The Florida Conference Lay Organization
"The Lay Organization is the right arm of the church" — empowering members to serve, lead, and strengthen the AME Church throughout North Florida since 1956.
"Becoming Lay Happy Serving My God and My Church"
Our Mission & Purpose
The Constitutional Objectives of the Lay Organization
The objectives and purpose of the Lay Organization are outlined in its Constitution and guide our work throughout the Florida Conference and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our Calling
These objectives are best fulfilled when lay members understand the mission of the Church and actively connect that mission to the world around them. Through Christian witness, stewardship, education, and service, we seek to carry the Church into our communities, workplaces, schools, and every place where people gather.
"The church is our community, our job, our school, and wherever we assemble, we carry the church with us."
Create a love and appreciation for the History and Principles of African Methodism.
Keep the memory and legacy of Richard Allen alive.
Respect constituted authority within the Churches.
Stimulate and educate the laity in the total program of the Churches.
Study the Discipline and learn the laws of the Churches.
Encourage financial support of the Churches's program.
Teach and practice stewardship while working with youth to teach Methodism.
Promote social action and community engagement as an extension of the Churches's mission.
What is the Lay Organization?
The Lay Organization of the AME Church is the official body of all non-ordained members within the church. It provides a formal structure through which lay members can participate meaningfully in the life, leadership, and ministry of the AME Church.
The Florida Conference Lay Organization officially originated in 1956 when Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols was assigned to Florida. It serves the 11th Episcopal District, uniting lay members across four districts spanning North Florida — Tallahassee, Pensacola/Panama City, Quincy/Monticello, and Marianna.
In 2004, the Florida Annual Conference and the West Florida Annual Conference merged into a single Florida Annual Conference, uniting both lay organizations under a strengthened, unified structure.
Our Story
A History of Faithful Service
From its founding in 1956 to the present day, the Florida Conference Lay Organization has been a catalyst for lay empowerment, church strengthening, and community engagement.
The Florida Conference Origin
The Florida Conference Lay Organization officially originated in 1956 when Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols was assigned to Florida. Prior to his appointment, Grand Master C.H. Henry and Brother Miles Groover served as president and vice president for the lay organization, influencing the election of delegates to the General Conference.
At the time, many believed the primary objective of laymen was to be "watchdogs over preachers." Bishop Nichols corrected this misconception, encouraging lay members of local churches who sincerely wanted to understand what the lay organization was all about to seek election to the Electoral College — a mandate that served as a catalyst for the formal establishment of the organized laity.
Brother Sim Wilson was the first elected president of the organized Florida Conference Lay Organization in 1956.
The West Florida Lay Organization
The West Florida Conference Lay Organization also originated around 1956 under Bishop Nichols. The first officers of record were Brother Oscar Long (president), Sister Celia Woods (first vice president), and Sister Edna DeVaughn (treasurer).
In 1965, Sister Lillie J. Frazier was elected president of the West Florida Conference Lay League. Sister Frazier also served as a member of the General Board in 1972–1976. Brother George Stakley, Jr. served as 1st vice president of the West Florida Conference (1976–1980), Lay president (1980–1984), and parliamentarian (1985–1998).
West Florida Lay Organization Leadership (1958)
The 2004 Conference Merger
In 2004, the Florida Annual Conference and the West Florida Annual Conference merged as the Florida Annual Conference. Since then, presidents of the Florida Conference Lay Organization have included Brothers James Robbins, Johnny Hill, Jr., and Shepherd Myrick.
Brother Shepherd Myrick reported at the 151st Session of the Florida Annual Conference that within the four districts, an average of fifty-three people attended quarterly meetings, and total membership stood at seven hundred twenty-one. He urged the Annual Conference to pray that the AME Church Lay Organization increase in strength, spirituality, and membership.
Throughout the years, Florida Conference Laymen fostered innovative ideas including publishing a quarterly newsletter, conducting annual Christmas Socials, organizing a functioning Young Adult Organization, and improving relationships with pastors while increasing their participation in lay activities.
Moving Forward
The Lay Organization's goals for 2016 included: initiating stronger recruitment efforts; placing priority on the recruitment and training of youth and young adults; improving communication mechanisms at the local level; and awarding the Selmo Bradley and Ralph and Joyce Wilson Scholarships to graduating seniors who enroll in college.
Brother Myrick pledged that while reports showed a 30% increase in membership, growing the membership would continue to be a priority goal. Brother John Love published a manual titled "How to Grow Your Lay Organization," focused on the Three Rs of Membership: Recruitment, Retention, and Reclaiming.
The organization continues to operate under its Lay Motto: "Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ-Centered Leadership and Training."
