By Miss Sadie Wilson, First Episcopal District
My name is Sadie Wilson, and I will be entering the fifth grade in the Fall. I am a Junior in Girl Scout Troop 1331 of Greater New York, located in The Bronx. My troop and I worked on our Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie Activity Patch. As part of my workbook, I completed activities, including interviews with women pastors about their roles in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. In honor of Women’s History Month, I interviewed two inspiring leaders: Reverend Orsella Hughes and Presiding Elder Kim Anderson.
Reverend Orsella H. Hughes: A Trailblazing Leader
I interviewed The Reverend Orsella Hughes on January 21, 2026. She has been the pastor of my church, St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in Harlem, New York, for two years. She is amazing, caring, and supportive.
Her Journey: Pastor Hughes is originally from Connecticut. Before coming to St. Luke, she served at several churches in Connecticut, including St. James AME in Danbury and Allen Chapel AME in Hartford.
Church Roles: She has served as a Christian Education Director, Youth Choir Director, and Director of the Young People and Children’s Division.
Entrepreneurship: She owns a wedding officiating business called Serenity Ceremonies by Reverend Orsella, through which she has officiated over 300 weddings worldwide.
On Women in Ministry: She believes being assigned to a “connectional pulpit” was a ceiling-breaking opportunity. While she notes that women are often overlooked for certain positions, the increase encourages her to see more women serving as Presiding Elders, Seminary Presidents, and Bishops.
Presiding Elder Kim Anderson: Following God’s Path
On January 29, 2026, I interviewed Presiding Elder Kim Anderson. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, she was also a Girl Scout in Troop 347. Shout out to them.
Early Interests: Before entering the ministry, she worked in the Educational Department at Channel 13. She originally wanted to be an actress and began performing in church plays at age 9.
Ministry Career: The Lord called her to minister in 1993. Her service includes:
Pastor: Served in Browns Mills, New Jersey, for 8 years, and at Metropolitan Harlem for 12 years.
Presiding Elder: She has served the Manhattan District for approximately 4.5 years.
Reflecting on History: Presiding Elder Anderson noted that while women are more embraced today, it was historically difficult for them. She highlighted that figures like Jarena Lee believed in the movement even when women were not allowed to be ordained, but still ministered.
Words of Wisdom for the Youth: Both leaders shared important advice for the younger generation. Pastor Hughes encourages us to love ourselves, not rush the process, and grow a strong network. Presiding Elder Anderson reminds us that “You can’t go wrong with God” and that we should always put God first.
We concluded that we should all follow God’s path and trust God to see where God takes us.
In completing this activity, I have gained a great deal of information about both of these prominent female figures. Not only did I see them, but this experience helped me get to know them on a deeper level. For instance, my pastor has been involved with my troop, and we collaborated with our church’s YPD to complete this workbook. My YPD Director, Kimberly Myers, always encourages and prepares me well for any presentation I have to do. She has been part of my journey from the early age of three, when I led The Lord’s Prayer during a Mother’s Day Service, until now, ensuring my lip gloss is “popping” before leading The Call to Worship.
Before any church service I would participate in, we would always rehearse together. She would make sure she had answered all my questions or concerns.
Pastor Hughes mentioned growing up, she didn’t see women in the pulpit on a regular basis. I am happy and truly grateful she is a part of my life. This brings joy to my heart because I have my church and scout family working together to make the world a better place. Elder Kim performed in plays and was a Girl Scout—this is right up my alley since I am the same.
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Saint Luke AME Church, Harlem, New York, our troop celebrated our First Girl Scout and Faith Day. It was an honor to see my pastor and Elder Anderson in the same space again. Even better, I have a deeper bond with them. My pastor and my mom, who is also my troop leader, made this event happen. This experience had a plot twist since no one told our troop that Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie would be present.
I have been researching her for two months to earn my patch. I am lucky to say that I am surrounded by great female figures. I was sitting in the pulpit with Bishop Vashti McKenzie, who was the guest speaker. It was an honor for me to watch my interviewees speak highly of her–the person I was sitting right next to. I am still in awe, and everyone was filled with so much love and emotion. Then the waterworks began. This International Women’s Day will be forever etched in my heart.
About the Author: Sadie Wilson is a 5th-grade student of PS 121X Throop School, Bronx, New York, and a member of St. Luke AME Church, Harlem, New York.
Congratulations Sadie! You have produces an amazing article. About three outstanding women in your life, and you shared it with us. I’m so proud of you, keep shining and inspiring all of us.