The 8th Episcopal District Hosts Welcome Reception for Episcopal Leadership Team
On Tuesday, December 12, 2024, history was made at the Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi when the 8th Episcopal District gathered to greet newly assigned Bishop Erika D. Crawford and Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Dr. Hugh Marriott. While receptions had been held in each of the Annual Conferences, the clergy and lay leadership of the Episcopal District decided to host a formal reception at the seat of the planning meeting so that the entire 8th Episcopal District family could jointly show welcoming hospitality to their newly assigned Episcopal leadership.
The Reverend. Dr. Samuel Boyd and the membership of Pearl Street hosted a splendid affair showcasing their famed hospitality and attention to detail—capped off with an exquisite cake honoring Bishop Crawford’s beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. At the reception, ecumenical greetings were extended by UMC Bishop Sharma Lewis, who noted that for the first time, two Black women were the Methodist leaders of Mississippi and extended her hand of fellowship to the African Methodist Episcopal Church for continued partnership.
The worship service featured a variety of entertainment from across the Episcopal District, including the Men’s Chorus of Pearl Street (by special request of Bishop Crawford) and youth dancers from Mary Springhill AME Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, who shared a video due to being unable to attend because of school activities. Public officials, including Mississippi Transportation Commissioner and Pearl Street member Willie Simmons, greeted the Episcopal team. The evening was capped with a presentation by Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe on behalf of the Presiding Elders of the 8thEpiscopal District and remarks by Bishop Crawford and Supervisor Marriott.
Gr8t things can be expected from the 8th Episcopal District!
