State History
ALABAMA - INACTIVE
Alabama was officially accepted into the organization at the
93rd NATIONAL CONVENTION
JULY 30, 2012
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
On January 28, 2012, Director Harold Hester, Jr., National Treasurer Dr. Linda Pates and Past National President Willie Minnifield traveled to Shorter, Alabama to present the National organization to several churches in the surrounding area. The host church was Bethel Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Rev Adrian Taylor Pastor. The presentation was overwhelmingly received and a second meeting was immediately set up for May.
On May 19, 2012, Director Hester, Dr. Pates (Dr. Pates husband James Pates) and Past National President Minnifield met to organize the State. In attendance were Rev. Adrian Taylor – Bethel Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Jonathan Temple, Pastor of Walker Chapel Church Director Hester held the elections. The elected Officers are: President – Gwendolyn White, 1st Vice President – Sherry Williams – Recording Secretary – Jocelyn Tillman, Financial Secretary – Ashley Simpson, Treasurer – Lynette Freeman, Chaplain – Bonita Hutcherson. Alabama makes our Tenth State in the Southern Region.
ARKANSAS
THE HISTORY OF ARKANSAS STATE USHERS
The State of Arkansas was organized on March 12, 1939 in the Arch Street Baptist Church. At that time, its membership consisted of six churches: Arch Street, Bethel A.M.E., First Baptist, 7th and Gaines, Mt Zion, St. Johns, and 26th and Main. The first to serve as President was Cleo Robinson. He served for a period of 6 months and resigned.
The State called a meeting and elected A.L. Shepherd to President to serve the balance of the year. He served as President from 1941 to 1945. Arkansas Ushers progressed under his leadership. His footprint can never be erased. There are always those whose efforts seem to add much to the progress of an organization. A.L. Shepherd was just such a man.
When the Union was first organized, he was elected as Chaplain and it was his delightful pleasure to sign and pray for the success of the State.
In 1941, Little Rock Ushers’ Union became a part of the State Usher’s Federation of Arkansas, Inc. It also became a member of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. During the years, this Union has steadily progressed from the six churches. At present, its influence and service is extended throughout the State.
The membership is devoted, loyal and consecrated to the purpose of the Church and Church Ushering.
The Ushers of Arkansas is noted throughout the State and Nation for its progressive outlook and devotion to principles and ideas. The purpose of the State is to create and foster a uniform method of Church Ushering, to form a closer bond of friendship and social contact between the members of the several churches, and to help in the Evangelical Spread of the Gospel.
Under the leadership of A.L. Shepherd and his fine corp of officers, ably assisted by the ranks and files of the Union, we looked forward to the continued success in our chosen field as Christian workers.
The following were the first corp of Officers: President Cleo Robinson, Interim President A.L.Shepherd, Vice President Lonnie Bennett, Vice President T.H.Dannah, Recording Secretary Teaster Rollins, Assistant Recording Secretary Selma Young, Financial Secretary M.S.McElroy, Treasurer Gerti Clemons and Chaplain Henry Anna Tate.
Presidents who have served the State of ArkansasCleo Robinson - A.L. Shepherd - Russ Crawford- Rosie Parchmond – Lonnie Bennett - Mack Payne – Willie Slay and our current President is Michael Stevens.
FLORIDA - INACTIVE
THE HISTORY OF THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH
USHER OF FLORIDA - INACTIVE
The I.C.U.A. of Florida was organized in September in 1988 under the leadership of Regional Director Willie J. Minnifield. The concept of the National had already been shared with Rev. Curtiss Long. Rev. Long was instrumental in bringing in the State of Georgia into the National Organization; therefore his familiarity with the organization was very helpful.
The first meeting was held in November 1988 at Stewart-Isom C.M.E. Church in St. Petersburg, FL. There were 35 ushers in attendance including Juniors and Young Adults representing four Churches. Highlights of the National were given by Director Minnifield as well as information regarding how to join and the structure of the National. Oni Oluremi-Minnifield gave a School of Ushering Workshop.
