The following article was authored by the publicity committee of the Western North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.We, the Piedmont Episcopal District, take great pleasure in presenting and honoring God’s man ó the inspirational, innovative, and our visionary leader extraordinaire ó the right Rev. George Washington Carver Walker Sr., with a Quadrennial Episcopal Banquet on March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, 3121 High Point Road at I-40 in Greensboro.
The book of Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
The people of the Piedmont Episcopal District need not fear this revelation because of the visionary leadership of Bishop George Washington Carver Walker Sr., presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District and senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Bishop Walker is a graduate of Clinton Junior College, where he received an A. A. degree. He earned an A.B. degree from Benedict College in 1970 and the master of divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary in 1971.
His pastorates include Rock Hill and Piney Grove (Pageland, S. C.); St. James and Mount Airy (Chesterfield, S. C.); Foundation and Tabernacle (Rock Hill, S. C.); Jones Memorial (Columbia, S. C.); and Greater Walters (Chicago, Ill.).
Walker was elected to the episcopacy on Aug. 5, 1988, at the 43rd General Conference as the 81st bishop of the AME Zion Church. He was elevated to the senior bishop post in 2004.
The Piedmont Episcopal District includes the Western North Carolina Conference, the West Central North Carolina Conference, the Blue Ridge Conference and Jamaica. In his four-year tenure as presiding prelate, Walker has revamped the infrastructure of the Piedmont Episcopal District. He has led this district in the purchase of an Episcopal Residence in Waxhaw, in extensive renovations to Camp Dorothy Walls, and in the groundbreaking for a 170-room hotel at the Camp Dorothy Wall Conference and Retreat Center in Black Mountain.
Walker has served in leadership positions on several boards of the AME. Zion Church and ecumenical organizations including the AME Zion Publishing House Board, the Harriet Tubman Foundation, Restructuring Committee, the Balm in Gilead and conference and connectional level positions.
He has inspired many. The Right Rev. Dr. Leonard H. Bolick, bishop of the North Carolina Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, says, “Bishop George W.C. Walker Sr. has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to me in my work as bishop of Lutherans in North Carolina. An outstanding bishop, he leads with dedication, strength and God-given ability. His dear wife, Mrs. Walker, is also an effective witness to the faith as she shares her love for the Lord. I am honored to know Bishop Walker and call him friend as he provides leadership for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Christians around the world.”
Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr., 12th president of Livingstone College, and Dr. Faleese Moore-Jenkins, first lady of Livingstone College, respectively remark, “We take great pleasure in congratulating Bishop George W.C. Walker Sr., senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and chairman of the Livingstone College board of trustees, on the occasion of his first Quadrennial Banquet as presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District. Bishop Walker provided the kind of statesmanship-like leadership that convinced us to come to Livingstone College, and he continues to provide the kind of support that is responsible for the exciting growth that we see happening at Livingstone today.
“Throughout the Piedmont Episcopal District, there is renewed enthusiasm and support for the college because of his leadership and we can see the growth of the people of the Piedmont District specifically. We are honored to serve with the able leadership of Bishop Walker at the helm. My wife and I congratulate you for creating the kind of environment that is extending educational opportunity for those who might otherwise be deprived of such.”
Kim Saunders, president and CEO of M&F Bank, renders, “Throughout our long rich history, our deep ties within the faith community have been part of the foundation upon which M&F Bank has built a legacy of success. We are privileged by the trust and confidence shown by Bishop Walker and the AME Zion Church. Bishop Walker has been our true friend and stalwart supporter, and it gives me great pleasure to extend our sincere congratulations on the occasion of the celebration of your first Quadrennial Celebration in the Piedmont Episcopal District.”
Pernessa C. Seele, founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead Inc., headquartered in Richmond, Va., adds, “The Balm in Gilead Inc. applauds and appreciates the outstanding leadership of the Right Rev. George W.C. Walker Sr. in calling, not only the AME Zion Church, but all churches throughout our nation and the world to establish a compassionate, educational HIV/AIDS ministry within every congregation.”
Dr. Barbara L. Shaw, general president of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the AME Zion Church declares, “I am honored to join with countless others in saluting Bishop George W.C. Walker Sr., our senior bishop and the presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District on this momentous occasion. Your stellar leadership in ecumenical, political and civic arenas brings honor not only to the Piedmont Episcopal District but also to the AME Zion Church. May God continue to bless you and the work that He has assigned to your hands.”
Bishop Walker is married to Geraldine Jackson Walker, missionary supervisor of the Piedmont Episcopal District and they are the parents of four adult children and seven grandchildren.
A donation of $35.00 is requested for those wishing to attend the banquet.
For ticket information, contact the Rev. Dr. James M. Sloan at 704-597-0663 or email jimjam5577@aol.com.