ways, happy and looking forward to next year with fond memories of our first trip to Lubbock.