2017 District Report
| District President | District | Churches | With Lay Org |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bro. Donald Russell | Tallahassee | 29 | 23 |
| Bro. Joe Johnson | Pensacola/Panama | 32 | 29 |
| Sis. Sharolyn Wood | Quincy/Monticello | 32 | 26 |
| Sis. Patricia McCallister | Marianna | 33 | 28 |
Key Dates
Historical Milestones
Over seven decades of organized lay leadership in the Florida Conference.
Florida Conference Lay Organization founded under Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols. Bro. Sim Wilson elected as first president.
West Florida Conference Lay Organization also established. First officers: Bro. Oscar Long (president), Sis. Celia Woods (1st VP), Sis. Edna DeVaughn (treasurer).
At the Electoral College, delegates displayed a new attitude and understanding of the lay organization's role and objectives — a turning point for the organized laity.
General Conference. Rev. Ralph L. Wilson given the charge to identify ineligible delegates and encourage lay members to get elected from their home church.
Sis. Lillie J. Frazier elected president of the West Florida Conference Lay League.
Bro. Selmo Bradley serves as Episcopal President of the Lay Organization.
Sis. Eileen Shaw Warner elected Director of Public Relations for the Connectional Lay Organization at the 27th Biennial Session in Jacksonville, FL.
Florida Annual Conference and West Florida Annual Conference merge into a single Florida Annual Conference.
Bro. Charlie Nichols elected President of the Episcopal Lay Organization.
Florida Conference Lay Organization hosted Annual Convention at St. James AMEC in Marianna; participated in the 35th Session of the Connectional Lay Biennial Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
Florida Conference Lay Organization hosted the Episcopal District Lay Convention.
Leadership Legacy
Past Presidents
Those who have led the Florida Conference Lay Organization since its founding.
Florida Conference Presidents (Pre-Merger)
Bro. Sim Wilson (1956 – first elected president)
Bro. Russell Stevens
Bro. Selmo Bradley
Bro. Fred Armstead
Bro. Alton Lee
Sis. Beulah B. Gregory
Bro. Harry K. Holt
Bro. John W. Love
Bro. Johnny Hill
Bro. Shepherd Myrick
Connectional & Episcopal District Leaders
Bro. Selmo Bradley
Episcopal President of the Lay Organization (1971–1984); Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization for twelve years.
Sis. Eileen Shaw Warner
Elected Director of Public Relations for the Connectional Lay Organization (2001); Corresponding Secretary (2009); Third Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization (2013 Biennial Session, Atlanta).
Bro. George Stakley, Jr.
1st Vice President of the West Florida Conference (1976–1980); Lay President (1980–1984); Parliamentarian (1985–1998). First Vice President at the Episcopal District level (2000–2008).
Bro. Charlie Nichols
Elected President of the Episcopal Lay Organization in 2008.
Leadership Records
Florida Conference Lay Organization Leadership
A record of elected officers across conference years, drawn from official historical records.
| Position | 2002 | 2007 | 2012 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | John Love | James Robbins, Sr. | Johnnie Hill, Jr. | Shepherd Myrick |
| 1st Vice President | Jesse Hughes | Shepherd Myrick | Shepherd Myrick | Dorothy Harley |
| 2nd Vice President | Bernard Anderson | Johnnie Hill | Joseph Johnson | Robert Jackson |
| 3rd Vice President | Florence Pierce | Jessie Hughes | Eileen Warner | Carolyn Hill |
| Recording Secretary | Hazel Hayes | Mary Silva | Ethel Wooten | Debra McGriff |
| Treasurer | Priscilla Salter | Estelle Hogans | Estelle Hogan | LaDonna Hogue |
| Chaplain | China Evans | George Stakley, Sr. | Norma Merritt | D. Barbara Patterson |
District Presidents
| District | 2002 | 2007 | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensacola–Panama City | Mae Devoe Fields | Judith Hollinhead | Joseph Johnson | Joseph Johnson |
| Quincy–Monticello | Edna Henry | Henry McGill | Sharolyn Wood | Sharolyn Wood |
| Tallahassee | Donald Russell | Eileen S. Warner | Beulah Gregory | Donald Russell |
| Marianna | Henry McGill | Shepherd Myrick | Dorise Griffin | Patricia McCallister |
Leadership Structure
Elected officers serve the organization and guide its direction in alignment with the AME Church's mission and the Lay Organization's constitution.
President
Leads the organization, presides at meetings, and serves as primary spokesperson.
Vice President
Supports the President and assumes duties in their absence.
Secretary
Maintains official records, minutes, and correspondence.
Treasurer
Manages finances, prepares budget reports, and ensures fiscal accountability.
Chaplain
Provides spiritual leadership and opens sessions with prayer and devotion.
Director of Christian Education
Oversees educational programs and spiritual development initiatives.
Be Part of the Mission
Every lay member has a role to play. Get involved with the Florida Conference Lay Organization today.