1

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

THE MINUTES OF THE 135TH SESSION OF THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 24-27, 2015

SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH – Lexington, KY FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

THE HARVEST OF DISCIPLESHIP MATTHEW 9:37-38

BISHOP JEFFREY N. LEATH – PRESIDING PRELATE DR. SUSAN J. LEATH – SUPERVISOR, WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY

THE REVEREND JAMES E. SMITH – HOST PRESIDING ELDER THE REVEREND DR. WILLIAM W. EASLEY, JR. – ASSOCIATE HOST PRESIDING ELDER

THE REVEREND WILLIAM R.T. HALE – HOST PASTOR

2

THURSDAY, September 24, 2015 OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE

The Opening worship service for the joint session of the 148th Session of the Kentucky

Annual Conference and the 13th Session of the West Kentucky Annual Conference began at 7:30

pm. See Annual Conference Guide and Worship Services. The worship leader was Presiding

Elder James E. Smith, Kentucky conference. The preacher was the Reverend Stephanie Raglin,

pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Paris, KY. Sermon was entitled “There is A Balm in

Gilead!” from the text Jeremiah 8:18-22.

Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath welcomed the following guests: Connectional Officers, the

Reverend Dr. Calvin Sydnor III (General Officer, 20th Editor of the Christian Recorder), the

Reverend Kimberly Detherage (Connectional WIM President), Sister Ora Easley (Administrator

of the Clergy Family Information Center), and Sister Renee Scott-Smith; the Episcopal District

Officers: Dr. Susan Leath, M.D., the 13th District Supervisor of Mission; Sister Gwendolyn

Dillihunt, 13th Episcopal District Missionary Society President; Sister Dorothy Ealy, 13th

Episcopal District Lay Organization President; Sister Diana Golphin, Ministers Spouses

President and Sister LaTanya Germany, 13th Episcopal District YPD Director; the visiting clergy

from the Tennessee Annual Conference: Presiding Elder Walter W. Reid, Jr. (North Nashville

District), the Reverend Robert E. Keesee (Superannuated) and his spouse, Gladys Keesee, the

Reverends W. Antoni Sinkfield, Roderick Belin, Dr. Charlotte Sydnor, Dr. Cecelia Greene-Barr

(4th Episcopal District and candidate for Episcopacy); and Ecumenical guests: the Reverends

Arthur Williams, Sr. (Veaches Chapel CME, Paris, KY) and Ronald Holmes (Asbury UMC,

Owensboro, KY).

The Opening worship service concluded at 9:29 pm.

FRIDAY, September 25, 2015 BUSINESS SESSION I

Bishop Leath called for the annual conference secretary to call the Roll. See the Roll.

3

P-Present; PL – Present/Late; L-Late E-Excused; EL – Excused/Late; A-Absent T-Transferred (see Notes column for details) W-Withdrawn from Conference ITINERANT ELDERS Attendance Notes Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, D.Min., Presiding Prelate P Dr. William W. Easley, Presiding Elder (11/2014) P ITINERANT ELDERS – PASTORS

Pedro Basden T transferred to East TN conference

James Bolen, Sr. P Karen Yvonne Carter P David L. Chavous P Raymond Corbin P Geoffrey Ellis P

Fonseco Frazier T transferred to KY conference

Kenneth Golphin T transferred to KY conference

Joshua Hale P Linda R. Jackson P Babydoll Kennedy P

Terence Mayes T transferred to East TN conference

Kenneth E. Paris P McArthur Pendleton P Melanie Samuels-Black P Sherri Cowley Scott P Erika Taylor P SUPERNUMERARY ITINERANT ELDERS (non-pastors) Kent Burley L James Carter P Lavita Chavous P June Anderson Dorsey L Deidra Ellis P

Barry Frazier T transferred to KY conference 9/25/25

Sherry Miller P A.D. Reed P Vivian Snardon E Rita Story P Alphonso Walker P Ebonie Walker P

4

ITINERANT DEACONS Attendance Notes Laurice Martin E Natasha Burley-White E LaRon Hobson W withdrawn from AC William K. Leach W withdrawn from AC Nachia Woods E SUPERANNUATED ITINERANT ELDERS Gene Gallon E Dr. William Hardy E Dr. Christine Hooper E Carl C. Liggins P LOCAL ELDERS Douglas Peyton P Herlea Reynolds P Janet Seay E Julius Sims P Priscilla Taylor P

Robert Watkins relocated to IN conference

LOCAL DEACONS Quincy Harvey E REVERENDS TRANSFERRED IN

Wallace Gunn transferred from KY conference

Everett Hobson transferred from KY conference

Troy I. Thomas transferred from KY conference

Dr. Maxine Thomas transferred from KY conference

Barbara Hobson transferred from KY conference

CHRISTIAN DEBUTANTE MASTER COMMISSION Helen Demaree, Commissioner P CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Amanda Johnson, Director P CHURCH SCHOOL Melvin Allen, Superintendent P

