The 51st Annual Ministers’ Conference was held Feb. 3-4 in the Prairie View A&M University Memorial Student Center. This year’s theme for the conference was “Relevant Preaching…Restoration, Reformation and Revitalization.”
The conference objectives are to develop an ecumenical leadership community, cultivate and prepare individuals in the field of ministry, engage participation in the sociological life of the community, and enhance the Christian leadership within churches across the country.
The conference which started in 1958 had between 230-250 ministers from the states of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, and California. The conference is annually held the first Tuesday and Wednesday in February. The welcome for the morning session included Johnie Jones III, president of the Student Government Association, and Dr. George C. Wright, president of the university. “This year the conference made history by having the first non African-American speaker, Dr. Joel C. Gregory, at the conference in its 51st year,” said Reverend Charles H. Lewter IV, dean of the Chapel.
Dr Joel C. Gregory gave the keynote sermon during the opening session on Tuesday. Ms. Clynese D. Glenn gave a musical selection followed by Dr. Gregory G. Groover Sr. who gave the keynote address for the luncheons. The 3 p.m. lecture session had Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr. as the keynote lecturer and had a performance by the Prairie View Mime Ministry. To close out Tuesday’s events was college night. Johnie Jones III presided over the event. Greetings were given by Kara K Willis, Miss Prairie View 2008- 2009. Musical selection was made by the Baptist Student Movement Choir and Bishop Andy C. Lewter Jr. gave the keynote sermon.
Wednesday’s schedule included a musical selection by the University Concert Chorale and the convocation address by Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr. Mrs. Kimberly Thompson was scheduled to give a musical selection at the closing banquet with Bishop Marvin C. Pryor as keynote speaker. Dean Lewter added, “The purpose of the conference is to support the All Faiths Chapel and scholarships for PVAMU students.”