2025 Souvenir Journal

The National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. (NUCUAA) was organized in July 1919 in the city of Brotherly Love Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the last weekend in July. The two Christian men that were responsible were Brother Charles H. Dorsey from Chestertown, Maryland, and Brother Elijah A. Hamilton from Augusta, Georgia. Although moving along separate paths, upon their arrival in the city, both sought to continue their strong religious upbringing. Brother Dorsey joined with the African Zoar Methodist Episcopal Church, and Brother Hamilton joined with Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1898, the Brotherhood of Ushers of Philadelphia and Vicinity was organized by the two of them mainly because of their love for ushering.

CHARLES H. DORSEY

ELIJAH A. HAMILTON FOUNDER

Brother Hamilton had a vision of an Ushers Movement that would extend beyond the Philadelphia area into a national program, which caused him to travel in 1917 to the neighboring sites of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and the District of Columbia to cultivate interest and support. He was well received. Because of his dedication, the National United Church Ushers of America became a vision fulfilled. The Ushers of the surrounding vicinity gathered at Varick African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to meet, organize, and establish programs that are still a part of the Organization to this very day. Brother Elijah Hamilton was elected President. Ushers from the various vicinities were excited about what had happened that weekend. It must have been ordained by God as the Organization has been and is still functioning today. It is an interdenominational group of servants doing the will of God and being of genuine help to mankind. We know that there were some who felt it would not happen, but due to his faith and persistence, we can say it came to pass. We are proud today of the legacy that those visionary people had in 1919. The culmination of that special meeting held Thursday, Saturday, July 25 - 26, 1919, marked a great day in history. At the close of the weekend meeting, those dedicated servants marched down the streets of Philadelphia. Can you visualize them during the march? What a sight that must have been. We can only speculate that it was a joyous occasion, and the people of the city had to have wondered what was going on. "To God Be the Glory."

National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. | 106 th National Convention| July 21 - 25, 2025 | Phoenix, Arizona