December 2024 Congratulatory Announcements


 

*Senior Bishop Wilfred J Messiah, Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District
Jacketed at Planning Meeting

       

An historic and momentous occasion took place in the 19th Episcopal District at its planning meeting on 30 November 2024 held at the Good News Convention Centre in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, South Africa.
 
The Senior Bishop of the AME Church and Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, Bishop Wilfred J Messiah was Jacketed. Jacketing is the service and occasion where the Sons of Allen (SOA) member formally takes up their uniform during a sacred worship set aside for this. Bishop WJ Messiah is the first African Born Bishop to become a Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

With the Senior Bishop now jacketed, the anticipation is the exponential growth of this organization both in the 19th and connectionally. To date, the 19th District has Jacketed three Bishops. We are looking forward to have all our male Bishops Jacketed in the Districts where they preside.
 


*Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary to Bishop and Supervisor Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.

 

 

 

The Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. is a retired Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected to the episcopacy in 1976. He served for thirty-two years as an active bishop.

Bishop Cousin and Dr. Margaret Joan Grier Cousin were married in Winston Salem North Carolina on December 27, 19, 1954.

Bishop Cousin is the former president of the National Council of Churches of Christ. He also served as a National Board Member for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He was the first Black instructor at Duke University Divinity School. He was also a Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow in Black Church Studies. He served as the president of Kittrell College from 1960 to 1965.

Dr. Joan Cousin has dedicated her time and talent to a crusade against HIV and AIDS. She has successfully established centers impacting this critical health area around the world. She was cited by President Bush for AIDS Education and the Center for Disease Control and the Congressional Records of the United States for her consistent commitment to HIV/AIDS education.

As the spouse Bishop Philip R. Cousin, she remains methodical in programmatic efforts to empower lives.

Bishop and Mrs. Cousin have five sons, all of whom are AME ministers: Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr., Rev. Steven A. Cousin, Sr., Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Dr. Michael A. Cousin, Sr., and Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr. Bishop Cousin has a daughter-in-law, Rev. Valerie Kendrick Cousin, who is an AME preacher. Bishop Cousin has fourteen grandchildren, several of whom are serving in the AME Church, Rev. Steven A. Cousin Jr., Lic. Timothy C. Cousin, and Mr. Michael A. Cousin.

 


 *The Leadership of Dr. Kenneth Hill Recognized at Retirement Celebration

 

Williamson Hearld News Article

After 43 years in religious ministry, with 10 of those years as pastor for the congregation of the historic Shorter Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Kenneth Hill recently retired to spend more time with his wife, Roberta, and their family; however, “leisure is not my goal,” he said. 

In gratitude for his service to their church, recognition of his many accomplishments and a legacy of leadership and ministerial service members of Shorter Chapel congregation recently hosted a reception at the Williamson County Enrichment Center. 

Friends, family, fellow pastors and others within the AME faith ministry, as well as local community leaders, came from far and wide to thank Hill and his wife, Dr. Roberta Hill, Ed.D, a retired local educator who has played an active role in the AME Church Christian Education Ministry. 

Several of the Hills’ children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews traveled from Chicago, Detroit and Ann Arbor “came to celebrate our father, grandfather and uncle,” said daughter Faith Seifuddin, who lives in Nashville.

Longtime lay friends and friends in the ministry came from Chattanooga and other Tennessee cities; Dallas, Texas and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

“We have to be intentional to show up and be there for the people you care about," said the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, a member of the 10th Episcopal District of the AME Church in Dallas. He flew with his wife Yvette from Dallas to celebrate Hill. “He gave so much in service to the church."

Service and leadership defined Hill from an early age. He demonstrated his leadership talent and desire to serve when he earned his Eagle Scout badge, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program, at the age of 13. 

Hill was born in Martinsville, Virginia. Early life was hard and the future bleak. His father, a World War II veteran, wanted more for his family. When Hill was 6 years old his parents moved the family to Detroit “for greater economic opportunities.” A man who knew the value of hard work, his father found a factory job, involved the family in a local church and created the better life he dreamed about for his family.

As the Civil Rights movement fought for integration and equality, the Black Power movement in the mid-1960s focused on racial pride and independence within their own schools, businesses, community services and government. It supported self-reliance and self-determination for their own future as well as cultural pride and personal accomplishments. At that time Hill was a student at Wayne State University majoring in education. He was drawn into social activism but his heart was pulled into ministry and the Wesleyan theology. 

