The African American Methodist Heritage Center sponsored its second regional learning event October 2-4 at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

 

The theme was “The Journey: History as a Bridge to the Future.” One goal was that participants learn facts they may not have known about African American contributions to the United Methodist Church. 

 

Another goal was that such information fosters greater appreciation, insight and encouragement about effective discipleship, evangelism and mission.

 

Participants were provided tools to equip them in uncovering historical contributions of African American pioneers in their own local churches that are not widely known. Numerous ways to preserve and share information were presented by research experts.

 

Of the 70 participants, Bishop and Mrs. Forrest C. Stith, Bishop Alfred Norris, and Bishop and Mrs. Melvin Talbert enabled the gathering to be historically resourced. Many participants, including the Executive Director of United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, Dr. Elvernice “Sonny” Davis, a retired member of the Mississippi Conference, were members of the former Central Jurisdiction prior to its 1968 integration into the total church. 

 

Dr. Davis is often in conversation with younger African Americans about the cultural richness of powerful preaching and singing which were trademarks of Annual Conferences prior to merger. He fondly recalls sermons preached at annual conferences by the late Bishop L. Scott Allen and Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery.

The workshop closed with worship, Holy Communion and breakfast at historic Central United Methodist Church. It was connected to the Thirkield Jones Lectures which began Oct. 5.

 

The workshops were planned to be content driven. There was no time for social gatherings, except during meals. We stayed on the Interdenominational Theological Center campus which houses Gammon and the Bishop Willis J. King building. I believe all left feeling a debt of gratitude to Bishop Stith, those involved in planning, and to God for our United Methodist Church.