Rev. Dr. Anthony Witherspoon, Pastor of Washington Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 613 N. Garrison Ave., announced that he will be run for bishop, the highest office held in the AME Zion church, in 2016.
In the past, six bishops have been elected from Washington Metropolitan AME Zion church. There are certain requirements that one must fulfill in order to hold such a title. One must have proven to be fiscally responsible, be an Ordained Elder in the church and possess at least 20 years’ pastoral experience.
His 33 years of experience in the ministry (the last 15 years at Washington Metropolitan) and having served as adjunct professor of religion at Saint Louis University have prepared him for such a position.
Witherspoon is dedicated to serving his community. In late October he gave out blankets and fed homeless veterans. This hit close to home for Witherspoon, considering he is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy.
He also went to Ferguson, where unarmed teenager Michael Brown Jr. was killed, and led a prayer for young men killed around the nation. “We aren’t just praying for Mike Brown but for the nation,” said Witherspoon.
On October 13, Witherspoon, co-organized the “Man Up: Men Being Positive Agents for Change” seminar in hopes of fueling the need for change in communities across the nation. The event brought men from around the nation as positive images of change.
“The only way is for the young men to be educated,” said Witherspoon. “The men that attended hopefully can continue the Man Up conference in their own communities.”
Speakers and topics included Rev. Scot Moore, Pastor of Judah Temple AME Zion church, Bowie MD (Refueling and Inspiring people); Rev. Richard Dalton, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (Revisiting the Power of Non-Violence); James Clark, Better Family Life (Organizing and Recruiting Men); Rev. Vincent Andujo, Pastor of Jamison Memorial CME Church (Organizing and Empowering Youth & Young Adults); Rev. Dr. Lester McCorn, Pastor of Pennsylvania Ave AME Zion church Baltimore, MD. (Organizing a Community to Become Change Agents); Rev. Dr. W. E. Marshall, Pastor of St. James AME church (Community at the Ready); Rev. Kevin Kosh, Pastor of Union Memorial UMC (The Sending Forth).
The host pastor who spoke during breakfast was Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson Jr., Pastor of Wellspring United Methodist church.
In August 17, a roundtable discussion was held at Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church that included Judge Greg Mathis, members of the NAACP and local clergy to discuss the death of Michael Brown Jr., issues surrounding race in the community and local and city government. The question “How do we effect change in the community?” was asked.
Judge Mathis voiced his concerned about the low numbers of African Americans who govern and police largely black communities. He said he would apprise the White House of the roundtable discussion and impart the urgent need to develop an action plan to bring more African Americans and minorities into St. Louis County police departments, courts and government.
Witherspoon’s church has ministries, such as Project Cope, a ministry that provides assistance to people released from prison; and Angel Tree, a ministry that gives Christmas gifts to kids whose parents are incarcerated. Washington Metropolitan also allows growth for their youth by facilitating “Youth in Christ,” which gives the younger members the chance to have their own service every first Sunday.
Washington Metropolitan also builds apartments and senior living facilities. Lucas Heights Phase 1 includes 192 garden-style apartments and two-story townhomes. Phase 2 is known as Metropolitan Village and includes 147 apartments to accommodate the elderly community. Phase 3 includes 228 apartment homes geared toward smaller family units.
Witherspoon quoted Carter G. Wilson in saying, “The black church is the most important institution in the community.”
