THE CENTRAL REGION HISTORY

 

"When a man lives with God, his voice shall be sweet as the murmur of the brook, and the rustle of the corn."

                                                                                                      Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

  In 1956, state presidents, representatives and the late Vice President of the National, Harry Daniels (Ohio) met in the state of Missouri to organize the Central Region. The National Organization had grown too large and it was necessary to organize regions for better communication and fellowship.

 

 The states of Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio were present. Guidelines, rules, and regulations were formulated to meet each year on the third Saturday in October. This was done until a few years ago when the National Education Department had so many contestants. A recommendation was submitted by Alfreda Davis-Porter (DC) to have the elimination contest in each region and bring to the National the first and second place winners from each region. Therefore, it was necessary for the Central Region to have their contest and regional conference in March or April of each year, and it would not interfere with any of the states' annual conventions.

 

 In 1957, the Central Region Conference met in Chicago, Illinois at the usher's home and officers were elected. The late Essie W. Wells and Alice H. Jones served as the secretaries, and Louise Greer and Elizabeth E. Mosley served as the culinary committee. From Illinois:  George T. Grier, Charlie H. Jones, Robert Allen, James Mitchell, Jessie A. Gantt, Arthur Dillard, Albenda Carruthers, Cherie Abernathy, Dora Young and James Chapman.  

 

 We will never forget the following members for their faithful service: 

From Illinois:  Reverend Esther LaMarr Grier, Herbert E. Bruce, Madge Macon, Mary F. Brunt and Beatrice Lee Newson.

From Michigan:  I.B. Holley, Brother Gordon and Robert B. Horton, Kathryn Thompkins, and Mary Jackson.

From Missouri: Anna Jackson, Laura Purnell, Blanche Dabbs Jackson, Charles Wilkerson and Amenta Wooten.

From Ohio: Harry Daniels, Paul L. Finch, Melvin Evans, Alvin Taylor, and A. Jody Finch. 

 

After many successful years of organizing, the above states became members of our great National and Central Region.  The states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Kentucky later joined the organization.  Today, there are seven (7) great states that are members of the Central Region.

 

Under the leadership of Anita Spencer, President of Minnesota, formulated the following recommendation:  each Friday night at the Central Region, we would have an "Honoree Banquet".  This would honor one doorkeeper from each state who had done outstanding work in their church, city organization, and their state. This fellowship was held each year.

 

In 1981 another recommendation was passed to elect a President and Vice President of the Central Region, since the Vice President of the National/ Director of the Region played a dual role at the National Convention. Harry J. Carter, Jr. (IL) was elected the first President of the Central Region. Other presidents were:  David L. Crouthers (WI), Wayman Hatter (IL), Ernest Sisson, Jr. (MO) and Art Williams (OH).  At the Thirty-Seventh Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in March 1993, the first female was elected President, Sadie P. Boles (IL).

 

At the conference in 1993, in the state of Indiana, a committee was formed to have a banquet entitled "The Hall of Fame Banquet,” honoring all of the charter members. Their states or the National had never honored some of them. The Hall of Fame Banquet will be held every three (3) years. We can thank our Past Regional Director James N. Jones, for this idea.

The Central Region is proud to have had the following Past National Presidents:  Harry Daniels (OH), Paul L. Finch (OH), Robert Allen (IL), James Jones (IL), and Sylester T. Williams (IL). The region has had many past and present National officers that have given their services. We say to each of you, "Thank you for your faithfulness."

 

Many resolutions and recommendations have been adopted from members of the Central Region at the National Convention. Delegates, contestants and departments have won national trophies, cups, banners, and certificates for their participation and stewardship.

 

The region is growing in spiritual strength and membership. This is because of the leadership and the commitment of the ministers. The ministers are never forgotten. A special reception at the annual conference is given in their honor. Many have become Honorary Members of the Central Region.

 

As the region goes forth into the 57th year in 2014, the leaders and membership are committed to the organization, taking pride in their accomplishments and future advancements as they move onward, upward and outward, blazing new trails, organizing new states and increasing the membership through motivation, member's satisfaction and participation.

 

In July 2014 the Central Region hosted the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana as  a result Indiana once again has become members of the Central Region and the National.

 

 

 

IN GOD'S SERVICE