The second meeting was held on February 2, 1989 in which the joining fee was paid. Andrew Taylor was elected as the First State President. The Second State President was Joan Murray. Andrew Taylor was re-elected as the Third State President. In July, 1989, at the National Convention in Philadelphia, the State of Florida was accepted into the organization. In 1990, Florida hosted the Southern Regional Conference. In attendance were President Paul Finch and Fourth Vice President, James N. Jones.The State was slow in building, but it continued to recruit new members. Others who assisted in organizing Florida were: Julius Minnifield, Jr., Margery C. Pace, Maggie Mitchell, William Hester, Antoine Jordan, Joleathia and Keith Minnifield.
Andrew Taylor is a Past National Nominating Committee Member. In 1993, Freda McRae represented Florida and the Southern Region in the National Oratorical Education Contest and won First Place.
In 1993, the state held its first School of Ushering Graduation. Oni Oluremi-Minnifield was the Graduation Speaker. Florida graduated 35 students. Andrew Taylor attended the National Convention and received his Instructor’s Certificate and Bachelor’s Degree. The school was taught by Willie Minnifield and Oni Oluremi-Minnifield.
The State of Florida was reorganized by Regional Director Harold Hester, Jr. Under Director Hester’s leadership, Eugene Weaver was elected President. Eugene Weaver served as the host State President when Florida hosted the National Convention in Jacksonville, FL in 2008.
Although Florida was inactive, the Southern Region hosted the 2012 National Convention in Orlando, FL. The Rev. Curtiss L. Long served as the Host Pastor.
Florida was reactivated at the 94th National Convention in Atlantic City, NJ (July, 2013) under the Leadership of Regional Director Dr. Linda Pates.
GEORGIA
THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH USHERS ASSSOCIATION OF GEORGIA, INC.
The idea or concept of the N.U.C.U.A.A., INC. begin with Michele Smith of Washington, D.C. and
Oni Oluremi-Minnifield who both were taking Graduate classes at Georgia State University.
Michele was invited to attend Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church with Oni as her guest. During her
visit, she noticed that Oni and her husband Willie were Ushers. Michele informed them of the
National and they were eager to learn more. Michele, in turn, contacted her father, Honorary
President, Raymond A. Smith. During a conversation with Rev. Curtiss L. Long, pastor at Holsey
Temple C.M.E., Oni and Willie discussed what Michele had told them about the National. Rev.
Long contacted Rev. Smith and he made arrangements for the four of them to meet with
Honorary President Smith in his home in Washington D.C. to discuss the organization. A very
fruitful meeting was held and information was given to them on the organization. Afterwards, a
meeting was set up to present the organization to the State of Georgia. Third Vice President
Arthur Jackson relayed the information to the Southern Regional Organizer George Faber. On
July 14, 1979, Bro. George Faber introduced the organization at a meeting that was held at
Paschal Brothers Hotel (restaurant & hotel of the Civil Rights Movement) in Atlanta, GA. Those
present at the meeting were: Rev. Curtiss L. Long, Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church, Rev. L. W. Jay,
Butler Street C.M.E Church, Rev. John Thompson, Westside Community C.M.E Church; Rev. M.L.
Raglin, First Corinth Baptist Church; Brenda Minnifield (Oni Oluremi-Minnifield) and Michele
Smith.
On Sunday, July 15, 1979, the Ushers at Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church met with Bro Favors. The
President of Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church Young Adults Usher Board, Willie J. Minnifield,
presided over the meeting. Brochures were passed out, as well as, programs from the 1975
Convention held in Louisiana, past copies of the Doorkeeper, copies of the Southern Regional
Conferences and Directories. Present at this meeting were: Willie and Oni Oluremi-Minnifield,
Brenda and Gilchrist Garrett, Carolyn Green, Lula Cade, George Cade, Julius Minnifield, Jr.,
George and Julie Collier Mae Zachery and Eddie Wilson. A $50.00 joining fee was received.
On July 24, 1979, Rev. Curtiss L. Long attended the National Convention in Philadelphia, PA, to
represent the 14 churches in the State of Georgia. Rev. Long offered remarks, including an
invitation to come to Atlanta for a National Convention. It was moved by Mary Alice Gordon,
and seconded by Henry Ballard that the State of Georgia becomes a member of the National.
