179th Session of the New England Annual Conference Convenes in Massachusetts

Westborough, MA - The New England Annual Conference convened from June 15-17, 2023, under the sophic leadership of the Right Reverend Dennis Vernon Proctor. The conference was held at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton in Westborough, MA, and hosted by the Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church of Worchester, MA. 

No stone was left unturned in welcoming conference participants efficiently and enthusiastically.  After experiencing virtual Annual Conferences for three years, it felt like we were attending a big family reunion in person.  As a consequence, participants didn’t, as often as expected, take advantage of their hotel rooms being down the hall or an elevator ride away. Instead, it was not uncommon to see small groups of conference-goers gathered in fellowship.  Conference attendees have known Bishop Proctor to use time judiciously throughout his tenure as our episcopate, but some wondered if that would change given the NEC was reduced to three days. Bishop Proctor, however, has a shepherd’s heart. Thus, he ensured that his flock had time to relax and fellowship by structuring the conference to maximize time while making certain all that needed to occur took place, including the election of delegates and alternates to the General Conference.

The highlight of the Annual Conference is receiving spiritual directions from our episcopal leader.  Bishop Proctor’s directives teach and encourage clergy and laity alike as he articulates a vision for the New England Conference.  Bishop Proctor titled his episcopal address, “Remember Lot’s Wife: The Danger of Taking God’s Grace for Granted.” He made the following points: 1) Be careful of thinking that your family legacy gives you an exemption from the will of God, 2) You can be in the right place, hearing the right message and yet never adhere to God’s standard, 3) Mrs. Lot made the right step, she left Sodom but Sodom hadn’t left her, though Sodom wasn’t evident, there was still within her, a residue of Sodom, and 4) Lot’s wife had a good cover but it wasn’t enough and she lost her life.  Bishop Proctor is a masterful preacher and teacher so the Conference erupted in praise and adoration to God as he concluded his Episcopal Address.

Other highlights of the New England Conference included the following preachers:  the annual sermon given by Rev. George Woodruff, the Education Message given by the Rev. Dr. Leroy Perry, the Missionary Convocation Meditation given by Rev. Samuel Saylor, Sr. and the Missionary Night Message given by Rev. Samuel Blanks.  The New England Conference was blessed by the missionary activities on Friday led by our queenly Missionary Supervisor, Mrs.  D. Diane Proctor.  The day also included a wonderful celebration for our own Sis. Vanessa Clayton, outgoing General Chairman, Life Members Council, WHOMS.  The New England Conference concluded with the Reading of Appointments for Conference and District lay and clergy positions, including pastoral assignments.  The members of the NEC gathered for holy conferencing and the Spirit of God hovered over a hotel transformed into a worship space.