WMS Quadrennial Report

By H. Matthew Seawright, 9th Episcopal District

The spirit of Christian mission was alive in every heart during the 19th Quadrennial Session of the Women’s Missionary Society. The Quadrennial was held July 28-August 1, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio.

Before the Quadrennial officially began, President Shirley Cason Reed took time to gather all vendors for group prayer. She marked the official opening of the “marketplace” with a ribbon and included the presence of the new Episcopal team, Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III and Supervisor Marlaa Reid.

A week of elegance kicked off with a great spirit-filled service. The choir was filled with angelic-like voices. The opening worship culminated with a thought-provoking sermon preached by Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, challenging the church to stop limiting who can have a “Seat at the Table.” Bishop Henning Byfield expressed that women must support one another and become allies.

Following lunch, the business session officially opened with greetings. Delegations were seated and the first day concluded with reports from Connectional WMS officers.

Sunday evening was a night to remember as the Third Episcopal District took part in hosting a welcome gala entitled, “Celebrating the Arts.” Hosted by Ms. Valencia Wicker, the gala proved to be an awesome experience of God through song and dance, including gospel recording artist, Bishop Jason Nelson. Through a sponsored presentation by Givelify, attendees were able to donate to Wilberforce University during the Quadrennial.

The second day began with Zumba exercises led by the Rev. Christina Reed. Others attended district breakfasts. A highlight of the many events was the President’s Luncheon, in which all registered persons were allowed to fellowship and celebrate the work of President Reed. The evening included a special screening of the documentary Emanuel.

The third day began with a 6:30 am worship and communion service. A much-needed mid-meeting message was given by Bishop Reid.

The day of elections began with a presentation on EcoAmerica. It was a joint venture on climate change with Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker and Meghan Speiser, the executive director of “Blessed Tomorrow.” Topics discussed included what climate change is, how it affects us, and what can we do about it. The AME Church is the first black organized denomination to join the conversation. The presentation and information can be found at ame-church.com. Mr. Robert Nichols, the executive director of AME SADA and Mrs. Lenette Williams-King, the chair, outlined the status of the WMS donations to AME SADA and other initiatives.

Emotions were high as candidates shared their hearts with attendees. Respective districts stood in support of each candidate. One by one, as candidates were declared, excitement filled the air as the leadership for the Connectional WMS was solidified.

The evening was dedicated to celebrating and honoring the leadership of outgoing supervisors Dorothy Young, Jessica Kendall Ingram, and Stan McKenzie. It could only be described as a truly enchanting experience. Leadership on all levels, family, and friends were able to celebrate the service and legacies of those honored.

The session drew to a close as new officers were installed by President Reed, Bishop White, and Bishop McKenzie. Bishop White then challenged the new officers to “Stay Salty” as they begin their terms under the leadership of the newly-elected president Deborah Taylor King. President Taylor King shared her vision and information for the upcoming Executive Board Meeting in January, which will be held in Houston, Texas.

As the 19th Quadrennial Session of the WMS concluded, hands were raised as attendees from around the world joined in the Missionary Benediction. Eyes were not looking behind; but rather, they were looking forward as the spirit of Christian mission presses on to 2023 for the 20th Session to be held in Orlando, Florida!

2019-2023 CONNECTIONAL WMS OFFICERS

President:
Deborah Taylor King (10)

First Vice President
Charolett Martin (12) 598 715
Lisa Johnson-Whigham (6) 341 498
Jeanette Harris (3)** 276

Second Vice President
Ka’Dijah A. Brown (5)*

Third Vice President
Sanjena Clay (11)

Recording Secretary
Tanya Harper (7)

Assistant Recording Secretary
Theresa Ann Baker (13)

Corresponding Secretary
Sherry Peyton (8) 781
Sharon Smith Banks (3) 419

Treasurer
Chandelle Ivy (2)

Editor, Missionary Magazine
Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson (4)

Associate Editor, Missionary Magazine
Linda H. Mtshwelo (15)

Promotion and Missionary Education Director
Margaret Maske (2)*

Director, Young People and Children’s Division
Wanda Ringgold (1)*

Historiographer-Statistician
Monica Dillihunt (9)

Worship Director
Florine Herron (8)

Parliamentarian
Wanda Sims (2)

Member-at-large
Sylvia C. Blake (7)* 622
Janita Ferguson (6) 578

*Incumbent candidate
**Candidate automatically withdrawn from the ballot due to Article VII, Section 2.f. of the WMS Connectional Constitution and Bylaws (p. 387, 2016 Discipline).