The motion was carried.
On September 14, 1979, an organizational meeting was held to set up the structure of the
State of Georgia. The meeting was conducted by George Faber, Bessie “Tish” Taylor-Jett and
Arthur Jackson. We were also honored by having the Chairman of the National Board of
Directors, Lewis Martin, to help us organize. The newly elected officers were: Willie J.
Minnifield –President; Michele Smith – Recording Secretary; Corrine Stamps – Financial
Secretary; Helen Hester – Treasurer; Karen Mosley – Chaplain; Willie Collier chairman of the
School of Ushering.
The Charge was given by Arthur Jackson, Sr. and George Faber. Bessie “Tish” Taylor- Jett
conducted a School of Ushering Workshop and explained the various Departments and
Committees. The Foundation was laid and the State of Georgia was on its way.
In 1980, Willie and Oni (Oluremi) Minnifield and Michele Smith represented the State of GA in
Memphis, TN. These were our First Official Delegates as a New State. We are grateful to those
ushers who moved to the State and immediately started to work: Hannah and Joseph Allen –
MO; Roxie Hollins - OH; Annie Cottrell – OH; Walter and Gracie Benjamin – IL; Carol Griffin – NY;
Harry and Evelyn Richardson – NY; Rosetta Faulkner – Draper – IL; and Cameo Clark – CA.
FIRST AND SEVENTH STATE PRESIDENT - Willie Minnifield – 1979-1987/ 1997-2000 -Under his
Administration Five Cities were organized; The State Bylaws were developed and the State
became incorporated; He established all of the National Departments; The State of Georgia
received its National Charter; Started the First School of Ushering; Instituted an Annual Prayer
Breakfast; and held the First State meeting.
SECOND STATE PRESIDENT - Oni Oluremi-Minnifield – 1987-1990 – Oni established our First
Alumni Tribe; Oni organized the State into four Districts; Instituted a Two Day State
Convention and produced the first State Souvenir Journal; The School Graduated 102 Students
and two of Atlanta’s Historical Churches joined the organization – Big Bethel A.M.E and Wheat
Street Baptist Church.
Third State President - Pearlena White - 1990-1991 – Under Pearleana’s Administration the
State continue to grow.
FOURTH AND ELEVENTH STATE PRESIDENT – Margery C. Pace – 1991-1994/2009 to present –
She reorganized the State Boundaries; Instituted the Aids Walk; Developed the Willie J.
Minnifield Training and Development and Outreach Departments; and Established the Elijah
Hamilton Tag Day.
FIFTH STATE PRESIDENT - Harold Hester, Jr. – 1994 – 1995 – Harold reorganized the State into
two Districts; Proposed several Bylaw Changes.
SIXTH AND TENTH STATE PRESIDENT – Barbara Eunice – 1995-1997/2007-2009 - Barbara
developed a binder for each Vice President, the Young Adult and Junior Presidents containing
information to assist them in recruiting new churches; Supported the Willie J. Minnifield
Training and Development and Outreach Departments; In conjunction with the Board of
Directors, revised the State Bylaws; Continued the Aids Walk; Coordinated “An After Christmas
Banquet to remember” ; and Supported the LeRoy Johnson Build Fund.
EIGHT STATE PRESIDENT – Julius Minnifield, Jr. – 2000-2005 – Hosted the 2004 National
Convention held in Atlanta, GA.
NINTH STATE PRESIDENT – Harry Richardson - 2005-2007
Tenth State President - Harold Hester
Our First Junior State President was Joleathia Minnifield-Jones and Margery C. Pace served as
our First Young Adult President.
The State has made numerous accomplishments since joining the National in 1979. National
Officers: Willie Minnifield - 14th National President, 1st, 2nd, 3, and 4th National Vice Presidents
National Board of Directors Member and Chairman of the Past National Officers; Harold Hester,
Jr. 21st National President – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th National Vice Presidents, National Board of
Directors Member, National Nominating Committee, and National Corresponding Secretary; Oni
Oluremi-Minnifield – National Board of Directors Member, National Nominating Committee
Chairman; Margery C. Pace – Recording and Assistant Recording Secretaries, Nominating
Committee; Barbara Eunice – National Corresponding Secretary; Jaye Blackman – National
Nominating Committee Chairman, Memorial Chairman and Outreach Chairman; Maggie Mitchell
– Arts and Crafts Chairman; Helen Hester National Memorial Chairman.
