Email: cuaofbrooklyn@gmail.com Tel: 347-789-8016
Committees
Committee Chairmen 2025
Jacquelyn Mock
Alumni
Michael Jacocks
William H. Davis Honor Club
Mary Eley
Sarah Sherman Health Unit
Robert DeBrule
Timothy Douglas Men’s Fellowship
Sharon Fortune-Davis
Program
Norman Whitfield
School of Ushering
Shelia Simmons
Presidents' Council
Anna James
Investigation Committee
Gertrude Hardwick
Parliamentarian Chairman Emeritus
Gail Pixley
Arts & Crafts
Kenneth Robinson
& Lillie Grant
Advisors to Young Adults
Rodney Cooper
M.B. Mathis Male Chorus
Jamal Edwards-Frayer
Junior Supervisor
Sonia Branigan
Public Relations
Marcia Messiah
Supervisor Council
Rebecca Harrison
President Council Chairman Emeritus
Willa Stevens
Outreach
Azalee Martin
Board Member Emeritus
Betty McIver
Benevolent / Sick & Charity
Barry Ward
Education
John Forrest
Chairman Emeritus M.B. Mathis Male Chorus
Kimberly Jones
Assistant Junior Supervisor
Mary R. McNair
Publications’ Committee
Harold Collier
Ushers Chorus
Betty R. Butler
Historian
Pearl Massey
Outreach Chairman Emeritus
Alberta Jones
President Emeritus
JUMP TO A SPECIFIC COMMITTEE:
The Alumni Department | The Program Committee | Parliamentary Committee | The Investigating Committee | The Presidents' Council | The Outreach Committee | The Public Relations Committee | The Benevolent Committee | The Sick & Charity Committee | The Benevolent / Charity Committee | The William H. Davis Honor Club | The Timothy Douglas Men's Fellowship Committee | The M. B. Mathis Male Chorus | The Publications' Committee | The Sarah Sherman Health Unit | The Supervisor Council | The Marshalls | The Ushers Chorus |
The Education Committee
The Alumni Department
Jacquelyn Mock, Chairman
“Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgements.” Psalm 119:164
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THOMAS A . ELLIS ALUMNI TRIBE NO. 1 began in the year 1958. Mr. Warren Lea of Brooklyn, NY was appointed National Eldad. Mr. Warren Lea advised the locals to form Units in their home States. In the fall of 1958, in the city of Brooklyn, NY, the Thomas A. Ellis Alumni Tribe # 1 was organized. The First Chairman was Levite Eddie Anderson from Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church. Subsequently, the following have served as Chairmen of the committee: Anna Belle Jones and Josephine Washington of Bethany Baptist Church; and Mae B. Mathis of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights; The current Chairman is Levite Jacquelyn Mock of Antioch Baptist Church.
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In 2013, under the leadership of Levite Mae B. Mathis, Instructor Lillie Grant submitted a “Book of Seven” through New York State competing in the National Alumni Department’s Book of Seven competition. This submission received 1st Place during the competition in Atlantic City, NJ.
The Alumni Committee is a charity committee that has provided financial donations to its members and donated gift baskets to members of various churches who are sick or shut in. As an annual fundraiser for the Association, the Alumni Luncheon that is held during the month of February, recognizes members of the committee and our organization for their outstanding service.
The Program Committee
Sharon Fortune-Davis
The Committee was organized in January 1948. The purpose of this committee was to plan the “Tag Day Night Program;” render programs at various churches when requested by the Pastor, also coordinate the Memorial Program. During Memorial Service Weekend the Committee works closely with the Host Church to set up the church for the Memorial Service. In 1994 under President John L. Everett, Jr., the Tag Night Program was changed to Thomas A. Ellis Founder’s Night Program. In conjunction with Church Ushers Association of New York State the Committee continues to coordinate the Memorial Service Program and assist in Decorating the church for the memorial Service which is held the 2nd Sunday in November.
The first Chairman Was Betty Jones, Bethany Baptist Church. Other Chairmen who served were David Joyce, Gloria Griffin, Pleasant Grove Baptist Tabernacle; Josephine Washington, Bethany Baptist Church; Jackie Austin, Little Zion Baptist Church; Frances Carmona, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; Annie June, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church; and Nancy McIntosh-Bedden, Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church; Gary Armstead, Janes United Methodist Church; Gail Bouyer, Pleasant Grove Baptist Tabernacle; and Sharon Fortune-Davis, Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church, was appointed Chairman in 2024.
