Ministers from all over the nation gathered for the 50th annual Ministers’ Conference in the Memorial Student Center Feb. 5 and 6.
The purpose of the conference is to develop a leadership community, enhance Christian leadership within churches, and to raise money to keep collegiate students in school to receive a first class education.
The pastors learn to cultivate and prepare individuals in the field of ministry, and also engage participation in the sociological life of the community.
The conference included many exciting sessions and influential speakers, such as Bishop John R. Bryant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Marshall Gilmore of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue, Bishop J. W. Macklin of Glad Tidings, and Dr. R.B. Holmes, Jr.
Minister Fred Jones of St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Athens, Texas, who has attended the conference for 20 years, said, “The conferences offer an opportunity of great fellowship and ways to better prepare and improve our sermons.”
Over 50 years ago the first conference was held at Prairie View A&M University.The conferences have been held in the William Billy “J” Nicks Fieldhouse, the Hobart Taylor building, and the Willie Albert Tempton Sr. Memorial Student Center. The number of ministers has dwindled significantly, dropping from 550 to 600 during the years it was located in the fieldhouse to 300 to 400 at this year’s conference.
This year’s conference will conclude in Houston with a banquet.
For Charles H. Lewter IV, dean of the University Chapel, the conference personally meant “to not forget your past and remember from where you’ve come.” Lewter has presided over the conference for 13 years.
“My first day at work was at the Ministers’ Conference, and I’ve been here for 14 years,” Lewter said.