Lee Memorial AME Church Celebrates 94th Church Anniversary
On February 23, over 600 worshippers filled two worship experiences to celebrate the 94th Church Anniversary of Lee Memorial AME Church. Lee Memorial has been a fixture in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland for nearly a century, providing leadership, assistance, and spiritual guidance. The anniversary took special significance for the recently-appointed pastor, the Rev. Micah C. T. Sims. Pastor Sims was given the task of shepherding the leading AME Church congregation in Cleveland and the North Ohio Annual Conference of the Third Episcopal District, in October 2019.
Bishop John R. Bryant, the 106th elected and consecrated bishop in African Methodism, served as guest preacher for the 94th Church Anniversary Celebration. Bishop John thanked Pastor Sims and “Pastorette” Tameaka Sims for assuming the role of spiritual leaders for Lee Memorial and encouraged them and the church to “Take the City for Jesus!”
Gracing Lee Memorial during the worship experience at 11am was Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III, who serves as the presiding prelate of the Third Episcopal District. Bishop Reid addressed the thriving congregation and gave a riveting introduction of his episcopal colleague, mentor, and predecessor as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore. Bishop Reid shared with everyone that “There is only one John R. Bryant and his mark upon African Methodism and the kingdom of God is unmatched.”
The worship experience was filled with the presence of the Holy Ghost. Individuals filled the sanctuary with prayers, singing, and praise to celebrate the goodness of God in this congregation. Pastor Sims shared, “Our best days are ahead of us and nobody is mad but the devil. We aren’t looking to just continue to grow numerically but also grow in our spirituality so that we can abide in the power of God every day!” #igotoLEE
*pictures provided by Marlene Gabby Keith
