HISTORY
It was in 1912 when Brother John W. Evans of Zion Baptist Church issued a call and invitation to the Usher Boards of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity to meet with the ushers of Zion Baptist Church for the purpose of organizing an Ushers Union. The late Rev. William J. Howard was the pastor. Until his death, Rev. Howard was one of the most staunch and ardent ministerial supporters of the Ushers Union.
At the first meeting approximately 200 ushers laid the ground work for the organization. The purpose was to create, foster, and maintain a unified method of church ushering, and to bring among the ushers of the District of Columbia (D.C.) a closer spiritual, friendly, and common social bond.
Thus this organization was born. Brother John Evans was elected President and Brother William H. Davis, Secretary. The name, “Interdenominational Ushers Union of D.C. and Vicinity” was accepted. Its membership is to be completely free of any denominational barriers and requiring only that an usher board seeking admittance be in good standing with their church.
Upon this basis the organization set about seeking new member usher boards and spreading the gospel of “Christian Church Ushers Unity”, “One for all and all for one”. Brother Evans served as president for one year. Upon the completion of his term of office, he relinquished his position to Brother John Martin of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, who was elected to succeed him. Like his predecessor, he too served one year and was succeeded by Brother Charles Harris of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church.
During this period, progress was very slow, and at times almost discouraging, for our group met with increasing opposition from unexpected sources. However, believing that ours was a Godly inspired organization, and depending upon God for guidance, wisdom, and strength, the group struggled on. Brother Harris served one year and was succeeded by William H. Davis, Zion Baptist Church. Brother Davis served the organization for several years and under his leadership the body seemed to prosper and flourish.
From 1915- 1936 during Brother Davis’s first term, the ladies group known as “The Ladies Auxiliary”, under the leadership of the late Sister Josephine Bealle of Galbraith A.M.E.Z. Church joined with the men. The body then became known as “The Interdenominational Ushers Union and Ladies Auxiliary, of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity”. Struggling and striving through the years, but always flourishing under God’s divine guidance, various units such as the Ways and Means; Condolence; Sick; and Rating Committees were added, thereby making for new and greater interest among the membership.
Brother Thaddeus Chase, Galbraith A.M.E.Z. Church, was elected President. He served for several years and his work was outstanding. He succeeded in strengthening the walls of the building through his sincerity and devotion to office. The organization formulated teams to demonstrate ushering at meetings. A financial system between church and organization was adopted. A look-out Committee was organized to solicit new members. The organization began to grow. Brother Chase was the first delegate elected to attend the special meeting with Brother Elijah Hamilton of Philadelphia, PA, to organize a National Body. Brother William H. Davis was the second delegate. Brother John Robinson and Brother Thomas Carter were charter members of the National Body. Brother Chase was elected first National Secretary. Brother Arthur Edmonds of Zion Baptist Church S. W. was the first National Chaplain.
The late brother Michael Lewis of Liberty Baptist Church succeeded Brother Chase as President. For two years he worked ardently, but because of failing health, he relinquished his office. Brother William H. Davis returned as President to the Ushers Union at a time when the fortunes of our group seemed to be declining. He was given full support of the loyal Christian workers, for they saw in him an opportunity to help in kingdom building.
Sister Mary M. Johnson and Sister Jennie Hyder served as Vice Presidents and Sister Jessie Burnett served as Recording Secretary. During those years, there were three correspondence secretaries: Sister Minor, Mt. Zion Methodist; Sister Harrod, Macedonia Baptist; and Brother Johnson, Vermont Avenue Baptist. Brother Thomas Carter was Sergeant-At-Arms and Brother George Clarke of Mt. Moriah Baptist was Chaplain.
Sister Josephine Gill is credited with notifying the local body of the late Brother Hamilton’s plan of formulating the National Group.
The membership grew to 1,082 members and a plan was established whereby notices were sent to the churches noting the date of sermons and where the sermons would be held.
