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A QUICK GLANCE AT OUR ORGANIZATION

Statement of Purpose

The National United Church Ushers, an interdenominational organization of church ushers was organized to break down the barrier of discrimination, and prejudice which has seriously hampered the church in its efforts to perform its mission in the world. Additional purposes include to create a better service and broaden the field in christian social, and moral activities as ushers; to foster more intimate and cordial relations among state unions; to unify an ushering system; to enlighten ushers in christian work, and practice the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you); and to become a source of inspiration for doing greater things to Christiandom.

We believe that the mission of the Church is to lead all mankind to Christ and that the Church Usher has a very definite part to play in this accomplishment of the Church's mission as God's representative on earth, and as much as can be accomplished through organized efforts we cannot see any just reason why all Church Ushers should not be joined together in one great organization working for the betterment of a common cause.

History

Brother Elijah Hamilton - founder of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. came to Philadelphia, Pa. from Augusta, Georgia and became a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church.

In July, 1919, he traveled in the nearby states, soliciting their support in starting a National organization. A meeting was held at the Varick A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pa., with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia taking part in formulating plans for the National United Church Ushers Association of America.

With prayerful thanks to God, he laid his plans before the assembly. They were received with enthusiasm and he was elected President, serving for one year. He was made honorary President and retained the highest respect throughout the National body. This was the foundation laid for the greatest layman organization in the world. The Elijah Hamilton Tag Day, the 4th Sunday in March remains a great memorial to him.

Departments and Committees

Henry Ballard Mass Chorus - renders music throughout the convention for the various services.

Allen A.C. Griffith, Jr., Scholarship Fund - junior or young adult ushers compete in winning scholarships - $2,000, $1,400, and $1,000. This committee works with the Education Department in selecting the contest for the young people to compete at the National.

A. W. Briggs Health Unit - trained to give assistance to persons in the various churches filled with the spirit, or who may become ill during service.

Jr. and Young Peoples' Department - young persons from the age of 8-24 meeting and outlining programs for the year and exchanging ideas.

Young Adult Department - young persons from the age of 25-35 who meet during the convention and exchange ideas and outline programs for the entire year.

Both the Jr. and Young Peoples, and the Young Adults are members of respective boards in their churches. This department gives them an opportunity to work together with their age group.

Public Relations - responsible for the publicity and advertisement of the National body through all phases of the media.

Arts and Crafts - displays artistic ability of the ushers from the various states at the seat of the convention.

Doorkeeper - quarterly publication advising ushers of the progress being made in the various member states.

[[5 images - scenes from the meeting]]

[[image - group picture]]
[[caption]] Henry Ballard Mass Convention Choir [[/caption]]

[[image - a letter from the Ohio House of Representatives]]

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