5

HEALTH and WELLNESS Attendance Notes Donna Taylor A LAY ORGANIZATION Chris Wilson, President P M-SWAWO Kathy Pendleton, President E MUSIC MINISTRY (MCAM) Chris Wilson, Director P RAYAC Martina Shirley L SOCIAL ACTION/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT June Anderson Dorsey P SONS OF ALLEN David L. Chavous P WOMEN IN MINISTRY Sherri Cowley Scott, Coordinator P WEST KENTUCKY CONFERENCE WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY PRESIDENT Theresa Baker P DIRECTOR OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S DEPARTMENT Melanie Robbins, Director E PRESIDENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S DEPARTMENT Mia Baker, President A

6

Bishop Leath acknowledged the following Reverends as Transfers to the West Kentucky

Conference: from the Tennessee conference, Dr. William W. Easley, Jr. (Presiding Elder),

Babydoll Kennedy (Itinerant Elder) and Edward Lee Thompson (Itinerant Elder); from the

Kentucky conference, Troy I. Thomas (Itinerant Elder), Dr. Maxine Thomas (Itinerant Elder),

Everett Hobson (Itinerant Elder), and Barbara Hobson (Itinerant Deacon). Bishop Leath

acknowledged the Reverend Robert Watkins (Local Elder) has relocated to the Indiana

conference (St. Paul Corydon, IN), and has transferred from one congregation to another per his

local status.

Bishop Leath acknowledged that the Reverends LaRon Hobson (Itinerant Deacon) and

William K. Leach (Itinerant Deacon) have withdrawn from the conference.

Bishop Leath acknowledged the following Reverends as Transfers out of the West

Kentucky Conference and into the Kentucky Conference: Fonseco Frazier (Itinerant Elder) and

Barry Frazier (Supernumerary Itinerant Elder).

Bishop Leath acknowledged the Transfer of the Reverend Dr. Terence Mayes (Itinerant

Elder) out of the West Kentucky Conference into the East Tennessee Conference.

Bishop Leath acknowledged the Transfer of the Reverend Dr. Kenneth H. Hill (Itinerant

Elder) from the West Kentucky Conference into the Tennessee Conference.

Church Name Church City, State Delegate Youth NameQuinn Chapel AME Louisville, KY Helen R. Demaree P DaShawn Irvin AYoungs Chapel AME Louisville, KY Shirley Smith PAsbury Chapel AME Louisville, KY Terri Ross-McIntosh PSaint Mark AME Church Louisville, KY Pamela Walker PTaylor Chapel AME Bowling Green, KY Wathetta Buford PEmbry Chapel AME Elizabethtown, KY Chris Wilson P Melinda Robinson PBethel AME Church Shelbyville, KY Cecelia Tinsley PSt. Paul AME Church Louisville, KY Jo Ann White PBurks Chapel AME Paducah, KY Jennifer Johnson PSt. John AME Church Paducah, KY Candy Morris PSt. Paul AME Church Owensboro, KY Byron Owen PGreater Taylor Chapel

Franklin, KY Tonya Clay P

St. James AME Church Mayfield, KY Thomas E. Bright AMoore’s Chapel AME Clinton, KY Sandy Schrag ASt. James AME Church Pryorsburg, KY Wanda Morris AWards Chapel AME Scottsville, KY Nicole Elkins No delegate due to injury

St. Paul AME Church Woodburn, KY James Stanley No delegate due to unavoidable circumstances

Shekinah Glory AME Louisville, KY Queen Rucker AHills Chapel AME Church Paducah, KY Richard Hart P

7

Bishop Leath called for the Organization of the conference. Presiding Elder Easley

recommended the following: The Presiding Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District, the Rt.

Reverend Jeffrey N. Leath, as President Ex-Officio of the annual conference; Recording

Secretary, the Reverend Linda R. Jackson; Engrossing Secretary, the Reverend Sherri Cowley

Scott; and Statistician, the Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black. The Reverend Everett Hobson

moved the adoption of the recommendations; seconded by the Reverend Raymond Corbin.

Motion carried.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended the following persons to serve as Marshalls:

The Reverends Raymond Corbin and James Bolen. Bishop Leath asked for a lay person to be

added to serve as a Marshall. Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. amended motion to include lay person,

Amanda Johnson. The Reverend Karen Carter moved the adoption of the recommendation;

seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion carried.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended to be elected to fill the unexpired term of Dr.

Kenneth Hill on the Judicial Committee. Moved by the Reverend Karen Carter the adoption of

the recommendation; seconded by the Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ellis. Motion carried.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended the following persons be elected to serve as

the Finance Committee: The Reverends Troy I. Thomas, Dr. Geoffrey Ellis, Erika Taylor,

Linda R. Jackson, and lay persons, Chris Wilson, Therese’ Baker. Moved by the Reverend Troy

I. Thomas the adoption of the recommendation; seconded by the Reverend Raymond Corbin.

Motion carried.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended the following persons to be elected to serve as

Triers of Appeals: The Reverends Erika Taylor, Ebonie Walker, James Carter, Vivian Snardon

and Kenneth Paris. Moved by the Reverend Karen Carter the adoption of the recommendation;

seconded by the Reverend David L. Chavous. Motion carried.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended the boundaries of the annual conference shall

be the first 7 rows of Saint Luke United Methodist Church (UMC) with the conference consent.

