June 2026, New York, NY The 205th Session of the New York Conference was held from June 11th through June 14, 2026, at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, New York. Rev. Dr. George D. Crenshaw, Bishop for the Northeastern District (N.E.E.D), presided. Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion (Jamaica, NY), where Rev. Xavier E. Hunter is pastor, was the host church.
In his printed address to the Conference, Bishop Crenshaw wrote, “… I stand before you with a heart overflowing with gratitude and joy as we convene for the 205th Session of the New York Annual Conference..., let us celebrate the rich legacy of our annual conference traditions that will be woven together with fresh insight, renewed faith, and a deep love for the work of the church for another year.”
The Conference opened with the Morning Worship Service on Thursday, June 11th, the Rev. Xavier Hunter, presiding. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, Senior Pastor at Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, was the Chief Celebrant and preacher for the Service of Holy Communion.
It was a full day of events for clergy, laity, and delegates. Bishop Crenshaw convened the Business Session with the Organization of the Annual Conference and heard reports from the various committees. The reports of the Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Delegates followed. The Lay Council Hour was also held before the delegates recessed for lunch. Bishop Crenshaw gave his Episcopal Address during the afternoon Worship Service and received additional committee reports.
Terneisa Lynn Calhoun, Co-Conference Director, served as the Worship Leader for the Christian Education Department Evening Worship Service. The CED Stoling Ceremony was conducted by Bishop Crenshaw. The guest preacher was Rev. Natalie Wimberly, Pastor, Clinton Memorial, Greenpoint, Long Island, NY.
The Missionary Convocation was held on Friday, June 12th. Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Laurenna H. Crenshaw presided and received reports from the various committees. Bishop Crenshaw introduced the preacher for the worship service, Rev. Dr. Wallace A Noble, Senior Pastor, St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion, New Rochelle, NY. The Missionary Candlelight Service and Stoling Ceremony were held Friday evening. Mrs. Crenshaw led the Call to Worship. Ms. Debra Waldron, Ms. Robin Kirondi Branch, and Ms. Andrea Sturdivant read the Roll Call of New Life Members, Matrons and Patrons. The Charge to the Candidates and Prayer of Blessing were given by Missionary Supervisor Crenshaw. The Missionary Message was delivered by Rev. Dr. Brandon McLauchlin, Pastor, St. Charles A.M.E. Zion Church, Sparkill, NY.
The Christian Education Convocation was held on Saturday morning, June 13th. Dr. Valentina Stubbs delivered the Visionary Moment. The Praise & Worship segment followed. Rev. Jarrod Morris, Shaw Temple A.M.E., Amityville, NY, was the preacher for the Morning Worship Service
The Sunday Worship Service on June 14th opened with a majestic and profoundly moving processional of clergy as the congregation joined the Conference Choir in singing “God of Our Fathers.”
Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. A. Alfred Carson (NY District) led the Call to Worship. “I’m so happy this morning because the New York Knicks Won! I’m so happy this morning because it is my 23rd wedding anniversary! I’m so happy this morning because it is the final session of the New York Annual Conference! But what gives me joy is that this is the day the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it!”
Rev. Dr. Marvin D. Hooks, Pastor, First A.M.E Zion Church, Brooklyn, NY, offered the morning prayer.
Presiding Elder Stephen Pogue (Westchester District) presented the Bishop. PE Pogue said it was an honor to introduce the Bishop. “I could tell everyone about his many honorary and earned degrees, his pastoral accolades and successes, but I want to talk about our Bishop as a man.” He spoke about the Bishop’s generosity, selflessness, and his wonderful sense of humor. “I’ve had the opportunity to be around when he lets 'his episcopal hair down… '; the Bishop will have you cracking up all day long, and at the same time he is very serious about the people God has placed in his hands.”
Bishop Crenshaw began his address by thanking the New York Conference and commending Rev. Xavier Hunter, Pastor of the host church, for his leadership. The Bishop read from Romans 8:28-30 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Bishop Crenshaw said in Romans 8:28-30, Paul explains to the Gentiles the true meaning of salvation. Paul wants the Romans and us to know who God is and explains that God is a triune: The Father (creator), the Son (redeemer), and the Holy Spirit (sustainer). God is just and merciful. “The truth is, had it not been for mercy, none of us would be here this morning.” Many of us know how far God has brought us and how merciful God is and that “our mistakes of the past do not derail our destiny.”
Bishop Crenshaw said, “I know that through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus. He satisfied my past, sanctified my present, and secured my future,” …, “and the voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude.” Bishop Crenshaw asked everyone to “turn to your neighbor and say, I know what I know.” In closing, Bishop Crenshaw said, “We are marching up to Zion, that beautiful, beautiful City of Zion, because we know everything is going to be alright.”
Rev. Isidoa Branch, Jr., Pastor, Jackson Memorial (Hempstead, NY) asked, “Isn’t it good to know what we know?” and extended the invitation to Christian Discipleship.
Pastoral appointments were read. Bishop Crenshaw delivered the benediction ending the 205th Session of the New York Annual Conference.
Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd, Senior Pastor at Mother Zion, had high praise for Bishop Crenshaw’s leadership. Rev. Byrd said, “This was one of the best conferences I have attended. The sessions were well-organized and efficient.” He also had high praise for the host church, Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion. “Rev. Xavier E. Hunter and the members of Rush Temple are to be commended for their hospitality and fellowship.”
Conference Highlights:
The NYCA Facebook video reels asked, “Are You Ready for the NYAC 2026?” Answer: Yes, everyone was ready! Milagros Cintron, member of Mother Zion, certainly was. Milagros has attended many conferences over the years. “All of the conferences are exciting,” she said. This year, however, she served as a delegate and worked at the Registration Desk for the New York City District and had an opportunity to experience the inner workings and operational aspects of the Church. “I worked with a wonderful group of ladies and a wonderful team. Many thanks to Sis. Dominque Scott and to Sis. M. Denise Nile for their assistance. “It was a great learning experience.”
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