Some of the additional departments formed during Brother Davis’s term were: “The Speakers Bureau”, (now known as the Educational Department); Arts and Craft; Publicity; and the Nurses Unit, (now known as the Health Unit). Also under the leadership of Brother Davis, in 1921 we began the annual exchange of visits with the Baltimore, Maryland, and Delaware Unions on the occasions of the Memorial Service of our respective states.
In 1926, the Juniors’ became a part of the organization under the leadership of Sister Mitilda Harris Gordon, Organizer, and Sister Amanda Parker Collins, Assistant Organizer, who later became their first supervisor. Christian love grew among the Juniors; hence, there became a large membership under the leadership of Sister Naomi McKethan, Past President of the Junior Department. We are very proud of the progress the Juniors’ have made.
1927 was a memorable year; a new unit was added, namely the Ushers Union Chorus. It was organized and directed by Sister Mitilda Harris Gordan and Sister Amanda Parker Collins as the first President. The Chorus was organized for the purpose of furnishing music for the Usher Boards when they are host to the Ushers Association. This unit, from its birth, as and still is contributing much toward the spiritual togetherness that we as a Christian organization so richly bless. There are few who have not felt its charms and acknowledged its expressions. The Chorus today is known from coast to coast and is sought after for recitals and renditions in and out of the city. Our Director at that time was Brother Malcolm J. Taylor, who was the Chairman of the Music Department of the National Body. From 1915-1936, Brother Davis, after serving more than a quarter of century as President, was called from labor to reward in November 1948. He was succeeded by the First Vice President, Sister Alma Cooper Hawkins of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
In 1947, Miss Eliza Killgo and Mrs. Mary Johnson inspired Mrs. Alma C. Hawkins to run for President of the ICUA. In December 1947, she was elected the first woman President. After Brother Davis’ demise, President Hawkins was the one who accepted the responsibility of Brother Davis’ “Architect’s Plans”. Her inspired intelligence, and Godly leadership, seemingly caught on among the members of this organization like a magnet, and we are, God willing, on the steady march to new and greater heights. Under her leadership, many new and outstanding plans have been initiated. One of them is the Presidents and Officers Council which was initiated in 1949 where the presidents of the various boards and the officers of the Union meet at regular intervals to discuss problems and to devise ways and means to better serve the interest of the membership. Another plan that was initiated was the School of Ushering. The School of Ushering train ushers to be better fitted for the ministry of ushering with tolerance, patience, love, and understanding. She also initiated the purchase for a much needed Usher’s Headquarters.
The organization was having meetings in Garnett Patterson School and various churches. Therefore, the Trustees began a search for a building to become the headquarters for the organization. Once the desired location was found, the residence of the neighborhood objected to a church group in their community. The majority “White Community” did not see fit to have a church group or a “holy-rolly” group in the area. In their opinion we were an “out of the ordinary” group.
We then felt that our season had come to buy and we were determined not to let anything deter us. So we called all Ushers together and suggested that each pledge $12.00. Our deposit was completed. The members became known as “Club 500”.
Mrs. Alma C. Hawkins, then President, and her staff, including the Board of Directors, officers and members of the organization worked closely together and untiredly to bring this to fruition. Two chairpersons that worked diligently and untiringly were S. Edna Childs and Cornelia Gallman. Club 500 is now a working unit under the Board of Trustees.
A permit was obtained and renovation was started on the building. The basement had to be completely renovated. Later, the Board of Directors had the name officially changed to the “Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Washington, D.C., Inc. (I.C.U.A.)”. Ownership shall be vested in the Club 500 in trust for the ICUA of DC Inc. and the general control shall be vested in the Board of Directors. All members of the I.C.U.A. are members of Club 500.