There was no challenge to the location of the annual conference at Saint Luke UMC. Every

delegate accounted for, each church present in full numbers with noted exceptions.

Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. recommended the approval of the agenda as outlined in the

8

published conference guide with reasonable and appropriate adjustments. Moved by the

Reverend D. Chavous; seconded by the Reverend Joshua Hale. Motion carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Reverend Dr. Charles H. Sydnor, III to share about serving

as the 20th Christian Recorder Editor who has answered the roll for the 49th time in the annual

conference.

Bishop Leath confirmed with the annual conference secretary that over the conference year

no one was referred to the committee of memorials.

Bishop Leath called for the Presiding Elder’s report. Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. reported.

See report. Bishop Leath instructed the statisticians to serve as official time keepers during the

reading of the pastor’s reports; each pastor is allowed 2 minutes for reports.

Bishop Leath advised that paying the annuity is for the benefit of the preacher. In reference

to the annuity the preachers have 3 choices (1) pay annuity, (2) sign release waiver, or (3) to go

before the Ministerial Efficiency Committee (MEC). Preachers are to see the Presiding Elder to

complete one of the above choices.

The following Reverends made request for superannuated status, Dr. Geoffrey Ellis and

David L. Chavous. Bishop referred the ministers to the MEC.

Bishop Leath called for the Board of Examiners (BOE) Report. Dr. Maxine Thomas

reported. See report. The Board of Examiners made the following recommendations: (1) Sister

Lorecia Kay Davis (Local Track) to remain on hold in Second Year Studies. The Reverend T.

Thomas moved to accept the recommendation; seconded by the Reverend G. Ellis. Motion carried.

(2) Sister Leslie E. Harvey be removed from the roll of ministerial studies and the Board of

Examiners. The Reverend E. Hobson moved to accept recommendation; seconded by the

Reverend Lavita Chavous. Motion carried. (3) The Reverend Quincy Harvey (Local Track) be

removed from the roll of the Ministerial Studies and the Board of Examiners. The Reverend E.

Hobson moved to accept the recommendation; seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion

carried. Bishop Leath acknowledged that this is the first and only time recorded as an all-female

Board of Examiners; and he encouraged that the West Kentucky conference celebrate this

historical moment. Bishop Leath commended the BOE for the work completed during the

conference year, and the Reverend Troy I. Thomas will be added to the BOE. Motion to receive

the report by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas; seconded by the Reverend Joshua Hale. Motion

9

carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Pastor’s Report. See the 2015 Pastor’s Report Annual

Conference Summary. The Pastor’s reports are as follows:

• Shekinah Glory, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Karen Carter reported.

• Quinn Chapel, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Troy I. Thomas reported.

• Wards Chapel, Scottsville, KY. The Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black.

Bishop Leath again reminded the conference that there are no ordain clergy or district

officers to be memorialized, and therefore will have an Hour of Prayer service in place of the

scheduled Hour of Power worship service. Prayer will replace the scheduled sermon.

Bishop Leath invited the Reverend Dr. Terence Mayes, candidate for office of Church

Growth and Development to greet the annual conference.

Bishop Leath welcomed the following guests: The Reverends, Dr. Charles Holsey (East

Tennessee conference), Kenneth Love (East Tennessee conference- Chattanooga District), and Dr.

Pedro Basden (East Tennessee conference).

At 11:45 am Bishop transitioned from the Business Session into the Memorial Service and

Hour of Prayer. Worship Leader the Reverend Dr. Sheila Harris, Kentucky conference. Special

prayer by Bro. Myron Coleman (a member of Saint Paul, Lexington, KY) and the Reverend Julius

Sims (West Kentucky Conference). Service concluded 12:29 pm. Lunch served.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON BUSINESS SESSION II

Devotion began 1:39 pm. Bishop Leath called the Annual Conference to order. Business

Session began 1:45 pm. Videos of candidates for Episcopal office was shared with the annual

conference. Bishop Leath welcomed the following guests: District Officer Rev. Dr. Janie Downey

Dandridge (WIM President – Tennessee conference) and the Rev. Dr. John Dandridge (West

Tennessee conference)

Bishop Leath confirmed the committees listed in the Annual Conference Guide and

Worship Services booklet (pages 40-41). See guide or committee list. Bishop Leath shared that the

MEC and BOE are not annual conference committees. Also final decisions are to be made as to

who will serve on these 2 these committees, as it is important for those who have served in the

10

conference to complete the work started.

Bishop Leath addressed the topic of the mode of election for the 50th Quadrennial Session

of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Leath inquired the

wishes of the annual conference of the mode of election for delegates. The choices are the

following: (1) electronic or (2) paper ballots. The Reverend Joshua Hale moved that the mode of

election be by Electronic voting; seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion carried with a

vote of 29 for, and 8 opposed to Electronic voting.

