Macon County, AL - The Union Springs District of the Alabama Conference had a fruitful conference year that began on a high note and ended on a bittersweet note for two district-leading organizations in A.M.E. Zion infrastructure.
The WH&OM Society, under the leadership of Mrs. Artie Cobb, celebrated several events, but it was their April Anniversary program celebrating 143 years that was the conference's most outstanding event. During the program, the department presented its district Senior Queens, who have represented their churches and communities since 2020, when they were chosen and when COVID changed the nature of the work of the project. The contestants, all over the age of 70, competed for the title of Union Springs District Senior Queen and included 2nd Runner-up from Ross Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Mrs. Lucille Davis; 1st Runner-up from County Line A.M.E. Zion Church, Mrs. Catherine P. Jones; and Mrs. Sally Echols of Tyson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, who earned the distinction of Senior Ms. Union Springs District. “I wanted to highlight not only the strong women of Zion who are responsible for the society’s growth and accomplishments but also women in our local churches who have worked tirelessly throughout the years within their church doing whatever was needed for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God,” said Mrs. Cobb in reference to her motivation for a Ms. Senior Pageant.
As a result of the contest and several other initiatives throughout the conference year, the entire department was able to attend the WHOMS Quadrennial in New Orleans in July. The ladies ended the conference year with a long goodbye to Mrs. Cobb, who was active in WHOMS for years as the wife of the late Presiding Elder James Cobb but took on the responsibility of supervisor in 2012. Mrs. Cobb has moved further into the state of Georgia, but her wonderfully laid plans, ministries, services, and unique ideas for inclusion and fundraising will remain in the hearts and minds of the missionaries across the Union Springs District and the Alabama Conference for years to come. The department members who worked with Mrs. Cobb for the last few years are Rev. Tina Betts, Patricia Felton, Berniece Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Richardson, and Linda Williams. These missionary ladies expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Cobb with accolades and gifts. Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Grimmett presented Mrs. Cobb with a beautiful plaque for her many years of dedicated service and thanked her for a job well done.
The Christian Education department was continuously busy as all the directors together created, developed, organized, presented, and addressed issues and events that are important to the church and to the African-American community. They began the conference year with a busy December that included a journey to Tuscaloosa, AL, to worship at Hunter’s Chapel AME Zion Church for the CED Advent Service and their Alabama Conference annual “Christmas Cheer,” a project that blesses an entire family but has a special emphasis on gifting children with clothing, age-appropriate toys and games, and toiletries. As is its tradition, the department produced four publications that were dispersed throughout the district: a Black History program, Sunday School Convention, and June Vacation Bible School. Ms. Nadine Ivy, District Director of CED, was presented the Eichelberger Award from the Alabama Conference CED in late summer. During Christian Education Month, the final program of the conference year was a service held on September 16, 2023, featuring youth who identified scriptures appropriate to every aspect of one’s emotional and mental health. The guest speaker for this occasion was the Honorable Anthony Daniels, Alabama House Representative for District 53 and former student of CED District Director Nadine Ivy. Representative Daniels is the youngest and the first African-American Minority Leader in the Alabama House of Representatives. In his message, Mr. Daniels acknowledged his childhood and high school days when he was a student of Ms. Ivy’s and Coach Huffman’s, both of the Union Springs District. Mr. Daniels stressed the importance of the church in pushing the ideas of voting rights and standing up for what is morally and ethically right. Representative Danials is recognized for his expansion bills that give local farmers opportunities for sales and product growth. In addition, Representative Daniels made the congregation aware of his push for legislation to correct the state’s redistricting map to allow an additional Black majority district to account for the fact that the state is 27% Black. He is a staunch believer in protecting the voices and rights of African Americans. In his final remarks, Representative Daniels encouraged the congregation to continue its efforts in Christian education and its work with children and youth, for the church has a special place in the shaping and molding of young minds, and this influence should not be put aside or minimalized. His remarks aligned perfectly with the mission of CED.
The end of this conference year also marked the end of more than 30 years of active and dedicated service from director Nadine Ivy, who resigned in early September. At the CED Observance service, Ms. Ivy received a beautiful plaque from Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Fredna Grimmett to commemorate her faithfulness to CED. Director Hattie Rowell presented gifts from the CED directors, Marycile Echols, Cannesta Felton, Mary Anna Smith, and Marie Whatley. The department is committed to continuing the work to weave faith into learning while helping others find meaning and purpose in God’s will for life. Ms. Ivy’s stamp on this district leaves such a strong impression that much of her work is a legacy and will continue to be implemented for years to come.
The Union Springs District was blessed to have strong, innovative leadership in both the WHOMS and CED departments. The members look forward to growing and developing the departments while recognizing the successes of the leadership of the past. To God be the Glory!
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