Joleathia Minnifield-Jones – Junior National President; Keith Minnifield – Young Adults
President and Trustee of the R.E. Harshaw Foundation; Curtiss Hester – Chairman of the Young
Adults Board of Directors.
The State of Georgia has also been the recipient of several National Awards: Alumni – Book of
Sevens; Usher of the Year – Julius Minnifield, Jr. and Harry Richardson; William H. Davis Medal
Of Honor – Willie Minnifield, Oni Oluremi-Minnifield, Harold Hester, Jr., and Barbara
Eunice; Honorary Medal Recipient Hannah Allen; Educational Contestant Winners: Brian
Morgan, Makeba Davis, Teresa Howell, Shelia Blackman, Brandon Porchea, Olu Fann, Kira Jean
Lynch, and Brian Morgan.
The State of Georgia has 17 National Instructors.
LOUISIANA
The Lousiana Church Ushers
The Louisiana Ushers were organized in June 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana at Fourth Mark Baptist Church; Rev. E. J. Thompson was the Pastor.
Mrs. Luella Johnson attended the National Ushers Convention. Her desire was to be a part of this great National Untied Church Ushers Organization, Mrs. Johnson brought all the papers and ideas back to her church Ushers. She looked for a place to hold a meeting so she could tell all the ushers about this about this great Usher’s Organization. As she moved around, she asked Rev. E.J. Thompson and he gladly opened his doors. Many Ushers attended this meeting. Rev. Morris Edwards was the Advisor. On this Sunday, there were Junior and Senior Ushers present. Mr. Swiftly Davis from the state of Texas and Mr. Robert Allen from Chicago, Illinois were there to give all the support they could.
The Usher’s officers were elected and Mr. Robert Allen suggested that Mrs. Luella B. Johnson become President. It was agreed and all officers were installed. Now they were ready to go to work. Members were added, Camille Hardy joined and this was a help to Mrs. Johnson, who was really glad that Louisiana was a part of this great organization.
In 1975 Louisiana hosted the NUCUAA at the Fairmont Hotel and there Mrs. Johnson was honored. Our State Convention has been in progress over twenty years. Lillian B McKee served as acting President and in 1978 Mrs. Luella Johnson was made President Emeritus. Maggie Walker became President and with her leadership, we continued to progress. Several National Conventions have been hosted in Louisiana. Sister Maggie Walker stepped down as President, due to the illness of her husband. In 1999 Dr. Wilbert Collins of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Slidell, Louisiana was appointed President by President Walker and the State body. Sister Lilly Richardson was appointed President of the city of New Orleans, and surrounding vicinity.
In the year 2000, Sister Gillis T Branch was appointed as the City Chairman of the New Orleans School. In 2001, Sister Branch was elected as State Chairmen of all schools of Louisiana. New Orleans school was renamed by a majority vote from city wide Ushers of New Orleans to New Orleans School of Ushering Ministry.
In May of 2003, State President, Lilly Richardson and state and city Chairman Gillis T. Branch all organized the Baton Rouge School of Ushers, with great assistance of Bro. Prince Pointed, who was and still remains president of Baton Rouge School of Ushers.
God has truly blessed the schools to have members to graduate through the teaching of Chairman Gillis T. Branch. We have seven Instructors and a host of graduates. She instituted an Instructors’ workshops and training classes for Instructors and promising Instructors.
In September of 2003, Sister Lilly Richardson was voted in as President at the Pleasant Valley Baptist church in New Orleans, LA, Rev. Vanadu, pastor.
In September of 2004, the School of Ushers of Slidell, La. started preparing for new classes, but due to the disasters that were caused by Hurricane Katrina in Slidell in August, 2005, the class of 2005 was scheduled to be held in Baton Rouge, LA which was later postponed. In September 2006, the annual State School workshop and 4th graduation commencement was held at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Slidell, LA. Sister Tanya Moses, 2nd Vice President was the Host in Slidell, LA.
