Monday, November 24, 2008

Press Release: New Pastor of Mother Bethel stands on broad shoulders of predecessors & brings passion for history



Okay, I know that there is probably a much more creative way to make this announcement, but frankly, I'm still speechless. I'll just say "Thank you, Lord!" and thanks to Bishop Norris for the trust he has placed in me to represent all of you at the Mother Church. With that, I’ll let the press release say the rest.


PRESS RELEASE

Rev. Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.d. IS NAMED THE 52ND PASTOR OF historic MOTHER BETHEL AME CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA
, Pennsylvania, the oldest property continuously owned by black Americans. Dr. Tyler is a dynamic preacher and pastor having led congregations in California, Missouri, Ohio, and New Jersey. Dr. Tyler is also a skilled teacher serving as an adjunct professor at Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio and New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey.
Dr. Tyler has become widely known in the AME Church for his love of AME Church history. His passion and knowledge are not only demonstrated in his sermons and teachings, but also during his recent campaign for the office of Historiographer in the AME Church. During the year-long campaign, Dr. Tyler developed a grassroots following using such efforts as his blog: Tyler’s AME History Notes (www.markkellytyler.blogspot.com).
While Dr. Tyler’s aspiration to serve as Historiographer was not realized at the General Conference, the loss turned into a gain by paving the way for him to serve as the 52nd pastor of Mother Bethel. He is excited about this new chapter in his ministry that fuses his passion for history with his love of serving as a pastor in the AME Church. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as the pastor of Mother Bethel,” Tyler said of his appointment. “This congregation has stood as a beacon of hope for citizens of Philadelphia for more than 200 years. But far beyond the borders of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Mother Bethel is also a symbol of liberation, hope and self-help for members of the AME Church throughout the world,” Tyler added.
Dr. Tyler succeeds Bishop N. Jeffrey N. Leath, who served at the head of Mother Bethel for the past 15 years. Bishop Leath was elected and consecrated the 128th Bishop of the AME Church in July 2008. Elected at the head of his class, Bishop Leath now serves as the presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District of the AME Church in South Africa.
Consequently, the pastor that Bishop Leath succeeded in 1993 is Bishop Richard F. Norris the 116th Bishop elected and consecrated in 2000 and current leader of the 1st Episcopal District. Dr. Tyler received his new assignment from the hand of Bishop Norris 2 weeks ago.
Dr. Tyler is a native of Oakland, CA. He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Religion, Payne Theological Seminar y with the M.Div., and the University of Dayton with an earned Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Mother Bethel’s building and Museum are located on the corner of 6th and Lombard Streets. It is open for guided tours Tuesdays through Saturday, from 10am-3pm, and Sundays after the 8am and 10:45am worship services.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations on a most deserved honor and appointment! To God be the glory for the things He has done!

Pam Purifoy

Anonymous said...

Mother Bethel and the legacy of Richard Allen could not be in any more capable hands. It is a salute to the wisdom of the Bishop and the bright hopes for African Methodism that you were appointed the 52nd Pastor of the birth of the "greatest things going for people today!" May the Kingdom of God be expanded, the AME Church be empowered, Mother Bethel be endowed with even more power, and the city of Philadelphia be reignited with the spirit of liberation in these challenging times for the poor and disenfranchised. We pray with you and Sis. Leslie as you enter this new chapter of your ministry. History is made by those who live it.

Rev. Jerome & Mrs. Kim Stembridge
Mt. Zion AME Church Princeton, NJ

Anonymous said...

Mark:

What a watershed event in your career! I know you will cherish this moment for the rest of your life. Gaining the pulpit and congregation of Richard Allen for someone as devoted to denominational history must bring you joy beyond measure!

But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy…. (Ezra 3:12)

Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants…. (II Samuel 19:7)

Enjoy this opportunity of a lifetime and gain from the experience in your historical knowledge of the AMEC.

Best regards,
Paul

Unknown said...

I pray all blessings for you in your new appointment. I pray you bring that spirit and aspiration I grew to know and love. Again congratulations on your new position.

Unknown said...

Dr. Tyler,

GOD has his man in place here like he will in the White House. You are walking in your destiny and soon the World will know what your friends, family and past church family's know: You are one gifted, talented and humble Brother. It is my pleasure to call you friend and family.

GOD Bless,
Wayne Box

Anonymous said...

Mark,

You know Art and I are thrilled!

We need to get together so I can write the story. I'd probably like to do it before Christmas.

Let me know.

God bless,
Annette John-Hall

Anonymous said...

May the Spirit of the Living God, Fall Fresh on You! Congratulations to you, and to Mother Bethel. I was only priviledged to hear you share The Word a few times (while visiting my brother, Miles Carter, while he was living in MO) - but those messages were profound and memorable. May God continue to bless you and your family. Again, Congrats! Jandá M. Carter, Esq

Anonymous said...

Dear Mark,

Congratulations on your new appointment as pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. We are all thrilled for you, Leslie, and family (Madison, Sharon, Nishon, Jason). May God continue to shower His blessings on you all as well as on the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and its congregation.

Love and Best Wishes,
Kathleen Battle

Anonymous said...

Hello Pastor Tyler,

I am elated to have had the opportunity to serve under your leadership. I believe that you will excel at Mother Bethel. Keep preaching, teaching and reaching, and God will provide the increase.

To God Be The Glory for the many things He has done.

In His Service,
Reverend Lorna Denise Holmes