After graduating from Wayne State, Hill attended Harvard Divinity School were his call to ministry was shaped. He earned a Master of Theology degree and entered the seminary where he became a leader in Harambe, the black seminarian organization. Hill earned his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan and returned to Detroit where he joined the Ebenezer AME Church. His pastor, Bishop Robert Thomas Jr., mentored Hill and provided opportunities that launched him into a career in ministry. 

“Dr. Hill was the parish Christian Education Director at the church I went to as a child," said Andre Spivey, who with his wife, Shema, came from Detroit to attend the celebration. “I went to school with their oldest children."

During his career Hill authored numerous books and taught at several universities and seminaries throughout the Midwest and the South. As an ordained itinerate preacher he also traveled to preach in churches. The ideas Hill espoused in his teaching and preaching caught the attention of elders within the AME Church and it wasn’t long before he was elected as the Fourth Executive Director of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal Church headquartered in Nashville, TN. Following his retirement as a General Officer, he was appointed as a Presiding Elder in the East Tennessee and West Kentucky Annual Conferences of the 13th Episcopal, and the district was soon referred to as the “Thriving 13th.”

In those positions he established and introduced new ministries designed to reach more people. He made improvements to the AME church’s school literature and developed a comprehensive guide for the teachers. He also continued to write books and bring change to the church. An innovator and visionary, in 1996 Hill was the first person to use multi-media electronics at a national AME convention. His wife a retired Franklin Special School District educator who also worked in Christian Education for the 13th Episcopal District often said “it’s a good thing we work together, otherwise we’d never see each other.”

After 33 years of traveling as a preacher and for the 13th Episcopal District while also keeping a family of five children together, Hill felt the need to settle down. He requested a church of his own. In December 2014, Hill was appointed to Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin. 

Soon after his appointment, on June 17, 2015, a 21-year-old Dylann Roof killed nine members of the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, North Carolina. His presence and calm demeanor helped quell anxiety within the congregation and led to opening to communication lines between city and county governments and churches.

In 2018 Hill and Franklin Mayor Ken Moore began Unite Williamson, a nonprofit organization that engages leaders of Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths to come together with a vision to “foster unity and understanding across diverse faith backgrounds," and a mission “to foster caring relationships that unify and celebrate the community of Williamson County.” “I’m honored to call Dr. Hill my friend,” Moore said, “I’m proud that God has put us in each other’s path at this time.”

Julian Bibb III thanked Roberta for being Hill’s “rock, inspiration and steadfast foundation” as he led the whole community through the process of preserving a shared history in Franklin. Williamson Remembers is a project Bibb and Hill are currently working on. It includes signs installed in areas around Franklin and Williamson County telling the local history of the Jim Crow era and the resulting lynchings that occurred.  

“Some history is difficult,” Bibb said and quoted the late philosopher, George Santayana, “‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ Knowledge of our shared history is likely to help individuals and policymakers avoid the mistakes of the past and make better decisions in the future.”

Alma McLemore, president of the African American Heritage Society and a member of Shorter Chapel AME Church, described Hill as a trailblazer and a man of integrity and wisdom.

“His fingerprints and DNA leadership are on many [areas] in the community,” she said. 

He took on the “Green House” project when it was learned a house next to the church was mentioned in a travel book created to inform Black travelers where they could shop, eat and spend the night when traveling throughout the country.

When the church’s Bell Tower was in need of repair he got people together to rebuild the tower and was supportive and involved in the church’s 150th anniversary celebration and played a role in the Natchez Street gentrification. 

“When there’s any crisis in Franklin, he gets people together in prayer,” she added.

According to Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner, Hill has the admiration of everyone in the Franklin Police Department. 

“Thank you for your steadfast leadership," she said. “Shorter Chapel AME Church continues to be an anchor in the Natchez Street Historic District.It wasn’t a coincidence that you were assigned to Franklin.

“A friend once told me a coincidence is a minor miracle in which God wishes to be anonymous,” she said. “There no greater gift than to honor your calling.” 

During the difficulties of the past 10 years in the country, Faulkner said Hill became spiritual and intellectual leader for the community. 

“As far as retiring, a minister can’t really retire but is simply put on inactive duty, although I can’t imagine you’ll be inactive.

