PowerPoint Presentation

WASHINGTON STATE STATE PRESIDENT: Alvin Nurse STATE REPORTER: Vornice Bassett

First African American Methodist Episcopal Church Established 1886 – older than Seattle! Shepherd – Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson)

Greetings in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. On February 16, 2025, First African American Methodist Episcopal Church (F.A.M.E.) celebrated our 101 st Ushers’ Annual Day. We were proud and honored by all of those who participated in our historic anniversary. This year’s Annual Day was especially special for the F.A.M.E. ushers as we were not able to celebrate in 2024 due to several conflicts that arose. We are thankful that God saw fit to bless us to celebrate this most special 101 st Our theme for the occasion was “One Hundred Years We Usher” . Our scripture was taken from Psalms 84:10; a scripture affectionately known by all doorkeepers. We were blessed by the word brought by the Rev. Dr. Robert Manaway, Sr., Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington. Rev. Manaway wove a rousing and thought-provoking sermon from the Ushers’ Motto … If every usher was just like me, what would this Usher Board be? Think about it! He intertwined truth with laughter and had us all inserting our own part of the journey in place of Usher Board (i.e., if every person was just like me, what would this world be?). We all have work to do and those of us who guard the doors and welcome in God’s children are challenged to put our best selves forward. We were additionally blessed by Wendy Kelly (President, Walker Chapel Usher Board) who crafted the beautiful boutonnieres and corsages for our special guests. Thank you to Al Nurse (UCCU State President), Vornice Bassett (UCCU 1 st Vice President), Debbra Baker (Bethlehem Baptist Church, Tacoma), Tabernacle ushers who stood in the gap, and all other fellow ushers who thought it not robbery to support us on that special day. We cannot sing accolades to everyone who participated without paying homage to our own house. A special thank you to our Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Harry and Ariska Thompson, for keeping us engaged and on time; Deborah Riley (F.A.M.E. Stewardess Board #1) for her generous welcome; and the F.A.M.E. mass choir for their toe tapping and rousing selections. And let us not forget a huge thank you to Walter Cosey and Jeffrey Rivers for the deliciously tasty and filling meal.

Helen B. Hornbuckle Doorkeeper