Bishop Leath acknowledged those clergy who have submitted their names as candidates for

the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference Delegates and Alternate Delegates.

Bishop Leath asked if there were any others who wished to submit their names. Question on the

floor about the requirements for serving as a Delegate and Alternate Delegate. Bishop Leath

addressed the question. The following additional clergy submitted their name as Alternate

Delegate: the Reverend June Anderson Dorsey. Bishop Leath declared the option to run closed.

The following clergy submitted their name as candidates for delegates to the 50th Quadrennial

Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: The Reverends

Karen Carter, Sherri Cowley Scott, Willian W. Easley, Jr., Joshua Hale, Everett Hobson, Sr.,

Linda R. Jackson, Babydoll Kennedy, Kenneth Paris, Erika R. Taylor, and Troy I. Thomas. The

following clergy submitted their name as candidates for the 50th Quadrennial Session of the

General Conference Alternate Delegate: the Reverends Dr. Maxine Thomas and June Anderson

Dorsey.

Bishop Leath acknowledge the lay who have submitted their names as candidates for

delegates and alternate delegates to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the

AME Church. Bishop Leath asked if there were any others who wished to submit their names and

acknowledged their request. The following additional lay submitted their name as Delegate: Linda

Bell, Annette Ross-Hayden and JoAnn White. Bishop Leath declared the option to run closed. The

following lay submitted their name as candidates for the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General

Conference Delegate: LaTanya Germany, Amanda Johnson, Bryon W. Owen, Brenda Palmer,

Viola Bowen, Joann White, Annette Ross-Hayden, and Linda Bell. The following young adult

submitted their name for the General Conference Young Adult Delegates: Melinda Robinson and

DaShawn Irvin.

Bishop Leath called for the Pastor’s reports to continue. The following reported:

11

• St. Paul, Woodburn, KY. The Reverend Sherri Cowley Scott reported.

• St. James, Pryorsburg/St. James, Mayfield/Moore’s Chapel. The Reverend Raymond

Corbin reported.

• Asbury Chapel, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ellis reported.

• St. Paul, Owensboro, KY. The Presiding Elder Reverend Dr. William W. Easley, Jr.

reported.

• Greater Taylor Chapel, Franklin, KY. The Reverend Erika Taylor reported.

• St. John, Paducah, KY. The Reverend James Bolen reported.

• Burks-Hills Circuit, Paducah, KY. The Reverend Babydoll Kennedy reported.

Bishop Leath asked the following churches of the West Kentucky Conference to consider

voting on becoming a part of the Tennessee Conference (Clarksville District): Burks-Hills Circuit

(Paducah), St. John (Paducah), St. James (Mayfield), St. James (Pryorsburg), and Moore’s Chapel

(Clinton).

Bishop Leath called for the Pastor’s reports to continue. The reports continued as follows:

• St. Paul, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Kenneth E. Paris reported.

• Bethel, Shelbyville, KY. Bishop Leath reported. Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. commended

Bishop Leath for his dedication and care for Bethel AME.

• Embry Chapel, Elizabethtown, KY. The Reverend David L. Chavous report.

• Taylor Chapel, Bowling Green, KY. The Reverend Joshua Hale reported.

• Saint Mark, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Linda R. Jackson reported.

• Youngs Chapel, Louisville, KY. The Reverend Everett Hobson reported.

Bishop Leath advised that evening worship will begin at 7:00 pm and the September 26,

Saturday Business Session, will began 8:30 am.

Bishop Leath acknowledged the following guests: The Reverend Sidney and Andriette

Bryant (East Tennessee conference).

Business Session concluded 4:43pm. Bishop Leath called for the Benediction by the

Reverend Sidney Bryant.

Bishop Leath welcomed guest and candidate for Episcopal office, the Reverend Dr. Caesar

R. Richburg.

12

The Retirement service began 7:15 pm. Bishop Leath welcomed guests, Bishop Clement

W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District and Chairperson of Commission on WIM

and Supervisor Alexis Fugh. Service concluded 7:42 pm.

Bishop Leath led the congregation in devotion. Unity Night Worship Service began 7:52

pm. The worship leader was Sister Therese’ Baker, Women’s Missionary Society President (West

Kentucky Conference). The preacher was the Reverend Kim Detherage, Esq. and Connectional

WIM President. Sermon was entitled “Why?” from the text Acts 5:1-3. Bishop Leath invited

Bishop Fugh to greet the annual conference. Bishop Leath announced for Saturday, September 26,

Church School will begin 8:30 am. Worship concluded 9:04 pm.

SATURDAY MORNING, September 26, 2015

BUSINESS SESSION III

The Saturday Morning Business Session began at 8:30 with Church School led by the

Reverend Louise Spencer and the West Kentucky Conference Church School Superintendent,

Melvin Allen. The Text was Acts 7:1-53. Lesson entitled, “Remembering God’s Faithfulness.”

Church School concluded 8:55 am.

Bishop Leath called the Annual Conference to order 9:07 am.

Business session began 9:09 am. Bishop Leath asked for a delay in the reading of the

minutes until later in the day after the minutes have been uploaded to the 13th Episcopal District

website. West Kentucky conference agreed.