“We’ve come this far by Faith”…… our 40th year State Convention was held June 22-23, 2007 at Promise Land Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, La., Rev. Perry Wright, Pastor, Bro. Prince Pointer, Chairman and Sis. Diane Gray, Co-chairman.
In 2010 after making many trips back and forth to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and still displaced in Texas, Sis. Lilly Richardson stepped down as President. At the June 12, 2010 State meeting at the Friendship Chapel B.C., Baton Rouge, LA. Gillis T Branch was nominated for State President and voted in by the body and Sis. Gwendolyn Jason was voted in by the body as Vice President. The slate of elected 2010-2011 officers are : Diane Gray, secretary, Bernadine Collins, financial Secretary, Cassie Thomas, Chaplin, Augustine Getteridge, assistant Chaplain, Jerry Kennedy, Sergeant At-Arms, and LaVerne Seaberry, Assistant Sergeant At-Arms.
The fourth school of Ushers was organized in 2008 in Kenner, La with Laverne Seaberry as President. Under the Stewardship of Missionary Lilly Richardson and Minister Gillis T. Branch four schools were set up: New Orleans, Slidell, Kenner, and Baton Rouge, LA, Seven Instructors and many graduates…
The year of 2010, under the watch of President Gillis T Branch, challenged the State with a number of “firsts”- first Annual Alumni Banquet; first Memorial Day program; first Graduation/installation of Officers’ Ceremony and; first Pre-Honorary Program before the state convention. We are just Praising God and enjoying the journey that God has the State on. We are steadily growing for it is a new day and all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and call according to His purposes. If we keep stepping to Jesus, He will make every thing alright.
Our current President is Prince Pointer of Baton Rouge, LA
MISSISSIPPI
A History of Mississippi Association of Church Ushers
The Mississippi Association of Church Ushers was organized on June 14, 1960 by Rev. Fred Duckens at the Pilgrim M. B. Church, pastored by Rev. E. W. Cornelious. Rev. Duckens called a group of people together to set up an adequate system of church ushering that would extend to rural areas to train others in order to make the church services better.
Working in the organization at its beginning was J. E. McNeamer who was state president. Mr. McNeamer worked mostly in the city of Jackson, Mississippi. Others who worked were Mr. Shelby McLaurin, Mr. Nathaniel Heard and Mr. G. C. Williams. The organization had three churches: Pilgrim M. B. Church, St. Matthew M. B. Church, and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. The first name of the organization was the Hinds County Ushers Association, but as the organization began to grow, other churches outside of Hinds County joined. Consequently, it became necessary to change the name from Hinds County Ushers Association to Adjoining Counties Ushers Association. The organization operated under this name for three years. Then there was a problem. There was another association who had the same name. Therefore, the name of the association was changed to the Central Mississippi Association of Church Ushers. The association grew with the help of the Lord. The association set up membership in Copiah County with eighteen churches on roll, Scott County had an enrollment of 8 churches, and Yazoo County was originally on roll, but had been inactive for three years. Rev. Fred Duckens, Mr. Aaron George, and Mr. W. M. Walker filed an application for the association to become a corporation. On January 16, 1969, the association became a legal corporation in the state of Mississippi.
In the summer of 1975, President Duckens and his wife, Mrs. Mildred Duckens, and Mrs. Allen Lindsey attended the National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were informed by the National United Church Ushers of America that in order to receive the state charter the association would have to change the name by removing the word, “Central.” On September 3, 1975, the name was changed to Mississippi Association of Church Ushers. In 1987 Mississippi was chartered by the National United Church Ushers of America, Inc. Today, the association is still legally functioning as a non-profit corporation in the state of Mississippi. Currently, there are three districts: Claiborne County, Hinds/Utica, and Jackson/Pearl. There are approximately 20 churches on roll.