Parliamentary Committee
The Committee was organized in January 1953. Ther first Chairman was O’neal Holland, Cornerstone Baptist Church. Other Chairmen who have served were Lucille Miley, Williamsburg Christian Church; Mabel Simon, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; Pauline Baxter, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights; Gertrude Hardwick, Concord Baptist Church; Filmore F. Gregory, Emmanuel Baptist Church served as Acting Chairman.
The Investigating Committee
The Committee was organized in January 1953. The responsibility of this Committee is to visit all Usher Boards submitting application for membership in the Association. The first Chairman was David Joyce. Other Chairmen who served were: Oneal Holland, Cornerstone Baptist Church; Romie K. Smith, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; Eula Sivells, Evening Star Baptist Church; and Helen Witcker, Fenimore United Methodist Church. Anna James, Berean Baptist Church was appointed in 2007.
Anna James, Chairman
The Presidents' Council
The Presidents’ Council was organized by President Henry Ballard in 1943, in the home of M. Robbie Moore, President of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Usher Board. Attendance consisted of member churches’ Usher Board Presidents. The Council was organized to stimulate the interest of Usher Board Presidents from various churches in the hopes that they might get better attendance at the Association Meetings and to unify the Ushers’ Annual Sermon Day Program. Presidents who attended Association Meetings and Annual Sermons were able to report to their individual Usher Boards about important business happenings throughout the Association.
The 1st Chairman was Clarence Reid, Bethany Baptist Church. He served 22 years. The 2nd Chairman was Susie M. Bedden, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights. She served 23 years. The 3rd Chairman was Rebecca Harrison, Mount Ollie Baptist Church; she served 24 years., and was bestowed the title of Chairman Emeritus in December 2020. The 4th Chairman was Nancy Armstrong, Mt Sinai Baptist Church. She served for 2 years. Sheila Simmons, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church’s tenure began in January 2021.
Sheila Simmons, Chairman
Clarence Reid Armstrong
Susie M. Bedden
Rebecca Harrison
The Presidents' Council meet monthly in-person and via Zoom Networking and important information on Ushering depends greatly on the convening of The Presidents' Council. New Church Usher Board Senior Presidents are always welcome to join the Council. To help support the Association financially, the Presidents' Council sponsors at least one fundraising event yearly.
The Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee was organized in 2007, under the leadership of President Alberta Jones. The mission of this Committee is to promote the growth of the organization and develop program to provide services to the community and beyond. The first Chairman was Nancy Armstrong, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church who served one year. The second Chairman was Pearl Massey, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, who served for 17 years, and is currently the Chairman Emeritus. The current Chairman is Willa Stevens of Greater St. John Community Church. The Outreach Committee contributes to various charity and non-profit organizations of the Local, State, Eastern Region and National levels. Donations have been presented to various shelters, the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, Texas Disaster, St. Jude, Kidney Foundation, Eastern and Southern Regions affected by Hurricane Ida and the earthquake. In August of 2024, 55 Backpacks filled with basic school supplies and extra supplies were presented to Dedria Lacy, Assistant Principal of P.S. 335 Granville T. Woods School.
Willa Stevens, Chairman
Nancy Armstrong
Pearl Massey, Chairman Emeritus
Pictured left to right: Lillie Grant (Committee Member) Dedria Lacy (Assistant Principal), Gail Pixley(Committee Member
The Child Development Support Corporation, of Brooklyn, New York was the recipient of this year’s Baby Clothes and Toys Drive (Newborn to 12 years of age) spearheaded by the Outreach Committee. Community Relations Manager, Mireille Massac, accepted the donations.
The Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee was organized under the leadership of President John L. Everett, Jr. for the purpose of publishing and promoting our Association, events and activities via the news media and social media platforms. Also, send written correspondence to Elected Officials and others, inviting them to special programs and events. The Public Relations Committee is comprised of ushers from various churches that are members of the Church Ushers Association of Brooklyn & Long Island, Inc. This Committee also works closely with the Church Ushers Association of New York State, Inc., Public Relations Committee; the Eastern Region Public Relations Committee; and the National Alma Cooper Hawkins Public Relations Department. Chairmen who have served this Committee were: Lee Collier, Salem Missionary Baptist Church; Thelma Bowen, Buria “Barry” Warren, Mt. Olive Baptist Church; Cora Boyles, Emmanuel Baptist Church; Crystal Walker, Janes United Methodist Church; Elaine Greene, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; and the current Chairman, Sonia Branigan, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights was appointed in 2024.
Sonia Branigan, Chairman
The Benevolent Committee
This Committee was organized to keep a record of deceased ushers and submit the list to the Program Committee prior to eh New York State Memorial Service in November and the National Convention in July. The Committee also sends Sympathy Cards with a donation to decease ushers’ families. Louise Singletary, Glover Memorial Baptist Church, served as Chairman for more than 30 years. Melrose Meadows, Trinity Baptist Church was appointed Chairman in 2011.
The Sick & Charity Committee
The vision of a Charity Club was first presented to the Association by President Henry Ballard in 1941. The Sick & Charity Club became an official Committee of the Church Ushers Association of Brooklyn & L.I. in 1943. Ushers from member churches were encouraged to join the Charity Club. At that time, President Ballard encouraged the Committee to prepare and donate “food baskets” to the needy. The first Chairman was Emily Green of Cornerstone Baptist Church. The Committee also pledged to visit sick ushers when possible. For many years, the Committee prepared meals and delivered them to ushers who were homebound. The Committee currently sponsors a “Special Project” and present donations to sick and shut-in ushers. Some of the Past Chairmen were Gladys Hardwick, First Baptist Church of Sheepshead Bay; Emily Barnett, Cornerstone Baptist Church; Fannie Johnson, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church; Betty McIver, Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church; and Narcissus Brinson, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church.
The Benevolent / Charity Committee
In 2023, during President Filmore F. Gregory’s tenure, the Benevolent Committee and the Sick & Charity Committee were combined. Kimberly Gholston was appointed the first Chairman. The combined Committee continues to serve the same purpose as the two individual committees, which includes submitting a list of the names of deceased ushers to the Unit President in June and October, as well as reporting on all sick ushers at the Association’s business meetings; and forwarding cards and well-wishes, also including sending condolences to deceased members’ families. Betty McIver currently serves as Committee Chairman.
Betty McIver
The William H. Davis Honor Club
Michael Jacocks, Chairman
The Committee’s purpose is to work closely with the State and National in selecting deserving Ushers to receive the William H. Davis Honor Club Medal utilizing the point system. Chairmen who have served: Daisy Moore, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church; Dorothy Horner, Antioch Baptist Church; Mary Patterson, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; Bessie Lee, Newman Memorial United Methodist Church; Arturo Reid, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights; Arvetta Drumgold, Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Members dedicated to this Committee were: Helen Willis-Alexander, Cornerstone Baptist Church; and Willie Lee, Brown Memorial Baptist Church. They served tirelessly during their tenures as State Chairmen and was instrumental in helping New York State receive several 1st Place plaques at the National Convention. Other members who have served include Cora Boyles, Emmanuel Baptist Church; Rebecca Boone-Lee, Greater St. John Baptist Church; and Jacquelyn Mock, Antioch Baptist Church.
In 2022, William Sheridan Jamieson was appointed Acting Chairman of this Committee and served in that position until 2025, at which time Michael Jacocks was appointed Chairman. In 2023, at the National Convention in Washington, DC, Filmore F. Gregory was awarded the William H. Davis Medal of Honor, presented by the National Chairman Linda Prince-Roberts.
The Timothy Douglas Men's Fellowship Committee
Robert DeBrule, Chairman
This Committee was originally organized in May of 2014 as the Men’s Fellowship Committee. Timothy Douglas served as the first Chairman. The organizing Officers were Michael Jacocks (Vice Chairman) House of The Lord Pentecostal Church; Filmore F. Gregory (Secretary) Emmanuel Baptist Church; and Kenneth Robinson (Advisor) Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church. The Men’s Fellowship Committee was formed for the purpose of encouraging greater participation of males as Ushers and increase their attendance at National Conventions, Mid-Year Meetings, Regional Conferences, State Conventions and State Memorial Weekends, and the Local Unit as well as find areas of common interest when the men come together. The Committee serves as a vehicle for these men to serve as mentors to the Young Adult and Junior Ushers. Additionally, it provides an avenue for the men to fellowship with these young male Ushers in group settings, thereby serving as role models for them.
