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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 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.

George T. Grier School of Ushering — one of the most important departments. All ushers are trained in a silent unified method of ushering, this department is responsible for the manual that teaches how to usher. At the seat of the convention, this department holds annual classes from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. each morning (Tuesday through Friday). After attending a certain number of conventions, persons are awarded degrees in ushering — the cream of the crop ushers.

Various committees are appointed at the seat of the Convention, giving everyone an opportunity to be a part of the Convention, thus broadening their fellowship with ushers from the member states.

Convention Highlights

The National Convention meets annually the last full week in July from region to region (Tennessee — 1980). Sunday evening is devoted to a Fashion Show and Luncheon, portion of the proceeds go to Sickle Cell. Monday morning begins with a Candlelight Rededication Service at 7:00 a.m., followed by the welcoming program. Monday night the Henry Ballard Chorus is presented in recital. Tuesday's program consists of the Annual Sermon and the Jr. Young People and Young Adult Flower Pageant and Birthday Calendar Contest. Wednesday night is the drill competition, sponsored by the School of Ushering. Thursday night — Educational contest, Friday night, annual installation banquet. Sessions are held each day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ample time is allotted for sightseeing and resting. Soul-stirring devotional periods open each session of the convention and persons are given the opportunity to witness the goodness of the Lord. The Jr. and Young People, and the Young Adults meet separately from the Senior body. Their sessions are parallel to the business sessions of the Seniors.

Each of the three Presidents (Senior, Junior and Young Peoples and Young Adult) give an address on Thursday of their stewardship during the last convention year.

As a layman organization, on the local, State, and National levels, we strive to work within the church with the ministers and church members to give, serve and to add to the services. We welcome ministers of all the christian churches to fellowship with us on all levels.

Organizational Structure

Each member church board is a part of a local (or a district). These districts report to the State presidents for the State member organization. Advising the State president of their progress and of any assistance needed. The States work and report their progress to the Regional Directors (most of whom are Vice Presidents to the National body).

The Board of Directors is in charge when the convention is not in session working closely with the National President. 

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