Bishop Leath called for the MEC to report. The Reverend Troy I. Thomas reported. The

committee recommended the following Itinerants Elders for superannuated status (retired): the

Reverends Dr. Geoffrey Ellis and David L. Chavous. Moved by the Reverend Joshua Hale to

adopt recommendation; seconded by Dr. Maxine Thomas. Motion carried. The committee

recommended that the Reverend Edward Lee Thompson be referred to the Judicial Committee on

the matter of failure to assume an appointment in violation of the Discipline. Moved to adopt

recommendation by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas; seconded by the Reverend Karen Carter.

Motion carried. Bishop Leath acknowledged that a supplemental report is forth coming and the

MEC will be called to return for reporting.

Bishop Leath acknowledged and introduced Cecilia Tinsley, delegate from Bethel,

13

Shelbyville, KY.

Bishop called for the Health and Wellness Committee report. Bishop acknowledged LaJava

Chenault, the Kentucky Conference Health and Wellness Coordinator, who presented the report

for both conferences.

Bishop Leath called for the organization of the Electoral College. Bishop certified the

credentials of the Electoral College Delegates. It was determined that the Electoral College

Delegate for Quinn Chapel Louisville was Amanda Johnson. It was determined that the Electoral

College Delegate for Youngs Chapel Louisville was LaTanya Germany. It was determined the

Electoral College Delegate for Asbury Chapel Louisville was Brenda Palmer. It was determined

the Electoral College Delegate for Taylor Chapel Bowling Green was Wathetta Buford. It was

determined the Electoral College Delegate for Embry Chapel was Annette Hayden. It was

determined the Electoral College for Bethel Shelbyville was Cecilia Tinsley. It was determined the

Electoral College for St. Paul Louisville was JoAnn White. It was determined the Electoral

College Delegate for Burks-Hills Circuit was Linda Bell. It was determined the Electoral College

for St. Paul Owensboro was Bryon Owen. It was determined the Electoral College for Greater

Taylor Chapel was Tonya Clay. It was determined the Electoral College for St. James Pryorsburg

was Wanda Morris. It was determined the Electoral College for Hills Chapel was Richard Hart

Paducah. It was further determined there was no Electoral College Delegate present for Saint Mark

Louisville, St. John Paducah, St. James Mayfield, Moore’s Chapel Clinton, St. Paul Woodburn,

Wards Chapel Scottsville, and Shekinah Glory Louisville.

Bishop Leath called for the Electoral delegate, LaTanya Germany who last entertained in

the West Kentucky Conference to serve as the host. The annual conference voted to support this.

Bishop Leath called for the official ballot to be a blank sheet of paper to be provided. If the

ballot is different is different, the chair must void the ballot and report back. The organization of

the Electoral College is the Chair, Tellers and Clerks.

The Business session concluded 11:05 am.

The Service of Word, Renewal of Ordination and Holy Communion began 11:22 am.

Worship Leader was the Reverend Dr. Maxine Thomas. The preacher was the Reverend Terence

Gray, pastor of Saint Mark AME Church, Orlando, Florida. Sermon was entitled “My Fall Does

Not Mean My Failure!” from the text Luke 22:31-32. Worship service concluded 1:08 pm.

14

SATURDAY AFTERNOON BUSINESS III

Bishop Leath reconvened the Business Session 2:30 pm. Bishop provided voting

instructions as follows. Those eligible to vote will receive a blank sheet of paper. All of the paper

will be the same. Voter is to write the names on the paper whom they are voting for.

Bishop Leath acknowledged guests to the Annual Conference, Presiding Elder C. Robert

Finch (West Tennessee Conference, North Memphis District) and his wife, Linda Finch; the

Reverend Kim Detherage, Esq., the Connectional WIM President; and, Angel Wilson, the 13th

District RAYAC President.

Worship concluded 1:08 pm with “What A Fellowship” led by Bishop Leath.

Bishop Leath called for the organization of the election of the Clergy Delegates to the 50th

Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The

Secretary of the 135th Session of the West Kentucky Annual Conference, the Reverend Linda R.

Jackson, seated the Itinerant preachers in the order of the Roll Call. Twenty-six Itinerant preachers

were seated and qualified to vote, no one contested their Itinerant qualifications.

Bishop Leath called for the election of the Tellers and Clerks. The Reverend Joshua Hale

moved that the Reverends Erika Taylor and Babydoll Kennedy act as the Tellers, and that the

Reverend Sherri Cowley Scott and Melanie Samuels-Black act as the Clerks; seconded by the

Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion carried.

