1st Episcopal District
Bishop Grady's first Fall Convocation transforms into a spirit-filled revival under his gentle care and tutelage

By Rev. John Fisher
Editor and Publisher
A.M.E. Today

Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady, held his first Fall Convocation as the Presiding Prelate of the 1st  Episcopal District, and showed he could both shepherd the business of the district  in a manner befitting the most experienced CEO and still revel in the spirituality of the Holy Ghost anointed worship services which permeated the Convocation. This was not business as usual under the exemplary, directed  and spiritual leadership of Bishop Grady. 

One of Bishop Grady's most impressive initiatives came almost at the conclusion of the afternoon business session.

He announced he wanted to make a major dent in the principle currently remaining on the District Headquarters, located at 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia, where the Fall Convocation was being held.  Bishop Grady explained his plan which would garner a total of one million dollars from voluntary contributions from all facets of the church, lay and clergy, and through special events.

Bishop Grady lead by example proffering the first donation/pledge of $2,000.  Others followed Bishop Grady's lead and before the conclusion of the worship service,  late that night, the tally already had grown in excess of $30,000 cash-in-hand for this project.

Another important piece of the afternoon meeting was the presentation of reports.  The one that captured the attention of all in attendance was the report of the Social Action committee.

It neither minced words nor muted its concern when it lead with a call for the country to retreat from talk of war or possible involvement in war.  

The Social Action committee issue a clear manifesto to the leadership of the country that the A.M.E. Church, through its 1st Episcopal District, was calling for an end to saber rattling and the looming threat of war with Iraq.

Also encompassed in the report were calls for increased attention to the problems of HIV/Aids and the classroom treatment of students.

At the conclusion of the report, it was suggested that the piece on war be distributed to the press for publication and set to the nation's leadership so they could be made aware of the thoughts and insights of the religious community in regards to the impending war actions.

Another pleasant surprise was the presence of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District and a son of the First Episcopal District.  Bishop Grady called Bishop Norris to the fore front to explain the plan currently under way for the 2003 Council of Bishops meeting that is scheduled for Philadelphia and will featured Bishop Norris' investiture as President of the Council.

Bishop Norris thanked Bishop Grady for the courtesies he has  extended him.  "He has given me the freedom to do what I have needed to do as well as given me good guidance,"  Bishop Norris said.

The Council of Bishop's meeting will begin Sunday, June 22, 2003.  The entire event will be held at the Marriott in Philadelphia.  Room prices are set at $124 a night.  There should be plenty of space since the hotel has 1,200 rooms, it was explained.

The banquet is scheduled for Monday night, the 23rd of June.  The worship service is set for Tuesday night, June 24.  The Council of Bishop's meeting will lead right into the Convocation that will conclude the week in Philadelphia.

During the evening session, Bishop Norris thankedthe  First Lady of the First Episcopal District,  Mother Carrie Grady and Mother Ethel McNair for their missionary trip to Liberia which he said raised the stature of the A.M.E. Church in that area. He also thanked the 1st Episcopal District for making the work of the A.M.E. University in Liberia successful.  "1,850 students thank you," Bishop Norris explained with pride.

Bishop Grady was  accompanied and assisted by his lovely wife, and First Lady of  the 1st Episcopal District, Mother Carrie R. Grady, throughout the Convocation.  They brought an air of grace and dignity to the proceedings.

The business sessions were very business like and the worship, it was a Holy Ghost explosion.

Thursday night, the opening service of the Fall Convocation,  featured a fiery word from Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.

There was little question as to the movement of the Holy Ghost Friday night.  Fire struck way in advance of the preaching.  The choir set the tone with passion-filled renditions that had the room-filled gathering up on its feet, praising the Lord.  It might have begun as a service but it quickly became a revival with each musical selection raising the bar ever higher.

Bishop Grady acknowledged the spirituality of the night as he introduced the speaker of the hour.  "This choir was good last night," he explained, "But they are something special tonight!"

The Word for Friday night was brought by Rev. Simon P. Bouie,  a candidate for Episcopal office in 2004.  

Rev. Bouie using Habakkuk 2 as his foundation reminded all in attendance that often times they may be faced with questions in their lives for which they do not have answers and that is the time for us to climb up in our watch towers to consult with God who has all the answers.

He said with war and rumors of war, and destruction such as 9/11 these are watch tower days.

Rev. Bouie carried this theme to spirit-shaking heights concluding with a passion and power that had the large assemblage on its feet, shouting in encouragement for the Holy Ghost filled preacher.

The sermon was a fitting conclusion to what was a powerful Fall Convocation. 

Questions and comments can be addressed to jfisher@ame-today.com