The goal of the founders of the association was to make every usher in the state of Mississippi a member of the Mississippi Association of Church Ushers. This is still a dream that is alive in the hearts and minds of the current membership. In 1977 the state hosted the first Southern Region Conference (SRC) in Jackson, Mississippi. Since then the state of Mississippi has hosted the 1997, 2004, and 2011 SRCs. The founder Rev. Duckens served as president until his death in 1990. In 1990 Louis Buck was elected president and served until 2003. William Shoto served as president from 2003-2006. Dr. Linda Barnes-Pates was elected as president in 2006. At the 2012 State Convention, Ron Jones was elected as President.
The following has been elected or appointed as Southern Region Officers: Louis Buck, Assistant Director; Dr. Linda Pates, Credential Chairperson, Assistant Financial Secretary, Financial Secretary, Assistant Director, and Treasurer; Marian Garner, Assistant Financial Secretary; Ron Jones and Ethel Myles, Chaplain; Colleen Green, Leroy Johnson Building Fund Chairman; Cora Obie, Assistant Junior Supervisor and Junior Supervisor; and Wilma Shoto-Ridge, Assistant Queen Coordinator.The following has been elected or appointed as National Officers: William Shoto, Nominating Committee and
Dr. Pates elected as Treasurer.
South Carolina
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH USHERS INTERDENOMINATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA (CUIASC)
The Church Ushers Interdenominational Association of South Carolina was organized on June 17, 1994 by Bro. Frank Hastie Jr. The Charleston area was organized under the leadership of Bro. Hilton Washington and Sis. Rose B. Washington. The Sumter area was organized under the leadership of Bro. Eddie Brown and Bro. Calvin Hastie.
South Carolina joined the national body of NUCUAA, Inc. on August 1, 1994 at the 74th Convention which was held in Detroit, Michigan. At that time, CUIASC had seven member churches. Four South Carolina delegates attended the Convention: Bro. Frank Hastie Jr., Bro. Hilton Washington, Sis. Rose Washington, and Bro. Calvin Hastie.
The South Carolina chapter held their first state convention on June 9-10, 1995 at First Baptist Missionary Church in Sumter with nineteen churches in attendance. Officers were elected and installed at this convention. The founder, Bro. Frank Hastie Jr., was elected President. Also in attendance at the first convention were: the National President, Bro. William J. Minnifield; First Lady, Sis. Oni-Oluremi-Minnifield and the National Secretary, Sis. Margery Pace.
The 2nd State Convention was held on June 7-8, 1996 at the Holiday Inn in Summerville. The host church was New Hope Baptist Church (Charleston, SC) where Rev. Mark A. Gadsdell served as pastor. By the 2nd State Convention, twenty-eight churches had joined CUIASC. When the 1996 National Convention was held in New Orleans, forty delegates from South Carolina were in attendance.
Since that time, CUIASC has been represented at both the Southern Regional and the National Conventions. In 1998, our junior contestant, Ms. Tamara Washington, won at the Southern Regional for the Essay competition. She then went on to Detroit and won 2nd place at the National Convention and received a $4,000 scholarship.
At the 4th State Convention, Bro. Eddie Brown was elected president of CUIASC. In the year 2000, he was the first member from South Carolina elected to serve on the National Board of Directors and he continues to serve in that capacity. Also, Bro. Hilton Washington was elected to serve as the Sergeant-of-Arms and Bro. Calvin Hastie was elected to serve on the Election Committee. Also, CUIASC has been blessed with other members working and serving on various committees at the regional and well as the national levels.
In 2006, CUIASC elected Bro. Glenn Abraham of St. Peters AME Church (Charleston, SC) to serve as president of our chapter. Unfortunately, due to illness, he was unable to continue to serve in that capacity and Bro. Eddie Brown was reinstated as president. Currently, there are seventeen churches who maintain membership in CUIASC.
The ushers in South Carolina are planting (Church Ushers Ministries), are watering (witnessing), and are receiving rewards (blessings).
North Carolina
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA STATE USHERS - INACTIVE
The State of Carolina joined the organization in 1987 under the combined leadership of Arthur Jackson and Willie j. Minnifield. Bro. Jackson had laid the ground work with the State prior to his going out of office. Bro. Minnifield set up the first meeting with the State and accepted their application. At the organizational meeting, Bro. Minnifield organized the State and held their election. Jean Brodie was elected the first President. Sis Bessie Tish Taylor-Jett gave a workshop on the benefits of being a member. Bro. Kensey Lewis gave a workshop and set up the School of Ushering. Sis Oni Oluremi-Minnifield gave an overview of the Education Department.
