Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Lawnside, New Jersey Celebrates 229 Years; Jarena Lee Tomb Rededicated

On December 12, 2021, the members of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church and well-wishers from across the connectional AME Church gathered to celebrate the 229^th Anniversary of Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Lawnside, New Jersey. Pastored by the Rev. Dr. Michael Chism, the congregation is one of several along the eastern seaboard that existed before the AME denomination was organized at the first General Conference in 1816. The church is also the final resting place of Jarena Lee, the first woman licensed to preach in the AME Church. At the 2016 General Conference, Jarena Lee was recognized as an ordained itinerant elder by the Connectional Church.

On December 9, a group of distinguished female clergy came together to discuss “The Reverend Jarena Lee Experience.” Moderated by the Rev. Dr. Jamie F. Eaddy Chism, the first lady of Mt. Pisgah, the panelists included the Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford (Connectional President, AME Women in Ministry); the Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan (Senior Pastor, St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); the Rev. Dr. Toni Belin Ingram (Presiding Elder, Augusta North District, August Conference, 6^th District); and the Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgerman (Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Methodist Theological School in Ohio). These panelists reflected on the life and legacy of the Reverend Lee not only in the AME Church but also for the Black Church and beyond.

The Sunday anniversary celebration featured two dynamic preachers and female pioneers of the AME Church. At the 11AM service, Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Executive Director of Research and Scholarship of the AME Church preached from Psalm 34:8 “A Taste of Assurance” drawing from the experience of Rev. Jarena Lee, a former first lady of that church and encouraging the church to remember how they had tasted God’s deliverance through the years.

The 3:30 PM service featured the virtual rededication of Reverend Jarena Lee’s tomb. Rev. Dr. Jaquita Wright Henderson (1^st District) opened with the call to worship. The Rev. Lerato Pitso, 19^th District, delivered the invocation. Scriptures were read by the Rev. Dr. Mila Cooper (3^rd District), the Rev. Kamaria Byrd-McAllister (1^st District), and Presiding Elder Beatrice Motokoa (18^th District) Musical selections were provided by the Connectional Music and Christian Arts Ministry and Zak Williams/1Akord. The Rev. Dr. Jamie Eaddy-Chism, the first lady of Mt. Pisgah, Lawndale, introduced the afternoon preacher Retired Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Bishop McKenzie preached from Philippians 1:27-28, “Hang on In There,” and reminded the people of the determination of the Rev. Jarena Lee and the need for persons to have that same determination today. After the service, the Rev. Linda Samuels-Ellerbe gave the invitation to discipleship. The ceremony of dedication was led by the Rev. Terrilisa Bauknight (1^st District), the Rev. Adunnola Waterman (1^st District), the Rev. Shonda Gladden (4^th District), and the Rev. Dr. Erika Crawford. The service closed with the benediction from the Rev. Maxine L. Johnson (1^st District).

We thank God for the opportunity to host this momentous occasion to celebrate 229 years as well as honor a trailblazer who is still making an impact.

Persons interested in purchasing a commemorative Rev. Jarena Lee tote bag can send $15 and address information to Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Lawnside through: