This is not a message in the usual vein whereby I was fighting for something that was extremely important to me (the retention of my membership at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church) and I would do anything to make sure that my membership could not be taken away from me simply because someone wanted to do that. So there are no apologies for the steps that I was forced to take. If any of you disagree with this position, I say fine and see what you would have done if it was you in the line of fire.
Although everything is not o.k. at Mt. Hope, I am finished with my battle at this time and you will not see any more postings unless something changes dramatically and I have no choice but to respond. Any battle that needs to be fought regarding Mt. Hope Church will need to be handled by those that are in the leadership positions and/or those that know the particulars of a given situation. I am done with carrying the torch on behalf of others; if they don't care enough then neither do I.
Monthly I will put up a post simply to say that there are no further developements and no new battles to be fought. So you may wish to check the site periodically to keep abreast.
Finally, I feel so much better now that what was attempted to be done, relative to me, is over and done with. I am moving on with my life (with my church membership intact).
May God bless each one of you.
Glover Davis
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Mt. Hope Church; Things Are Worse Than Ever
Based upon recent events, my observation is that things are worse than ever. There are monumental decisions that need to be made and the thought process that is taking place is minute.
It is amazing how things get so chaotic and backwards when you don't have adequate leadership. There is improper direction, lack of coordination and most of all a lack of knowledge. The result of this is a catastrophic situation from which a church might not be able to recover.
Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church members you need to pay close attention to what is taking place and get involved so that serious problems may be prevented. The future of our church is at stake and we must not allow the destructive and error-laden path to prevail. Get involved, do something other than standing on the sidelines!
Glover Davis
It is amazing how things get so chaotic and backwards when you don't have adequate leadership. There is improper direction, lack of coordination and most of all a lack of knowledge. The result of this is a catastrophic situation from which a church might not be able to recover.
Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church members you need to pay close attention to what is taking place and get involved so that serious problems may be prevented. The future of our church is at stake and we must not allow the destructive and error-laden path to prevail. Get involved, do something other than standing on the sidelines!
Glover Davis
Monday, July 9, 2007
What a Crying Shame; No Guts - No Glory
It is hard to imagine that I am sorrounded by a bunch of members who either don't have the will or don't have the ability to understand that they truly can change the course of events at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church. The ball is in all of your courts; and you have decided that change is not worth the effort. Or one might conclude that you are elated to have Pastor Maddox back since he has done such a magnificant job in his 14 years at Mt. Hope Church. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to one or two of his accomplishments during the past 14 years; i'm all eyes and ears!
It has come to the point where I have no respect for anyone of you. I am not angry; just so dissapointed with all of you. I will be glad when the day comes and a new broom really sweeps clean at Mt. Hope. That broom needs to sweep you bunch of gutless members out alongwith the leader of the church.
Oh and by the way; the presiding elder also has no guts or credibility. If she did, she would not have allowed Pastor Maddox to send the letter to me whereby he tried, unsuccessfuly, to remove me from the Mt Hope membership role. She and Pastor Maddox both knew that our church discipline does not permit that. The presiding elder chose to seal her lips and hide her hands - she didn't even once say "Pastor Maddox you know that is against the A.M.E. Zion Church rules and you must retract this letter". Instead, Bishop Battle had a little guts and spoke on that at the Annual Conference!
I'm not offering any praises to him either because so much more was needed and still needs to be done and he really needs to step up to the plate. If not now; when and if not him then who?
I will be sending letters to Pastor Maddox, Presiding Elder Willis Stewart and to the presiding prelate; Bishop George H. Battle, Jr. during the course of the week to demand a retraction of the letter and to address other important matters.
There will also be another letter to the cowardly membership who has chosen, up to this point, to accept whatever is thrown at them even though it is as wrong as two left feet. Come on and wake up out of your zombie like state and take a stand for what is just and right! You members really disgust me with your cowardice!!!!
Glover Davis
It has come to the point where I have no respect for anyone of you. I am not angry; just so dissapointed with all of you. I will be glad when the day comes and a new broom really sweeps clean at Mt. Hope. That broom needs to sweep you bunch of gutless members out alongwith the leader of the church.
Oh and by the way; the presiding elder also has no guts or credibility. If she did, she would not have allowed Pastor Maddox to send the letter to me whereby he tried, unsuccessfuly, to remove me from the Mt Hope membership role. She and Pastor Maddox both knew that our church discipline does not permit that. The presiding elder chose to seal her lips and hide her hands - she didn't even once say "Pastor Maddox you know that is against the A.M.E. Zion Church rules and you must retract this letter". Instead, Bishop Battle had a little guts and spoke on that at the Annual Conference!
I'm not offering any praises to him either because so much more was needed and still needs to be done and he really needs to step up to the plate. If not now; when and if not him then who?
I will be sending letters to Pastor Maddox, Presiding Elder Willis Stewart and to the presiding prelate; Bishop George H. Battle, Jr. during the course of the week to demand a retraction of the letter and to address other important matters.
There will also be another letter to the cowardly membership who has chosen, up to this point, to accept whatever is thrown at them even though it is as wrong as two left feet. Come on and wake up out of your zombie like state and take a stand for what is just and right! You members really disgust me with your cowardice!!!!
Glover Davis
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church Members Have Defined Themselves.
Today, Sunday July 1st is a new beginning of the past, same old stuff just a different day. After personally witnessing those who have decided to do nothing and therefore attend service at Mt. Hope today, I have personally seen each and everyone of you define who you are and that you absolutely and unequivalently really don't stand for anything. You don't care about fighting for what is right, all you care about is going to church. Some have said: I am singing on the choir today so I must be there, I am ushering today and we don't have enough ushers already, I am on the worship service program today and I must be there, Today is the 1st Sunday and communion will be served - God knows that if I don't take communion today, I will be banished to hell (what about what Christ demands of us in preparation for the taking of the Holy Communion - I guess none of that is important, just the ritual of communion); etc., etc., etc., etc. Its best to serve & worship in a spiritually and financially bankrupt church than to fight for a church that can and should be better (this is what you are saying by your actions).
Good luck to you for the rest of your great life, the die has been cast and nothing will ever change. God bless you that you can lay your little heads on your pillow tonight and all nights to come and be totally at peace with yourselves. To heck with those that will follow us since we will be leaving such a great legacy for them and we will be primarily responsible for the church that is being left for them to try and salvage - I can see Jesus smiling on each one of you for the great christian job that you have done; Hip-Hip-Horay, Hip-Hip Horay - how great each of you art, such courage being dispalyed here.
On another subject, I attended the wake and funeral of Ronald N. Manning (age 61) of New Rochelle, NY on Thursday night and Friday morning (June 28 & 29, 2007). Ronald was the twin brother of Donald Thompson, who was my best friend in my adult life. Ronald is also the father of a 12-year old son and two other mature daughters. Donald passed away exactly 20 years ago and I was able to move on and not think constantly of how sad his passing was. Now, with the passing of his twin brother, whom I also knew quite well, it was all brought back to me full-circle.
However, my sadness was washed away as I sat in Bethesda Baptist Church as the fairly youthful minister delivered a wonderful eulogy. He went on to briefly state that Ronald was a truly religious person who cared deeply about his church and always did his best to help the church flourish. He was a leader and was dedicated to his church and his faith. The pastor and Ronald shared a true and respectful friendship that stood the test of time. The pastor was able to speak in glowing terms about Ronald and I know his words to be true because I knew Ronald. The pastor confirmed that on many occasions, he was admonished by Ronald but that he always spoke the truth and that he (the pastor) had the utmost respect for Ronald and looked forward to his counsel from time to time. Just hearing that made me feel somewhat ambivalent. I seem to share a lot of the core beliefs that Ronald had and we both had no reservations abouts demonstrating what those beliefs were.
I was really sad until the homegoing service got into gear; I felt like we were having a regular worship service since the spirit was so high, the music was tremendous and those in attendance reflected a sense of true contentment that they knew Ronald and that this was a service of celebration for the kind of good and decent life that he led. Again, I must say that it was a truly uplifting service, the likes of which I would like to experience more often. For just a fleeting moment I said to myself; why can't our church's regular worship service exhibit this level of joy and sincerity? But I realize that we at Mt. Hope are just in a different world and I quickly left it at that.
What I did act on was the urge to use Ronald's life to strengthen my resolve and to continue to try to help to make things better at our church since there needs to be a positive legacy for young people, especially during the times we live in. I sat down and finished a second letter to the church's membership appealing to them to do something and not just sit idly by with a defeatist attitude & mentality. God does not want this for our church since everything that he touches truly flourishes. I don't know what this says about Mt. Hope but maybe we can figure it out together.
Today is the first day of the new conference year and from what I witnessed today, there is not much to hope for. But I truly believe that God will have his will done, even when we think its to late and things may seem to be set in stone. I will never believe that positive change can't take place next week, next month or during the next few months. I now know that the battle will have to be waged by me alone (basically) but there are some small and encouring signs that have already manifested themselves. The future is now, not at the end of this conference year as most members are content to wait for - after all, that is another 365 days away.
Glover Davis
Good luck to you for the rest of your great life, the die has been cast and nothing will ever change. God bless you that you can lay your little heads on your pillow tonight and all nights to come and be totally at peace with yourselves. To heck with those that will follow us since we will be leaving such a great legacy for them and we will be primarily responsible for the church that is being left for them to try and salvage - I can see Jesus smiling on each one of you for the great christian job that you have done; Hip-Hip-Horay, Hip-Hip Horay - how great each of you art, such courage being dispalyed here.
On another subject, I attended the wake and funeral of Ronald N. Manning (age 61) of New Rochelle, NY on Thursday night and Friday morning (June 28 & 29, 2007). Ronald was the twin brother of Donald Thompson, who was my best friend in my adult life. Ronald is also the father of a 12-year old son and two other mature daughters. Donald passed away exactly 20 years ago and I was able to move on and not think constantly of how sad his passing was. Now, with the passing of his twin brother, whom I also knew quite well, it was all brought back to me full-circle.
However, my sadness was washed away as I sat in Bethesda Baptist Church as the fairly youthful minister delivered a wonderful eulogy. He went on to briefly state that Ronald was a truly religious person who cared deeply about his church and always did his best to help the church flourish. He was a leader and was dedicated to his church and his faith. The pastor and Ronald shared a true and respectful friendship that stood the test of time. The pastor was able to speak in glowing terms about Ronald and I know his words to be true because I knew Ronald. The pastor confirmed that on many occasions, he was admonished by Ronald but that he always spoke the truth and that he (the pastor) had the utmost respect for Ronald and looked forward to his counsel from time to time. Just hearing that made me feel somewhat ambivalent. I seem to share a lot of the core beliefs that Ronald had and we both had no reservations abouts demonstrating what those beliefs were.
I was really sad until the homegoing service got into gear; I felt like we were having a regular worship service since the spirit was so high, the music was tremendous and those in attendance reflected a sense of true contentment that they knew Ronald and that this was a service of celebration for the kind of good and decent life that he led. Again, I must say that it was a truly uplifting service, the likes of which I would like to experience more often. For just a fleeting moment I said to myself; why can't our church's regular worship service exhibit this level of joy and sincerity? But I realize that we at Mt. Hope are just in a different world and I quickly left it at that.
What I did act on was the urge to use Ronald's life to strengthen my resolve and to continue to try to help to make things better at our church since there needs to be a positive legacy for young people, especially during the times we live in. I sat down and finished a second letter to the church's membership appealing to them to do something and not just sit idly by with a defeatist attitude & mentality. God does not want this for our church since everything that he touches truly flourishes. I don't know what this says about Mt. Hope but maybe we can figure it out together.
Today is the first day of the new conference year and from what I witnessed today, there is not much to hope for. But I truly believe that God will have his will done, even when we think its to late and things may seem to be set in stone. I will never believe that positive change can't take place next week, next month or during the next few months. I now know that the battle will have to be waged by me alone (basically) but there are some small and encouring signs that have already manifested themselves. The future is now, not at the end of this conference year as most members are content to wait for - after all, that is another 365 days away.
Glover Davis
Monday, June 25, 2007
Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church Members; Like lambs Being Led To Their Unpleasant End!
Well isn't it just fine and dandy. Other than a handful of members, the vast majority of the members did not want Pastor Maddox back as our leader. And it has nothing to do with disliking him as a person (although a good deal of his behavior is extremely troublesome), but it is simply about the lack of effectiveness as a minister.
Why would the average member want someone to return each and every year when we see so much negative impact on the church during the period that he has been in charge; particularily over the last 3 to 4 years - now members you know this is the truth! Yet still we are treated like people who have no ability to think for ourselves and with absolutely no impact over how the decisions are made. For a change we need someone to take our desires into account. The members have been disrespected for far too long based upon any objective measures that you choose to use.
The decision makers have no regard for the welfare of our church, especially when one of the major duties of any minister is to grow the church membership and allow the church to prosper (check your discipline for the duties and responsibilties of a minister to confirm this). With this in mind, how would this have been the proper decision in any of the last 3 to 4 years in particular? The only thing the decision makers respect from the members is the monetary givings that are received - and only if it is in amounts that are sufficient to support the compensation of the presiding elders, bishops and others that the A.M.E. Zion budget supports. If ever there was a case of "taxation without representation", this is a prime example. And I don't want anyone to say "what is he talking about mentioning taxes" but you understand that it is simply an analogy - but completely valid!
After saying all of this, if we don't want to simply be stupid little members who think that there is nothing that we can do; I have a perfect solution for us all. It does not involve posting on this site, writing to the presiding elder or bishop, but simply taking a stance once and for all by simply staying away from Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church for the entire month of July (and even longer if we have to). The Bishop must afford some respect to our wishes in this matter. You know a church can not function if the members don't attend and pay their monies! Maybe the pastor, presiding elder and bishop can financially support Mt Hope in our absence. There is nothing more powerful and at the same time non-confrontational. So for all of you that don't want to "make waves", all you have to do is stay home and voice your disapproval over the return of Pastor Maddox in that manner; you don't have to utter a single word.