Timothy Douglas was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Inc. who grew up in the Church Ushers Association of Brooklyn and Long Island where he served as President of the Junior & Young People Department. He also served as Junior President for the Church Ushers Association of New York State, Inc., as well as the 15th National Young Adult President. Timothy Douglas also served as Chairman of the National Filmore F. Gregory Men’s Fellowship Committee from July of 2015 until his premature death in June of 2016. During his tenure, the Committee published the first National Directory of Male Ushers.
Upon Chairman Douglas’ death in June of 2016, Vice Chairman Michael Jacocks became Acting Chairman until he was appointed Chairman in December of 2016. As a fitting tribute and in recognition of his loyalty and dedicated service to the Men’s Fellowship Committee and the Church Ushers Association, the name was changed from Men’s Fellowship Committee to “Timothy Douglas Men’s Fellowship Committee.” His legacy lives on. Michael Jacocks was appointed Chairman in 2017 and served until 2023. Current Chairman, Robert DeBrule was appointed Chairman in 2023.
Timothy Douglas
The M. B. Mathis Male Chorus
Rodney Cooper, Chairman
The M. B. Mathis Male Chorus, originally the School of Ushering Male Chorus, was organized January 9, 1999, after all the males of the 1998 class of Juniors, Young Adults and Seniors sang a song as part of the graduation ceremony. Under the leadership of President Alberta Jones and School of Ushering Chairman Mae B. Mathis of first Baptist Church of Crown Heights the vision became a reality. In 2000, Louis Chappell of Brown Memorial Baptist Church was appointed Chairman of the School of Ushering Male Chorus. That same year the name was changed to the M. B. Mathis Male Chorus. The vision also was to get more men involved in the Association. John Forrest of Trinity Baptist Church was appointed as the 2nd Chairman; Norman Whitfield, Glover Memorial Baptist Church, was appointed as the 3rd Chairman; and the current Chairman is Rodney Cooper of New Hope Baptist Church. Leonard Morris was the 1st Musician for the Chorus. In 2000, world class pianist and singer Ruby Johnson became the 2nd Musician (2000-2004). The 3rd and current Musician, William (Bill) Robinson, Sr. (2005 – present). In 2016, the M. B. Mathis Male Chorus recorded a 12-track CD entitled “God’s Amazing Grace.” On February 8, 2021, the Church Ushers Association bestowed the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of The M.B. Mathis Male Chorus upon John Forrest of Trinity Baptist Chorus.
The Publications' Committee
(Formally The Reporters Staff)
Mary R. McNair, Chairman
The Editorial/Reporters Staff was organized under the leadership of the 7th President; Henry Ballard in 1938. The purpose of this committee was to inform the Member Churches of the Organization of activities going on throughout the city through publication of a small booklet named the Church Ushers Bulletin; this Committee consists of Ushers from member churches. The First Chief Editor was Effie Ballard of Antioch Baptist Church; she served for 34 years; 1938-1972. Following Sister Ballard’s passing in 1972 Harriet Pemberton finished out her term. George Vickers of First A.M.E. Zion was one of many publishers. The Second Chief Editor was Beatrice Johnson Chase of Concord Baptist Church; she served for 17 years 1973-1990. The Third Chief Editor was Mattie Williams of Zion Baptist Church; 1990-1992. (Photo unavailable) The Fourth Chief Editor was Glendora Fields of St. John Baptist Church 1992-1998. The Fifth Chief Editor is Mary R. McNair of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights; 1999-Current. The Reporters Staff continue to publish the Bi-Monthly Ushers Bulletin which now also includes news of Local, State, Eastern Region and National activities and events.
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In 2022 under the Leadership of the 10th President, Filmore F. Gregory, the Reporters Staff was renamed the “Publications’ Committee.”