Many projects were initiated to raise money to work toward this goal. Annual boat rides down the Potomac River, sponsored by the Flower committee which featured the singing of the Ushers Chorus. The late Miss. Mahalia Jackson was presented in a concert twice at Constitution Hall and once at the Washington Coliseum. All were successful, spiritually, financially, and rewarding. The Birth of a Nation featuring our own Ushers Chorus and a band led by Mr. Raymond L. Gray, Jr. was presented in concert at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium. In December 1966, Duke Ellington and his orchestra was presented in a concert of Sacred Music at Constitution Hall.
Pressing onward with the help of God, and the spirit of togetherness, the Corner Stone of the Ushers Home was laid in May, 1962 by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons of the District of Columbia, the Most Worshipful Grandmaster Curtis J. Blakely Officiating and Mr. Joseph N. Yearwood, Presiding. There were ministers, Ushers, and churches of all denominations present.
Other Committees and activities originating under this administration are the Hospitality and Courtesy committees, the members consisting of graduates from the School of Ushering; Annual Coffee Hour for Ministers and their wives; Annual Women and Men’s Day originating in 1968; Annual Spring Week of prayer ending on Friday with Communion being served. A bulletin is published monthly to keep all Ushers informed of what is going on and where.
A credit union was organized and the membership was able to save as well as borrow from this intricate part of our organization. The I.C.U.A Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1968.
In 1957, Sister Alma Cooper Hawkins was the Regional Director of her Sorority. She was considered to be a vivacious young lady who thought that a Regional Director of all the eastern states of the National United Church Ushers Association, Inc. (NUCUAA) would allow the representatives to communicate. In addition, she felt that this type of communication would facilitate the unification of the body to meet and discuss the business of the National body prior to the annual convention. This suggestion, once presented, was well received by Brother Raymond A. Smith, the 4th Vice President of NUCUAA. As a result, Eastern Region Directors were established.
Sis. Hawkins was the Correspondence Secretary of the National under President William H. Davis. She was the organizer and Past Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of the Public Relations Committee and Secretary of the R.E. Harshaw Scholarship Committee. Sis. Hawkins served greatly and made many great accomplishments.
Bro. Raymond Leroy Gray, Sr. succeeded Sis. Hawkins. He was scholarly, articulate and an outstanding leader who led our organization with a firm and steady hand. Under his leadership, our organization continued to prosper. President Gray was successful in paying the debt off of our Headquarters and burned the mortgage. He also served as National Parliamentarian. The title of Honorary President of the ICUA of D.C. was bestowed upon Bro. Gray.
Sis Nettie V. Martin of Rock Creek Baptist Church was next in the presidential succession. She was an innovator of many successful programs. She reinstated the Mother and Father of the ICUA, namely Elenora Nelson, Mother, and Charles Green, Father. As of this writing, both are deceased. Sis. Martin also had the distinction of being Honorary President of our organization. She was the Past Eastern Region Director and Past National Second Vice President.
Sis. Mabel R. Milton of Israel Baptist Church succeeded Sis. Martin. She rose steadily through the ranks before becoming the Association’s third lady President. A suggestion from a past President gave President Milton a means of honoring one (1) lady and man of the Association who had served the ICUA above and beyond their duty the past years by giving each a prestigious plaque, “The Alma C. Hawkins and The Archie A. Anderson” awards. Sis. Milton is also an Honorary President of our organization.
Sis. Christine E. Ford of Mt. Jezreel Baptist Church succeeded Sis. Milton and became the Association’s fourth lady President. She had previously worked on many committees and held the position of Vice President in President Milton’s administration. Sis. Ford was creative in honoring faithful and loyal ICUA members and was also an innovator of many successful programs. In 1993 she renamed our “Pre-Memorial Music Program”, the “Malcom C. Taylor Pre-Memorial Musical”. In 1994 she established the Building Fund Working Unit. The Unit continues to work today. The title of Honorary President was conferred upon Sis. Ford after her tenure was completed.