The State of North Carolina became inactive but, it was reorganized by Director Pauline E. Young. Director Young assigned Regional Organizer Bro Frank Hastie to continue to work with the State. In 2004 North Carolina was reactivated.
Unfortunately, North Carolina once again became inactive. Director Harold Hester, Jr. and Chairman of the President Council of the Southern Region have held several workshops I an effort to bring them back into the organization.
TENNESSEE
The United Church Ushers Federation of Tennessee
The ideal of a church Ushers Federation was born 1915 in the heart of our founder Bro. J. B. McGhee of New Prospect Baptist Church. Several attempts were made to organize but failed.
On February 8, 1924 a meeting was called at the Metropolitan Baptist Church to accept the constitution by-laws and elect officers. The committee consisted of Bro. James Anderson of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bro. Wilburn of New Salem Baptist Church, Bro. Sidney Askew, Central Baptist Church and Bro. B. J. McGhee. The purpose was to create friendly relations with all church ushers, to promote Christian civilization, to teach responsibility, religiously cooperate to ensure the strength of unity and to come together to receive instructions.
Bro. B. J. McGhee served from February 1924 until July 1941. They met at Bloomfield Baptist Church and elected Bro. R. E. Harshaw, Jr. of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Bro. McGhee was given the honor of President Emeritus; he went from labor to rest on February 15, 1945.
Bro. Robert Emmett Harshaw, Jr. led the Mt. Zion B. C. Usher Board for 36 years as president. The 2nd State President of the Ushers Federation for thirty years, (July 1941 –December 1971). In July 1945, we united with the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. and he was elected as 4th Vice President. In 1948, he was elected as 2nd Vice President. While serving as the 2nd Vice President, he had a dream of a penny a week donated by the Ushers 52 cent a year help establish a scholarship Fund that would educate our youth. In 1960, as National President he presented his dream to the National Convention. Beginning in 1968, this foundation was established for the exclusive purpose of enabling the Association to grant undergraduate tuition scholarships and graduate or professional fellowship stipends to qualified applicants and make contributions to educational institutions.
After the passing of Bro. R. E. Harshaw Jr., Bro Curtis Richmond of Magnolia First Baptist Church, servicing as Vice President of TN completed the term of Bro. Harshaw as State President. January 8, 1972, Bro. Richmond was elected 3rd State President of Tennessee. Under the leadership of Bro. Curtis Richmond, two chartered buses were taken to the National Convention in Washington, D. C. One bus was taken in 1973 to Convention in Detroit, Michigan. The name of the organization was changed to The United Church Ushers of Tennessee, hoping to encourage other churches to join. We established a President Council, held our First Annual Tea, Revised our Junior and Young People and Young Adult Departments as well as the School of Ushering and our Board of Directors grew stronger.
On June 26th – June 29th, 1974, the United Church Ushers Federation of Tennessee had its “First State Convention.
Bro. Alfred Howard serving as Vice President was elected as 4th State President in December 1975 serving until June of 1995.
Bro. Curtis Richmond served a 2nd term from June of 1980 until June of 1995, as the 5th President. He also served as the 9th and 10th President, 2001 – 2003. Bro. Richmond served a total of 20 years as President of our organization.
Sis. Eunice Kuykendall, Shady Grove Baptist Church was our 6th State President and the First Lady President serving from June 1975 until June 1997.
Bro. Alfred Howard, Jr., in June of 1997 served a 2nd term as our 7th State President serving until his call from labor on March 8, 1998.
Sis. Janie Tyler, Shady Grove Baptist Church became State President to serve out his term. She was elected as our 8th State President and our 2nd Lady President in June 1998.
Our 11th State President and 3rd Lady President was elected in June of 2003 and served until June of 2006 was Sis. Ida M Hampton, of New Life Baptist Church. Sis. Hampton worked faithful in the Outreach Department in the National. During her tenure we raised $707.70 for the Katrina Crisis on October 1, 2005.