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*During COVID 19 the last Bulletin published was Vol.93 January-February 2020 No.1; afterwards the Bulletin was suspended; as member churches were closed. Moving forward the First “Newsletter” April 2024 Issue was published and distributed electronically in May, as in the past it covers all issues relating to activities of the ushers on all levels and is distributed electronically.
Effie Ballard
Beatrice Johnson Chase
Glendora Fields
The Sarah Sherman Health Unit
Mary Ann Eley, Chairman
The Sarah Sherman Health Unit was organized under the leadership of the late President, Henry Ballard, on January 26, 1950. Sarah Sherman of the Bethel Baptist Church was appointed the first Chairman at a meeting held at the Church Ushers Home which was located at 915 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. During her tenure, Ms. Sherman served as Chairman for thirteen years. She contributed to the growth and welfare of the Health Unit. After her demise, as a tribute to her hard work and dedication, President Ballard felt it fitting to rename the Health Unit in her honor as the Sarah Sherman Health Unit.
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Madie Raymond, with her soft and stern voice, led the Sarah Sherman Health Unit util her health failed. After her passing, Adelie Lucas of the Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church became Chairman. She also served the Health Unit well for many years until her passing. Afterwards, Florence Owens of Zion Baptist Church became Chairman. She was a Board-Certified Registered Nurse. Under her leadership, CPR and First Aid were taught by professional Instructors.
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Although being ill, Mrs. Owens love the Nurses and attended many Sermons until she was called home. Subsequently, President Ballard asked Sister Clarine Miller, who was serving as the Vice President, to lead the Sarah Sherman Nurses. After the passing of our beloved Sister Florence Owens, President Ballard appointed Sister Clarine Miller of Berean Baptist Church as the next Chairman. The Unit continued to grow. After serving the Sarah Sherman Health Unit for many years, Sister Clarine Miller retired as Chairman and was replaced by Sister Marie R. Smith by President John L. Everett. Under her leadership the Unit continued to grow. Sister Marie R. Smith served for many years as our 6th Chairman. President Alberta Jones appointed Deaconess Mary Ann Eley from Brown Memorial Baptist Church as Chairman. The Sarah Sherman Health Unit is continually growing, and we continue to strive to do our best to serve our Communities and our Church families. The Sarah Sherman Health Unit has been serving for approximately 75 years.
The Supervisor Council
Marcia Messiah, Chairman
The Supervisor’s Council of the Church Ushers Association of Brooklyn and Long Island is composed of Supervisors from the various local churches that are members of the Church Ushers Association. These Supervisors have jurisdiction over the Junior and Young People Ushers of their local church and come together under the umbrella of the Supervisor’s Council. The mission of this Council is to provide leadership for the youth, strategies for growth on the local level and the Association level, as well as implement fundraising events to support the Junior and Young People Department. The monies raised are sent to the State and on to the National for the Vicie Juran competition.
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The Supervisor’s Council was organized on Saturday, November 15, 1952, at Antioch Baptist Church in Brooklyn. At this meeting, President Henry Ballard of the Church Ushers Association of Brooklyn and Long Island, appointed Usher Elizabeth Stevens of Williamsburg Christian Church as the first Chairman of the Supervisor’s Council. The first Officers of the Council were: Recording Secretary, Usher Mae Miller of Little Zion Baptist Church; Financial Secretary, Dorothy McNair and Treasurer Usher Fannie Jackson, both of Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. Usher Elizabeth Stevens served the Council until the year 1961. Usher Jennie Daniels from Cornerstone Baptist Church became the 2nd Chairman. Her tenure lasted until 1971. The 3rd Chairman of the Council was Usher Genevieve Seals from Bethel Baptist Church. Usher Seals was appointed in 1972 and served until 1978. Next, Usher Maybelle Lewis from Bethany Baptist Church became the 4th Chairman in 1979 and carried the ball for two years. The 5th Chairman was Lilly Curry of Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church, and she served form1982 until 1993. From 1994 until the year 2000, Usher Nancy Armstrong of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church became the 6th Chairman to lead the Supervisor’s Council.