Sis. Vivian V. Smith of Friendship Baptist Church succeeded Sis. Ford as President. Among the many positions she held, Sis. Smith served as Recording Secretary and Vice President in Sis. Ford’s administration. She has been a loyal, hardworking, and a diligent member of the association for many years. The title of Honorary President was conferred upon Sis. Smith after her tenure was completed. Bro. Charles J. Brown of Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church succeeded Sis. Smith as President. Bro. Brown served as Vice President under Sis. Smith’s administration. Bro. Brown’s dedication, patience and perseverance along with a strong drive and desire for community involvement served as the cornerstone of his administration. He was instrumental in implementing “Christmas in April”. This group of men, some women included, gave help to senior citizens who needed various jobs around their homes. They repaired steps; made ramps; painted; carpentry as needed; and anything they saw to make homes beautiful. In addition, Thanksgiving baskets were prepared and given to needed families. He began the “Shoe Drive” which later became the “Shoe and Coat Drive” that provided clothing to fend off the winter for elementary school students. Most importantly, he organized workshops on preparing a “Living Will” and “Last Will and Testament.” While these workshops have not been continued, they provided substantial assistance to our membership. Mr. Brown’s theme was “Ushers Empowered by the Holy Spirit” with scripture based on Philippians 4:13. The title of Honorary President was conferred upon Bro. Brown after his tenure was completed.
Sis. Sarah A. Crawley of Walker Memorial Baptist Church succeeded Bro. Brown as President. She served as Vice President under Bro. Brown. Sis. Crawley knows that God has blessed us to see another year with new mercies each day. In addition, she recommended to the Board of Trustees to start a Family and Friends Day, which also continues to this day. Most importantly, she organized workshops on preparing a Living Will and Last Will and Testament. While these workshops have not been continued, they provided substantial assistance to our membership. With perseverance, enthusiasm and determination, many of her goals and activities were successful beyond expectations; therefore we give God “TOTAL PRAISE” for all of her accomplishments. The title of Honorary President was conferred upon Sis. Crawley after her tenure was completed.
Bro. George J. Irick of Greater New Hope Baptist Church succeeded Sis. Crawley as President. Bro. Irick started as Interim Vice President under Sis. Crawley. Bro. Irick took the rein of Presidency with great expectation. He believed that any member who gave dedicated, devoted, loyal, committed, and more than many years of service to the ICUA should be recognized. He presented the “Randy J. Perrin Presidential Medal” to serving members, hoping to encourage others to strive for the medal. His chosen theme was Anointed Doorkeepers and his motto “Anointed Doorkeepers Making a Difference”. The title of Honorary President was conferred upon Bro. Irick after his tenure was completed
Bro. Darrell W. Johnson of Mt. Sinai succeeded Bro. Irick. He served as Vice President under Bro. Irick and prior years before he held position as Chairman Board of Trustees. His theme chosen is Anchored and Committed, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Since being affiliated with the National Body, three members of the D.C. Union
Past National Officers include, but not limited to are: Brother Raymond Alexander Smith, National President; Sister Keziah B. Johnson, National Correspondence Secretary; Sister Alma C. Hawkins, National Public Relations Chair; Sister Henry Etta D. Gray, National Recording Secretary; Sister Eliza L. Killgo, National A. W. Briggs Health Dept. Chairman; and Brother Malcolm J. Taylor, National Music Chairman.
The Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Washington, DC & Vicinity has on four occasions been host to the National Convention in July 1953, 1972, 1992 and 2001.
The I.C.U.A. has been a progressive organization, having increased its membership from 5 churches and 200 members to 143 churches and approximately 3,000 members. The number of Committees and Departments has grown to 38. We now have life memberships in the N.A.A.C.P., and the Urban League. We donate annually to the Iona Whipper Home; the Salvation Army; D. C. Village; and answer the call for many other requests. We also participate in the activities of the National Council of Negro Women.