The results of the vote for Clergy Delegate were as follows:

• The Reverend Babydoll Kennedy – 21 votes

• The Reverend Troy I. Thomas – 21 votes

• The Reverend Linda R. Jackson – 20 votes

• The Reverend William W. Easley, Jr. – 14 votes

• The Reverend Everett Hobson – 11 votes

• The Reverend Sherri Cowley Scott – 10 votes

• The Reverend Joshua Hale – 9 votes

• The Reverend Karen Carter – 7 votes

• The Reverend Erika Taylor – 6 votes

• The Reverend Kenneth E. Paris – 2 votes

15

Bishop Leath declared for the record that the following persons were duly elected our

Clergy Delegates to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African

Methodist Episcopal Church at the seat of the 135th Session of the West Kentucky Annual

Conference (Joint session hosted by Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lexington,

Kentucky):

1. The Reverend Babydoll Kennedy – 21 votes

2. The Reverend Troy I. Thomas – 21 votes

3. The Reverend Linda R. Jackson – 20 votes

4. The Reverend William W. Easley, Jr. – 14 votes

5. Everett Hobson – 15 votes at the conclusion of the 3rd round of voting

The results of the vote for Alternate Clergy Delegate were as follows:

• The Reverend Joshua Hale - 23 votes

• The Reverend Sherri Cowley Scott - 21 votes

• The Reverend Maxine Thomas - 21 votes

• The Reverend Karen Carter - 20 votes

• The Reverend June Anderson Dorsey - 19 votes

Bishop Leath declared for the record that the following persons were duly elected our

Alternate Clergy Delegates to the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church at the seat of the 135th Session of the West Kentucky Annual

Conference (Joint session hosted by Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Lexington,

Kentucky):

1. The Reverend Joshua Hale

2. The Reverend Sherri Cowley Scott

3. The Reverend Maxine Thomas

4. The Reverend Karen Carter

5. The Reverend June Anderson Dorsey

The Reverend Babydoll Kennedy on the floor of the Annual Conference, yielded her

Leader of the Delegation position to the Reverend Troy I. Thomas.

16

Bishop Leath called for the Trustees Report. Wathetta Buford reported. The sale of the

former Trinity property was finalized. The property was sold for over $34,000. Exact amount of

sale to be provided before the close of the annual conference. Property purchased by the Housing

Authority of Louisville. Bishop Leath thanked the Trustees for the assistance in the selling of this

property. By common consent the Trustee report was received by the annual conference.

The West Kentucky Conference Electoral College made its report to the body. The results

of the Lay Delegate election were as follows:

• Byron Owen - 10 votes

• LaTanya Germany- 8 votes

• Brenda Palmer- 8 votes

• Annette Hayden- 7 votes

• Melinda Robinson - 12 votes

The results of the Alternate Lay Delegate election were as follows:

• Amanda Johnson - 7 votes

• JoAnn White – 5 votes

Bishop Leath called for the acceptance of the Electoral College report. The Reverend

Joshua Hale moved to accept the Electoral College report; seconded by Amanda Johnson. Motion

carried. Bishop Leath expects for the Lead Delegate to sit in the first chair at the 50th Quadrennial

Session of the General Conference.

Sister Melinda Robinson (Young Adult), on the floor of the Annual Conference, yielded

her Leader of the Delegation position to Brother Byron Owen.

Bishop Leath called for the Finance committees to have a complete report of all

disbursements at the close of the annual conference.

Bishop Leath called for the District Budget committee Report. The Reverend Joshua Hale

moved to accept report; seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Missions, Circuit and Stations. The Reverend June Anderson

Dorsey reported. Reported that the Hills Chapel property to be sold and the proceeds divided

between Burks Chapel and St. John (both churches located in Paducah, KY). The Reverend Karen

17

Carter moved to close Hills Chapel and to sell the property as recommended by the Missions,

Circuit and Stations Committee; seconded by the Reverend Raymond Corbin. The Reverend Troy

I. Thomas expressed unreadiness about the sale and proceeds of the Hills property. Discussion was

entertained. Motion carried. The Reverend T. Thomas moved to accept report; seconded by the

Reverend Joshua Hale. Motion carried.

Bishop Leath acknowledged that the motion does not bind us to the request, but that the

motion is that we honor the request to dissolve the congregation and to remove the church from

the roll of the West Kentucky Annual Conference. Bishop Leath recently made aware of the

cemetery. The property defaults to the property of the Annual Conference, and when the property

is sold there may not be much of any proceeds. Proceeds may be spent to maintain the property.

Bishop Leath plans to have a ceremony for the de-consecration of the sanctuary. Moved by the

Reverend Troy I. Thomas; seconded by the Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black. Motion carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Resolution to merge the Kentucky and West Kentucky

Conferences. The Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin presented a resolution draft which recommended

that the boundary to include the entire area of the commonwealth of Kentucky. The annual

conference agreed by consent to accept the name of the proposed merger as the Kentucky

Conference.

Bishop Leath advised of the caveat of amending the draft resolution if the following

congregations of the West Kentucky annual conference have a majority vote to transfer to the

Tennessee Conference/North Nashville District (Clarksville): Paducah, Mayfield, Pryorsburg and

Clinton, KY. Bishop Leath plans to meet with the Presiding Elder and these congregations

between ow and Christmas. Bishop Leath called for the West Kentucky Conference to abide by the

decision of these individual churches.

