Doorkeeper July 2025

NEW YORK STATE PRESIDENT: Imogene V. Jones STATE REPORTER: Mary McNair

Greeting from the Empire State, We thank God for a successful 69th Convention of The Church Ushers Association of New York State, Inc. held in Albany, NY, May 16 th & 17 th 2025. Theme, “It’s A New Season!” Philippians 3:13-14. Beginning Friday morning with the Susie Mae Bedden Welcome Program & Communion Services Spiritual Advisor, Bishop J. Carl Henderson of The Cathedral of Hope Church, Brooklyn, NY delivered a Sermonette entitled “No More Wasted Season” Matthew 9:17. Following the Welcome Program, Board Chairman Rashein B. McDonald presented the gavel to Junior & Young People President Emoni Thornwell, Young Adult President Jordan Nichols and Senior President Imogene V. Jones to open and close the convention. One hundred and twenty-one delegates attended the convention along with seven First Timers. Third Vice President Victor Johnson welcomed the First Timers Jr. & Young People Department Zoey Fore, Bethel Baptist Church, Senior Department Hazel Best, Salem Missionary BC, Jamie Johnson, New Jerusalem BC, Twinette Jones-Combest, Concord BC of Christ, Brenda Lewis, Jane United Methodist Church, Christopher Mitchell, New Hope BC and Omega Wallace, Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Welcome First Timers

Outreach: Chairman Margaret Felder. Recipient Grassroot Givers was presented with a large quantity of toiletries. This organization creates opportunities for individuals and families who are experiencing poverty in the Albany, New York area leaving the shelter system and transiting into their new apartments by providing hygiene products, clothing, educational materials and basic home essentials. The donations of toiletries were accepted by Grassroot Givers representatives Ms. Stacey Erwell and Ms. Kassie Wilkins. Friday evening Celebratory Banquet was very festive; a sea of colorful green and burgundy in every hue with a hint of silver. Immediate Past New York State 17 th President, Honoree Janice Nibbs; surrounded by her Pastor Reverend Dr. James A. Thornton of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, her church family, immediate family, friends and of course NY State delegations.

Helen B. Hornbuckle Doorkeeper