Do you think you have the guts to do that; finally take a stand and be heard? You think that the Bishop might be forced to come and have a much needed meeting with us as members for a change? No decision is set in stone; especially when it is the wrong decision! We shall see starting Sunday July 1st. Incidently, Mt Hope is not the only place where we can serve GOD for now.
One final thought; the Pastor, the Presiding Elder and the Presiding Bishop all are supposed to serve the members not the nmembers serve them!!! Again, this is per our A.M.E. Zion Discipline.
Glover Davis (fed up with the lack of concern for our church and its needs)
Why would the average member want someone to return each and every year when we see so much negative impact on the church during the period that he has been in charge; particularily over the last 3 to 4 years - now members you know this is the truth! Yet still we are treated like people who have no ability to think for ourselves and with absolutely no impact over how the decisions are made. For a change we need someone to take our desires into account. The members have been disrespected for far too long based upon any objective measures that you choose to use.
The decision makers have no regard for the welfare of our church, especially when one of the major duties of any minister is to grow the church membership and allow the church to prosper (check your discipline for the duties and responsibilties of a minister to confirm this). With this in mind, how would this have been the proper decision in any of the last 3 to 4 years in particular? The only thing the decision makers respect from the members is the monetary givings that are received - and only if it is in amounts that are sufficient to support the compensation of the presiding elders, bishops and others that the A.M.E. Zion budget supports. If ever there was a case of "taxation without representation", this is a prime example. And I don't want anyone to say "what is he talking about mentioning taxes" but you understand that it is simply an analogy - but completely valid!
After saying all of this, if we don't want to simply be stupid little members who think that there is nothing that we can do; I have a perfect solution for us all. It does not involve posting on this site, writing to the presiding elder or bishop, but simply taking a stance once and for all by simply staying away from Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church for the entire month of July (and even longer if we have to). The Bishop must afford some respect to our wishes in this matter. You know a church can not function if the members don't attend and pay their monies! Maybe the pastor, presiding elder and bishop can financially support Mt Hope in our absence. There is nothing more powerful and at the same time non-confrontational. So for all of you that don't want to "make waves", all you have to do is stay home and voice your disapproval over the return of Pastor Maddox in that manner; you don't have to utter a single word.
Do you think you have the guts to do that; finally take a stand and be heard? You think that the Bishop might be forced to come and have a much needed meeting with us as members for a change? No decision is set in stone; especially when it is the wrong decision! We shall see starting Sunday July 1st. Incidently, Mt Hope is not the only place where we can serve GOD for now.
One final thought; the Pastor, the Presiding Elder and the Presiding Bishop all are supposed to serve the members not the nmembers serve them!!! Again, this is per our A.M.E. Zion Discipline.
Glover Davis (fed up with the lack of concern for our church and its needs)
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The Mt. Hope Church/Pastor Maddox Affair II
Nothing really to report in terms of new developments with Mt. Hope Church. It seems that it's business as usual; how very sad. Looks like the final unwanted step will have to be taken.
As a matter of interest, there is a posting on the site by a Deacon Scott who used to be a member of St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church in New Rochelle. He makes comments about what happened to him there and why he is no longer a member of that church. Please take a peek at his comments under the original posting "Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church and The Pastor Maddox Affair" from a few days ago. That particular posing had 8 comments as of Friday, June 22nd. He also offered some very much on the point observations about Mt. Hope Church.
I found them to be very honest comments by someone who understands how unfair things can be in our A.M.E. Zion Church structure. How power is sometimes apparently used without human passion and understanding being involved. I don't know all the facts but he appears to be honest and sincere.
Well I guess the next posting will take place on Monday; it might be very interesting.
Glover Davis
As a matter of interest, there is a posting on the site by a Deacon Scott who used to be a member of St. Catherine A.M.E. Zion Church in New Rochelle. He makes comments about what happened to him there and why he is no longer a member of that church. Please take a peek at his comments under the original posting "Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church and The Pastor Maddox Affair" from a few days ago. That particular posing had 8 comments as of Friday, June 22nd. He also offered some very much on the point observations about Mt. Hope Church.
I found them to be very honest comments by someone who understands how unfair things can be in our A.M.E. Zion Church structure. How power is sometimes apparently used without human passion and understanding being involved. I don't know all the facts but he appears to be honest and sincere.
Well I guess the next posting will take place on Monday; it might be very interesting.
Glover Davis
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