Sis. VeAnne Spencer Buchanan our 4th Lady President and 12th State President was elected in June 2006 and served until June of 2010. Sis. Buchanan has served as President of Magnolia First Baptist Church ushers ministry from 2005 - 2009, a State Board of Directors, Financial Secretary and Treasurer in the State. On the Regional level, she served as Chairman of The Health Unit, Assistant Financial Secretary and Treasury. Sis Buchanan was elected as a National Board of Director Member at the 2007 National United Church Ushers Association of America., Inc. in Denver, CO.
Our 13th State President was Sis. Joyace Guinn, of Mt. Zion Baptist Church serving from June of 2010 until June 2011.
Sis. VeAnne Buchanan was reelected in June of 2011 - present.
Texas
Texas
Texas Church Ushers
In 1926, church ushers from Dallas and Ft. Worth met in Dallas and organized the Texas Church Ushers. George T. Jenkins a member of the St. John Baptist Church, Dallas led this organization effort. The Texas cities who accepted the invitation to join were: Austin, Waco, Wichita Falls, Houston, Beaumont, San Antonio, and Nacogdoches. In the 1940-1950 years, the following cities joined: Amarillo, Longview, Marshall, Terrell, Kilgore, Overton, Port Arthur, Henderson, Corpus Christi, Hearne, Branchville, Mexia, Tatum, Palestine, Clarksville, Gladewater, Teague, Hempstead, Rusk, Troup, Abilene, Sherman, Killeen.
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The goal of the founder of the organization was to make every city in Texas a member of the Texas Church Ushers. This is still a dream that is alive in the hearts and minds of the current membership.
Still today the Texas Church Ushers promotes Christian fellowship. Ushers gather for the Annual Convention that includes General Sessions, School of Ushering, Training and Development and many other activities. These fellowships give one the opportunity to express the goodness of the Lord.
Texas Church Ushers
Past & Present Presidents
Some of the Past Presidents include: A.W. Briggs – Dallas, W.D. Kirkpatrick- Ft. Worth, L.B. (Swifty) Davis – Longview, Fred Moore – Austin, Frank Vaughn – Ft. Worth, Fred D. White – Marshall, R. H. Hickman – Houston, William Berry – Terrell, W.C. Owens – Kilgore, Willie L. Lacy – Dallas, W.W. Brown – Henderson, Delma Ward – Amarillo, Leo Terry – San Antonio, Arthur Jackson – Austin, Alvin Stewart – Dallas, E. E. Owens – Amarillo, George A. Faber, Sr. – Kilgore, Milton Berry Jr. – Austin, Fredrick Gilliam – Houston, Joe Prelow – Dallas, Anthony Williams – Port Arthur, Frankie Beck – Houston, Richard Wright - Sherman, George Merida – Dallas and our current President is Ricky Prater - Port Arthur. Your support of the current President and officers would be greatly appreciated.
U.S. Congresswoman from the State of TX served as a Youth Ushers. In 1952 she won First Place during Speaker’s Bureau (Education Department) held at the Greater Bethesda Baptist Church in Chicago, IL.
Other men and women who helped TX move forward and progress are: William Berry, Arthur Jackson, L.B. “Swifty” Davis, A.W. Briggs and George Faber, and Pauline E. Young all were National Vice Presidents, Velma Lacey and George Faber served as National Parliamentarians. L.B. “Swifty” Davis and George Faber were Regional Organizers. George Faber also served as the National Doorkeeper, National, Regional, and State Board of Directors, Emily Hicks and Edith Rector were Chairmen of the Arts and Crafts Department, Valverda Lemons, Evelyn Washington and Lula Mae Woodward Past National Board
Member, Isaiah Tatum Past National School of Ushering Chairman and Halson National Board of Directors.
The State of TX is proud of the following who have served as National Young Adult Presidents Edith Clark, Rev. Lamar Jones, Shawn Wright.and Christi Justice.
We are Proud of Destine Merida - Dallas, who served as the National Junior and Young People President from 2013 - 2015.