In 2001, Usher Nancy McIntosh-Bedden of Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church became the 7th Chairman, and she served until 2006. From 2007 to 2008, Usher Linda Scott of Mt. Ollie Baptist Church served as the 8th Chairman. Usher Betty McIver of Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church served as the 9th Chairman, and she served until 2022. Usher Sheila Coleman was appointed Chairman in 2023, followed by Marcia Messiah in 2024. We thank God for His grace and His Guidance down through the years and going forward.
The Marshalls
The Marshalls Committee’s duty is to attend all meetings of the Association, to preserve order therein, and to report to the Presiding Officer any violations of rules and regulations. They shall not permit members to leave the business meetings without the permission of the Presiding Officer. The Marshalls attend all Annual Sermons. They are to be at their duty station 30 minutes prior to the start of the Annual Sermon and distribute programs, seat all visiting Ushers, Special Guests, and visitors. Clarence Brown of Newman Memorial United Methodist Church served as a Marshall for over 20 years and received the title of Marshall Emeritus. Other men who have served for long periods of time include James McDuffy of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, and Freddie Salley of Greater St. John Community. Both are now deceased. Alex Shiver of Cornerstone Baptist Church served a Marshall until his relocation to the state of Texas. Jenny Grimsley, a member of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, is the first female to serve as a Marshall. She was appointed by President Emeritus Alberta Jones.
Wade Mitchell, Head Marshall
Bruce Barry, Sr.
Arma Jones
Jenny Grimsley
Ronald Yearwood
Antonio Riley
(PICTURED ABOVE – FROM LEFT) CLARENCE BROWN (DECEASED) | ARMA JONES FREDDIE SALLEY (DECEASED) | WADE MITCHELL | ALEX SHIVER
The Ushers Chorus
The Ushers Association Chorus was orgnized in 1937, under the leadership of Jane Gray, who served as the first Chairman. The Director/Pianist was Mary Gardner. The second Chairman was Florence Cromartie, and the Pianist was Leila Caroll. Effie Ballard was the next Chairman, and the Pianist was Elizaeth Butler. The fourth Chairman was Robert Carrion, and the Pianists were Mrs. Patillo and Professor Clarence Hatcher. The fifth Chairman was Marie Joyner, and the Director/Pianist was Enid W. Hinds. Henry Ballard served as Advisor to the Chorus. The succession of Chairmen continued with Bertha Ramsey, Albert Hines and Verneal Kizer-Cooper. The current Chairman is Harold Collier, and the Vice Chairman/Director is Verneal Kizer-Cooper.
Harold Collier, Harold Collier
The Ushers Chorus continues to sing God’s praises!
The Education Committee
Barry Ward, Chairman
The Education Committee was organized in 1937 under President Henry Ballard. The first Chairman was Helen Chapel of Antioch Baptist Church. Other Chairmen who have served are Furman Walls, Cornertone Baptist Church; Leola Edmond, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church; Elizabeth Stevens, Williamsburg Christian Church; Janie Bradley, Glover Memorial Baptist Church; Miriam Cherry, Cornerstone Baptist Church; Isabelle Robinson, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; Bethenia Banks, St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church; Mary Oliver, Cornerstone Baptist Church; Barbara Benn, Emmanuel Baptist Church (later Bethany Baptist Church); Beverly Houston, Bethany Baptist Church; Mildred Moore, Bethel Baptist Church; Brenda Jenkins, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church; and Annette Reid, First Baptist Church. The current Chairman is Barry Ward of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.
The Committee was established to encourage and inspire young people to obtain a fuller and richer life toward some special achievement or career and reach the highest possible goal. Scholarships and Savings Bonds are awarded to youth Ushers through competition in Oration, Vocal, Essay, Instrumental, and Spelling Bee. Funds to support this endeavor are raised from each Usher’s Scholarship dues. Over the years, numerous Ushers have participated in the New York State Viola Starling Education; the Eastern Region and National United Church Ushers Association of America’s Allan A. C. Griffith Sr. Education Department Contest and won various Scholarships. Our latest contestant to compete on the National level was Caleb Farmer of Brown Memorial Baptist Church. He participated in the Spelling Bee Contest and won First Place.
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The Committee is honored to have assisted young people with their education. The Education Committee aims to motivate, educate, and inspire students in financial literacy, vocational training, and college preparation. Thanks to our members for their encouragement and support over the years.
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“An investment in Education pays the best interest.”
~ Benjamin Franklin