12thEpiscopal District Dedicates Headquarters and Jackson Theological Seminary
Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, Presiding Prelate, 12thEpiscopal District
On June 9, the laity and clergy from the 12thEpiscopal District gathered to dedicate the newly-completed building which will house the District Headquarters and Jackson Theological Seminary. Episcopal Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell joins me in giving special thanks to Bishop Frank C. Cummings, presiding elders, pastors, ministers, component leaders, WMS workers, the laity throughout the AME Church, and all who joined us for this momentous occasion.
The worship leader for the service was Presiding Elder Kent Broughton of the Camden/El Dorado District of the West Arkansas Annual Conference. Persons from all conferences of the 12thDistrict participated in the worship experience. Retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings was our preacher for the occasion. His text was taken from 2 Chronicles 7:8-10. The sermonic subject was “From Celebration to Action.” Bishop Cummings preached a powerful, challenging, and encouraging word. We were also blessed with the presence of Sister Valerie Bell, Connectional Lay Organization President, and Sister Starr Battle, Connectional Lay Organization Third Vice President. Both brought Greetings. The Rev. Tyrone Broomfield, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock, formally presented the keys of the building during the ceremony of dedication.
This story began years before I arrived in the 12th District. The vision was received and further cultivated through several presiding bishops. That vision was “caught” and the seed planted during the tenure of Bishop Samuel Green, Sr., who initiated the stewardship efforts that led to the groundbreaking for the facility. We thank God for Bishop Green’s foresight and the contributions of individuals throughout the Connectional church and other denominations. Every effort was received with great joy and appreciation.
We also extend special thanks to Brother Dexter Doyne and the staff of Doyne Construction for working with us to build this facility for the ministry of God. For working within the District budget, without cutting any corners, we are eternally grateful.
Above all, we are thankful to the officers and members of the 12th Episcopal District for their support and trust on this journey. They trusted the vision, leadership, and God to provide the necessary means. We, the 12th Episcopal District of the AME Church, have risen to another level in our purpose. We now stand firmer in our ministry and our destiny. We are excited about what God is doing in the 12th and we are ready for the next assignment He has in store for us.