Bishop called for the vote to decide if the West Kentucky conference wishes to merge with

the Kentucky conference. The Reverend Kenneth Golphin amended his recommendation that the

resolve of the churches on the far west of the Commonwealth to move within the boundaries of the

Tennessee Conference. The West Kentucky annual conference approved. The Reverend

MacArthur Pendleton moved to accept the amended recommendation; seconded by the Reverend

Joshua Hale. There was a question on the floor. Bishop Leath entertained discussion on the budget

of the Mayfield, Clinton, Pryorsburg and Paducah churches that may move to the Tennessee

conference. Motion carried. Bishop advised that if the churches vote to change the boundaries into

18

the Tennessee conference, then the motion for the resolution will be amended to mirror the

proposed recommendation. Moved by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas; seconded by J. Hale. Motion

carried.

Bishop Leath called for a vote to decide if the West Kentucky Annual Conference wishes

to merge with the Kentucky Annual Conference. The results of the secret ballot vote were 40 for

the merger, 5 opposed the merger; and 1 blank ballot. The West Kentucky Conference voted to

merge with the Kentucky Conference and to present their request and resolution to the 50th

Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop Leath shared that if merger of the two conferences is passed at the 50th Quadrennial

Session of the General Conference then the Conference Lay Organizations of the Kentucky and

West Kentucky conferences will need to delay their elections until November. Bishop Leath

recommended at the District level to think about how to cultivate due to distance, local level,

Presiding Elder district level and annual conference level which spreads the leadership. This will

be new to everyone and may initially cause a struggle. Suggestions to host quarterly meetings.

Business Session concluded 5:31pm.

YPD & RAYAC Night

The YPD & RAYAC worship service began at 5:45 pm, led by the Youth of the Kentucky

and West Kentucky Conferences. Their worship included a variety of musical and liturgical dance.

The speaker was Katina Whitlock of Quinn Chapel. Speech titled “What Happened in Our

Church?”

Worship service concluded 7:00 pm.

SUNDAY, September 27, 2015

Closing worship service began at 10:01 am. Presiding Elder Easley, Jr. served as the

worship leader. The Rt. Reverend Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath, Presiding Prelate was the preacher.

Sermon entitled “Care and Prayer” from the text, James 5:16.

Bishop Leath appointed the Reverend Dr. William E. Easley as Presiding Elder of the

Louisville-Paducah District. Pastoral appointments are as follows. Worship concluded 12:25 pm.

19

Church Pastors (The Reverends)

Quinn Chapel Troy I. Thomas

Youngs Chapel Everett Hobson

Asbury Chapel Wallace Gunn

Saint Mark Linda Roberts Jackson

Taylor Chapel Joshua C. Hale

Embry Chapel Presiding Elder (David L. Chavous to supply)

Bethel MacArthur Pendleton

St. John James Bolen

St. Paul, Louisville Kenneth E. Paris

Burks-Hills Babydoll Kennedy

St. Paul – Owensboro Presiding Elder

Greater Taylor Chapel Erika Taylor

St. James – Mayfield Presiding Elder

Moore’s Chapel Presiding Elder

St. James – Pryorsburg Raymond Corbin

Wards Chapel Melanie Samuels-Black

St. Paul – Woodburn Sherri Cowley Scott

Shekinah Glory Karen Carter

Burks Chapel Babydoll Kennedy

Business session convened 12:50 pm. Bishop advised the annual conference that there is

still important business to discuss.

Bishop Leath called for the Presiding Elder’s Support report. The Reverend Erika Taylor,

committee secretary reported. Bishop Leath asked committee to provide clarity of the reporting.

Clarity provided. The Reverend Karen Carter moved to adopt the report; seconded. Motion

carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Budget Committee report. The Reverend Troy I. Thomas

reported. The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis moved to adopt the report; seconded by the Reverend

Raymond Corbin. Motion carried.

20

Bishop Leath reported that gifts received from the Kentucky conference were used to make

up the deficit in the West Kentucky conference.

Bishop called for an intermission to have the annual conference secretary to complete

certificate of election for clergy and lay delegates, and alternate delegates for the 50th Quadrennial

Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop Leath called for the Components reports.

• Committee on Stewardship and Tithing. It was indicated that the report is online. See

report.

• Social Action/Community Develop. The Reverend June Anderson Dorsey reported. See

report.

• West Kentucky Conference Treasurer’s Report. Report of Trinity AME property sale,

$34,365. The Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ellis moved to adopt the report; seconded by the

Reverend Raymond Corbin. Motion carried.

• CDMC. Helen Demaree reported. See report. Moved to adopt the report by the Reverend

Troy I. Thomas; seconded by the Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black. Motion carried.

• Christian Education Department. Amanda Johnson reported. See report. The Reverend

Raymond Corbin moved to adopt the report; seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas.

Motion carried.

• Church School. It was indicated that report is to be posted online. See report.

• MSWAWO. No report.

• Evangelism. No report.

• Lay Organization. Chris Wilson reported. The Reverend David L. Chavous moved to adopt

the report; seconded by the Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black. Motion carried.

• MCAM. No report.

• RAYAC. No report

• Sons of Allen. Report already provided to Bishop Leath.