“As long as there’s a devil, you and I have work to do,” Faulkner said. 

Bishop Harry L, Seawright congratulated Hill on his retirement but added,

“I just want you to not go far.”

AME church retired Historiographer, Rev. Dennis Dickerson Ph.D,  presented Hill with a resolution from the “Thriving 13th” that commented on his high ideals, leadership skills, scholarly books, pastoral heart, archival stewardship; his passion as a freedom fighter, and a seeker of justice. 

Other speakers included Dr. Garland Pierce, executive director of Christian Education AME Church; Dr. Barbara Bowie, Music & Christian Arts Ministry; Rev. Bryan Brooks, senior pastor at Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin; Rev Sheila Harris, pastor at St. James AME Curch in Chattanooga; Rt. Rev. Paula E. Clark, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and family members.


*Dr. James Anthony Morris Pastor of Hamilton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Elected President of the Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP

Texarkana, Texas— Dr. James Anthony Morris, a dedicated community servant, accomplished leader, and pastor of Hamilton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church has been elected as the President of the Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP. This milestone reflects Dr. Morris’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and service within the Texarkana community and beyond.

A former corporate executive with 22 years at IBM, Dr. Morris transitioned from a successful career in sales and marketing to a life of faith, service, and community leadership. His extensive academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Memphis, an MBA from Roosevelt University, a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

Since relocating to Texarkana, Dr. Morris has made a profound impact through various initiatives. He actively participates in the Twin Cities Ministerial Alliance, the Texarkana Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and numerous outreach efforts through Hamilton Memorial A.M.E. Church. Dr. Morris mentors youth through the Kappa Alpha Psi “Red Tie Club,” serves meals at the Randy Sams Homeless Shelter, and empowers young leaders in the church’s Young People’s Division.

He has life memberships in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the National Black MBA Association, the University of Memphis Alumni Association, and the NAACP, which further underscore his lifelong dedication to service.

As the new President of the Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP, Dr. Morris is poised to advance the organization’s mission of ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens. His election comes at a critical time, with a renewed focus on addressing systemic challenges and promoting racial justice in the Texarkana region.

“Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time,” said Dr. Morris, quoting Marian Wright Edelman. “As President of the Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP, I am honored to serve our community in the fight for equality and justice, working collaboratively to build a brighter future for all.”

Dr. Morris brings a wealth of leadership experience to this role, having served as President of three chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and as an advisory board member for the Walter E. Heller College of Business Administration at Roosevelt University. He is the President-elect and membership chairman of the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club. He taught Ethics at Texarkana College and Ethics in Science and Technology at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. 

He has also served the African Methodist Episcopal Church as Secretary of the North Texas Annual Conference of the Tenth Episcopal District, Secretary of the Board of Examiners, and Secretary of the Ministers Efficiency Committee and Annual Conference Statistician.  

His community engagement has earned him numerous accolades, including keys to several cities and awards for outstanding service, such as the Texarkana NAACP Professional Award, the Jarvis Christian University Alumni Living Legend Award, and the Ozan-Iron Mountain Civic Groups Outstanding Community Service Award.

The Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP welcomes Dr. Morris’s dynamic leadership and vision. Under his presidency, the organization aims to strengthen its advocacy efforts, foster collaboration across community sectors, and create meaningful change for individuals and families in Texarkana.

 


*Dr. Herman O. Kelly Jr, 50 Year Kappa Morehouse PSI Senior Advisor and Village Elder for The Chapter Community Engagement with AKA’ s Nike Give Away

The Westside Middle Magnet School of Amite, Louisiana was given 50 pairs of Nike’s for students. The school was adopted by Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church in Amite under Dr. Kelly’s leadership, and it is part of It Takes A Village Amite. The Kappas and AkA’s from the community teamed up for the second year to carry out this community engagement. Dr. Kelly a graduate of Morehouse is a 50-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He serves as the Pastor of Grant and Senior Advisor to Hammond Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Kelly is also on the Teaching Faculty at Louisiana State University. Part of his Ministry is connecting the Church with the community. Grant AME Church sponsored teacher appreciation at Westside and also led a tour at Louisiana State University with Westside Students.


On behalf of Social Action Commission Chair, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and  Dr. Jacquelyn DuPont-Walker, Director/ Consultant  Social Action Commission, we extend congratulations as you praise God for the Joy of these significant milestones.


God Bless!

Ora L. Easley