Florida Sentinel Bulletin

79^th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF AME CHURCH HELD

Last month, members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church traveled to Tampa to attend the 79^th Annual Conference Of African Methodist Episcopal Church. The event was held at Allen Temple A. M. E. Church, where Reverend Dr. Glenn Dames, Jr., is the Senior Pastor. The Conference began on October 22^nd and culminated on October 25, 2019. It was the last Conference that Bishop A. J. Richardson officiated in his current capacity as Bishop of the 11^th Episcopal District of the AME Church. Two individuals were presented awards during the Conference. Shown on the left, Rev. Clarence Williams, of St. Petersburg, is shown accepting the “Professional Service Award” from Bishop Richardson. On the right, Mrs. Pasty Greene is shown holding the “Extraordinary Community Service Award” presented to her husband, Dayle Greene. Dr. Walter Smith is shown on the far right. (Photograph by LOMAX McINTYRE).

MAYOR MEETS WITH BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS

Recently, Mayor Jane Castor met with Hillsborough County Black elected officials to discuss several topics of interest including affordable housing, the proposed Al Barnes Park Cultural Center and economic development.  The meeting was convened at the request of Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller, Jr., and took place on Monday, October 28, 2019.  Among those in attendance at the meeting shown from left to right are: Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes, Hillsborough County School Board Chairperson Tamara Shamburger, State Representative Fentrice Driskell,  Mayor Jane Castor, State Representative Dianne Hart, State Senator Darryl Rouson and Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller, Jr.  Among the City staff not shown in the photograph who attended the meeting were: Chief of Staff John Bennett, Community Partnership Manager Janelle McGregor and Housing & Community Development Manager Vanessa McCleary.

WOMAN CELEBRATES 50^th BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

                  Ms. Quilla Pentor celebrated her 50^th birthday recently. She was joined by a host of family and many friends at the Brandon Golf Center for the birthday party celebration. Ms. Pentor, center, is shown with: Dale Brisksman, Stephie Bricksman, Norma Letterman, Hattie Quest, Valerie Crieg and Daniel Crieg. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

TYER TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OBSERVES 126^th ANNIVERSARY

                  Tyer Temple United Methodist Church has been serving the Tampa community for 126 years.  To celebrate that milestone, the church held its anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 20, 2019. The 11 a. m. anniversary guest speaker was Reverend Cal Hopkins, a Tampa native, who is the Pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church, Ft. Lauderdale. Committee members shown are: from left, Kawren Garvin, Linda Archer Garvin, Valerie Pearce, Anniversary Chairwoman; Cheryl Walker and Host Pastor Douglas Walker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

COUPLE CELEBRATES 50^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Recently, a couple celebrated their wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at Mount Olive A. M. E. Church, 1902 W. LaSalle Street, Reverend Gregory Gay, Sr., Pastor. The event was especially memorable because they eloped 50 years ago. A large audience was on hand, that included their family matriarchs, Mrs. Mary Mitchell, (mother of the bride), Evangelist Marlene Askew and Mrs. Ella Mae Walker, to witness the “first” wedding of Pastor Ernest M. and Mrs. Chloe Evans Coney, Sr. Members of their wedding party are: Ruby Everett, Willie Mae Williams, Quida Hilton, Patricia Morrison, Loreine Townsel, flower girl Ava Lewis, groomsmen Charles Coney, Sr., Dr. Leroy Simmons, Joel Barnum, Ronnie Adams and Willie Sampson. The ring bearer was Avery Hailu. The Vow Renewal Ceremony was officiated by Reverend Norman Harris, Esquire. (Photography by BRUNSON). 

NEW ST. PAUL AME CHURCH HOSTS WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY PROGRAM

  Several women of the 11^th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were in service at New St. Paul AME Church for their Women’s Missionary Society Program. Among those in charge of preparing the program were: Dorothy McDaniels, President of New St. Paul’s Missionary Society and Program Chairlady; Joan Dawson, Co-Chair; Rev. Dwayne Gaddis, Pastor; First Lady Sylvia Gaddis; E. LaShonda Gay, First Lady of Mt. Olive AME Church and guest speaker; and Evelyn K. Williams, District Consultant for the West Coast Conference, Tampa District First Vice President, Worship Leader. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

CHURCH HOSTS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY FOR COMMUNITY

                     Life In Christ Community Church, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Randall and his wife, Linda Randall, hosted its Family and Friends Day event on the grounds of the church, 97^thStreet and 26^thAvenue. The surrounding community had been invited to enjoy games, free food, and fellowship one with another. Those shown here are: Reverend Shaunna Patterson, Johnathan Buie, Linda Stargell, Pastor Arthur Randall, Nadine Cashman, Wayne Hires, Cedria Weems, Sis. Deidra Taylor, Deaconess Mildred Grant and Tavenoh Jean-Baptiste. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL HONORS BELOVED STAFFER

                     Stewart Middle Magnet School held a Memorial Service for one of its beloved staffers on September 23, 2019. Darryl Beasley, Guidance Counselor who had touched many lives, passed away recently. Dr. Baretta Wilson, Principal, said the school planted a tree and placed a grave marker on the campus in honor of Mr. Beasley on his birthday. The grave marker was donated by Teryl Aikens of Mona Lisa Monuments. Among the participants were: Susan Weiss, Assistant Principal (AP); Unique Vernon, Social Worker; Alex Samaras, AP; Debra Bermudez, Counselor; and Nathania McCarthy, student. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)