By Rev. Eddie Mae Williams Washington
The 155th Annual Session of the Central North Louisiana Conference of the Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, through Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, under the dynamic leadership of the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, the Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Marriott, Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Gwendolyn E. Snearl, Host Presiding Elder, the Rev. Emery Charles Cotton, Co-Host Presiding Elder and the Reverend Dr. Rodney E. Pendleton, Host Pastor. Bishop Crawford called the conference to order with grace, vision, and spiritual authority.
This sacred convocation documented the fruitful labor of our presiding elders, pastors, and congregations, as well as the dynamic work of the conference’s component ministries and auxiliaries. The powerful pre-conference accomplishments of the Women’s Missionary Society, representing both the Alexandria–Thibodaux and Shreveport–Monroe Districts, highlighted the biblical mandate of service.
The conference was blessed by an anointed message delivered by the Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Marriott, Supervisor of Missions for the Eighth Episcopal District, who preached with conviction from Luke 17:11-19 on the subject, “Healed, But Not Saved.” The body was reminded of God’s favor and of the purpose of faithful service.
The City of Alexandria, represented by Mr. Michael Caffrey, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, extended a proclamation of honor to Bishop Erika D. Crawford, presenting her with the Key to the City. Bishop Crawford was named an Honorary Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador for her spiritual and civic contributions.
The Sons of Allen Hour of Power Worship Service filled the sanctuary with exuberant praise and worship, featuring the combined Sons of Allen and Daughters of Sarah Choir. A soul-stirring sermon from 1 Kings 20:13-14, entitled “Let the Young Men Loose,” delivered by the Reverend Robert Payne, blessed our souls and encouraged us to press on.
The Opening Service of Word and Sacrament established a sacred atmosphere of worship and renewal. The Reverend Dr. Regina S. Robinson delivered the Annual Sermon from Isaiah 40:3–5, declaring the prophetic charge to “Expect the Glory.” We were blessed to have the presence of the Reverend Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, Executive Director, Department of Research and Scholarship/Historiographer.
The pastors, delegates, and guests were empowered through informative and transformative workshops on missions, led by Supervisor Hugh B. Marriott and a Call to Preventive Health facilitated by Dr. Rene Helyer. Both workshops equipped the saints for holistic ministry.
The Women in Ministry Hour of Power uplifted the hearts of the people through spirit-filled worship and a powerful word by the Reverend Carolyn Starks, from Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, entitled “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” with the prophetic subtheme “The Best Is Yet to Come.” Our spirits were inspired and encouraged.
The Consecration Service of Sister Rosie Williams of Mary Springhill AME Church, Shreveport, as Deaconess, brought forth a standing ovation from the body in celebration of her faithful service and devotion. What a blessing!
The Lay Witness Evening Worship Service proved to be a mountain-top experience. A convicting message from the Reverend Allen Williams, Jr., entitled “Dying on the Vine,” drawn from John 15:1-8, made us examine ourselves and realize we need to do better.
The conference celebrated a vibrant Saturday of Worship. We began with a Model Church School, followed by an inspiring service led by the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD), featuring an empowering message from Ms. Stephanie Burks, Eighth Episcopal District YPD Director.
The Closing and Commissioning Worship Service blessed and encouraged us as we prepared to go forward in His vineyard. The Retired Presiding Elder Richard Starks delivered the powerful and challenging closing sermon from John 9:1-5, entitled “Do the Work.”
The Central North Louisiana Annual Conference goes on record commending the Right Reverend Erika D. Crawford, Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, and The Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Marriott, Episcopal Supervisor of Missions, for their visionary leadership, spiritual guidance, and the stellar manner in which the business of this conference was conducted.
Commendations and deep appreciation are extended to Presiding Elder Gwendolyn E. Snearl and Presiding Elder Emery Charles Cotton for their unwavering dedication, administrative excellence, and collaborative leadership in making this conference second to none.
The conference expresses sincere gratitude to the Reverend Dr. Rodney L. Pendleton and the Bethel AME Church Family for their warm hospitality, selfless service, and faithful commitment to hosting this sacred gathering.
The members of the 155th Session of the Central North Louisiana Conference gave a standing ovation, offering a resounding applause of thanksgiving to our Bishop, Supervisor, Presiding Elders, Host Pastor, and Host Church, giving God all glory for a conference distinguished by excellence, unity, and the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit. to God be the glory for the things God has done!
I may be mistaken, but I wanted to offer a gentle clarification regarding the first paragraph of the article, which states, “Under the dynamic leadership of the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, the Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Mariott, Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Gwendolyn E. Snearl.” It also states that the “Host Pastor. Bishop Crawford called the conference to order with grace, vision, and spiritual authority.”
For clarity, the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District is the Right Reverend Erika D. Crawford, and the Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Mariott serves as the Supervisor for Missions.