In 1988, in an effort to obtain tax-exempt status, and have a more effective and efficient organization, the Association undertook the enormous task of reorganization. The many existing committees and departments were streamlined into eight (8) departments: (1) Budget and Finance; (2) Education and Scholarship; (3) Events; (4) Membership and Outreach Services; (5) Policy and Rules; (6) Alma Cooper Hawkins Public Relations: (7) Young Adult; and (8) Junior and Young Peoples.
(1) Budget and Finance: The mission of the Budget and Finance Department is to maintain stability of the ICUA through the application of sound financial management practices. There are two working units under this department: Audit and Budget and Finance.
(2) Education and Scholarship: The mission of the Education and Scholarship Department is to provide productive and effective training to the following Working Units: Alfred E. Smith Scholarship, Allen A. C. Griffith Alumni, Martha P. Alston Arts and Crafts, Community Concerns, Nettie V. Martin Education; Eliza Kilgore Health, Catherine E. Mills School or Ushering, and Training and Development.
(3) Events: The mission of the Events Department is to develop, implement and perpetuate programs and events for the advancement of church ushering. The working units in the Events Department are: Anniversary, Elijah Hamilton, ICUA Chorus, Memorial, Ratings, Revival, Social, Time and Place, William H. Davis Honor Club.
(4) Membership and Outreach Services: The mission of the Membership and Outreach Services is to develop program to aid the membership. The working units in the Department are: Condolence, Courtesy, Flower, Hospitality, Relief, Ritual, Sick, and Special Projects.
(5) Policy and Rules: The mission of the Policy and Rules department is to develop thorough research and study policies which address the needs of the organization; to propose programs, resolutions, and rules to address those needs; and to develop systems to monitor implementation and evaluate effectiveness. The working units of the Policy and Rules department are: Past Officers’ Council, President’s and Officers’ Council, and Rules.
(6) Alma C. Hawkins Public Relations: The activities and services provided by the Alma C. Hawkins Public Relations Department are: Bulletin, Doorkeeper, Historical, Public Relations, Secretarial Services, and Workbook.
(7) Young Adult: The Young Adult Department was organized in 1968 under the presidency of Alma Cooper Hawkins. The Young Adult Department serves as a training department for church ushers advancing from adolescence to adulthood, specifically for those between the ages of 21-35, who are committed to becoming better Doorkeepers and becoming more involved within the ICUA.
(8) Junior and Young Peoples: Prior to 1926, Mrs. Pricilla Burgess had a dream that the ICUA of D.C. needed an addition to their organization to include the young people. In December of 1926 her dream became a reality when she organized the Junior and Young People’s Department. During the early years Mrs. Mary Wright and Mrs. Amanda Collins assisted her. The department’s meetings were held once a month on Fridays at various churches, Garnett Patterson Junior High and Cardozo High Schools. Down through the years, the young people have served their local, region and national departments with love, enthusiasm, dignity, unselfishness and pride.
Under the guidance of Sister Alfreda Davis Porter of Friendship Baptist Church, and the official staff, the ICUA was successful in its’ endeavor. The ICUA of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity, Incorporated received both D.C. and Federal tax-exempt status in 1990.
Our growth has been continuous throughout the years and God has protected and guided us. Today we enjoy the respect, love, and admiration of the entire city and we stand pre-eminent as one of the outstanding Christian organizations in the D.C. Metropolitan area and throughout the country.
We are grateful to the public for their support, past, present and future. Above all we are grateful to God for blessing us with excellent leadership, efficient officers and devoted members.
May our building plan, “Leadership, Fellowship and Fellowship”, continue to the end that when the great Architect of the Universe shall roll up the building plans of things mundane, the “Building” of our organization will be pleasing in His sight. When the history of our Union is a closed chapter, may it be recorded in the Archives of God’s Glory as a glorious chapter in the “Annals of Mankind”. May we all receive the acclaim of heaven and commendation of God, prepared for the faithful, and hear His pronouncement, “Well Done.”