• WIM. It was indicated that the report is online. See report. The Reverend Sherri Cowley

Scott presented gifts to Supervisor of Missions Dr. Susan Leath and First Lady of the

Louisville-Paducah District Ora Easley. Bishop Leath gifted $100 to the KY and WKY

conference WIM organizations for their hospitality to the connectional WIM President

21

during her stay for annual conference.

• Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). Therese’ Baker reported. It was indicated that report

is online. The Reverend James Bolen moved to adopt the report; seconded by the Reverend

David L. Chavous. Motion carried.

• State of the Country. The Reverend Sherri Cowley Smith reported. It was indicated that

report is online. See report. The Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black moved to adopt the

report; seconded by Amanda Johnson. Motion carried.

• State of the Church. The Reverend James Bolen reported. The Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ellis

moved to adopt the repot; seconded by the Reverend Troy I. Thomas. Motion carried.

Bishop Leath called for the organization of the Finance Committee. The Reverend Erika

Taylor (Chair), Therese Baker (secretary). Moved by the Reverend Deidra Ellis; seconded by the

Reverend Sherry Miller. There was the recommendation for the Reverend Troy I. Thomas to

serve as the Treasurer. Recommendation accepted by consent of the annual conference.

Bishop Leath discussed young adult delegates on the District Budget Committee. There is a

need for someone under 30 years of age to be appointed to this committee from the Tennessee,

West Tennessee, West Kentucky, Kentucky and/or East Tennessee conferences.

Bishop Leath shared that Camp Primm Simmons is looking for someone to live in the house

located on the property. Also Believe, Inc. has planned a bus trip to the 2016 50th Quadrennial of

the AME Church. See Believe, Inc. committee members for additional information.

Bishop Leath called for the Statistician report. The Reverend Melanie Samuel-Black reported.

The Reverend Geoffrey Ellis moved to adopt report; seconded by the Reverend Sherry Miller.

Motion carried.

Bishop appointed the following:

• Board of Examiners - Reverend Dr. Maxine Thomas (Chair); the Reverend Sherri

Cowley Scott (Dean).

• Trustee Board – The Reverends, William E. Easley, Jr., Troy I. Thomas, Everett

Hobson, Erika Taylor, Joshua Hale, James Bolen, and Raymond Corbin; Dr. Hardin,

Wathetta Buford, Shirley Smith Pointer, and Michael Gresham. Bishop called by

22

conference consent to allow the annual conference secretary, the Reverend Linda R.

Jackson to be a part of the committee. Annual conference consented. The Reverend

Joshua Hale moved to elect the said names as conference trustees; seconded. Motion

carried.

Bishop Leath called for the Legislative Task Force elected committee is as follow. The

Reverends, Sherry Miller, Karen Carter, Kenneth E. Paris, James Bolen and Melanie Samuels-

Black; Amanda Johnson and Brenda Palmer. Above said names moved to be elected.

Bishop Leath called for the date of the next session of the annual conference. Bishop

entertained discussion around scheduling conflicts due to annual city events. Bishop Leath to

confirm annual conference dates for the East Tennessee conference and share possible dates for

the next session of the annual conference.

The Reverend Troy I. Thomas complimented the work done by Bishop Leath and for his

leadership; and at the close of the final disciplinary questions sine die by conference consent.

Bishop Leath stated that he will post appointments to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee

at a later date.

Bishop called for the Jordan Rivers Ministries report. The Reverend June Anderson Dorsey

reported.

Bishop called for the Disciplinary Questions. Annual conference secretary reported. See

report. Corrections to the report: the Reverend Edward Lee Thompson has been referred to the

Judicial Committee, and the Reverend Kenneth E. Paris has been referred to the Ministerial

Efficiency Committee. 2016 location of the annual conference is to be confirmed. The annual

conference delegate for Quinn Chapel-Louisville, Helen Demaree moved that Quinn Chapel serve

as the host for the next session of the annual conference. Agreed by conference consent.

The joint session of the Kentucky and West Kentucky annual conference was led in prayer by

Bishop Leath. Conference concluded at 3:01 pm.

23

Worship Services - KY WKY - 2015 - onlin

WKY PROPOSED BUDGET 2015 2016 N

WKY PE SUPPORT 2015 2016 NEW.pdf

WKY Church Pastor Classification 9-25-15

WIM - WKY - 2015.pdf

Stewardship - WKY - 2015.pdf

State of the Country - WKY - 2015.pdf

Social Action - WKY - 2015.pdf

Pastors_' Reports - WKY - 2015.pdf

Pastors_' Report Summary Grid - KY an

Missions, Circuits and Stations - WKY - 2015

Lay - WKY - 2015.pdf

Jordan River Outreach Radio Minis

Health - WKY - 2015.pdf

Christian Education - WKY - 2015.pdf

CDMC - WKY - 2015.pdf

Board of Examiners - WKY - 2015.pdf

Annual Conference Delegates List - WKY -

ADDENDUM - Missions Circuits and

AC Committees - 2015 - West Kentucky

AC Agenda 2015 - KAC.pdf