Founders Day Observed with Special Worship Service
By Bridget J. Floyd, Ph.D.
This year, St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama, celebrated “the life and legacy” of founder, Bishop Richard Allen on Sunday, February 11th during the 10 am worship service. The guest preacher for the event was the Rev. Dr. Garland F. Pierce, Executive Director of the Department of Christian Education for the AME Church. Dr. Pierce received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Furman University (SC) and the Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School (TN). He earned the Ph.D. from Claremont University (CA).
The St. John Praise Team, Gospel Choir, and the Liturgical Dance Ministry augmented the special service. The Rev. Charles Glover gave the invocation and the Rev. Gloria Madison read Psalm 27:1-14. The “Founder’s Day Litany,” written by the late Bishop John H. Adams, was led by Master Michael Clark. Prior to the introduction of Dr. Pierce, Pastor Maurice Wright, II highlighted the St. John member selected for recognition on this second Sunday in February, Mrs. Charlsie Brooks. Dr. Lee Williams, II was featured on the first Sunday.
Pastor Wright then introduced a “sermonic moment” from Dr. Roland Carter, teacher, composer-arranger, and conductor. Dr. Carter conducted a weekend music workshop which culminated in a concert on Sunday evening as part of the Founder’s Day celebration. Dr. Carter blessed congregants with his piano arrangement of the spiritual “Steal Away.” The inspirational, virtuosic performance garnered rapt attention as well as a standing ovation.
The tone was set for the sermon, “It’s Who You Are!” The text was Matthew 5:13-16. Dr. Pierce began by highlighting key parts of the text, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world,” along with the importance of a strong identity. He noted that identity is important throughout the sermon. On a personal basis, it can give people the strength to extricate themselves from an abusive relationship and avoid inappropriate verbiage, behaviors, and entrapment in financial debt/spending. He also emphasized the significant history of the AME Church and African Americans. He stated, “We are AME’s! We are AME Strong! This Identity Matters!” Again, referring to the text, Dr. Pierce emphasized the affirmation in the present tense, as opposed to future or past tense. He said, “You are the salt of the earth” and You are the light of the world.” He encouraged the congregants to let their lights shine. He closed by citing the Ultimate Identity of God (the “I am“) and Jesus (the “Resurrection and the life“).
Dr. Pierce extended the invitation to discipleship and the call for prayer as the congregants sang “This Little Light of Mine.” The commemoration of Founder’s Day was off to a great start with affirmation, encouragement, and history. The culmination was to come in the concert later that evening.
