James Varick Lodge #31

Thes 5:5-8a (NIV) You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.

Once again, the Great Architect of the Universe has dispatched his angels with the scroll of heaven and added Brother Adam Stuckey to that list. The sun has set upon him for the last time here on earth, and now he will awaken to the new and brighter light of the Eternal City. He has ascended the great steps. The golden gateway has opened wide, welcoming him, and as his reward, he has received the plauditwell done good and faithful servant from the Supreme Master on February 21st. Rest well with GOD Brother Adam Stuckey. You will be missed...

James Varick was the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. James Varick was born near Newburgh, New York, on January 10, 1750 and became the first black Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop. The important events in Varick's life were associated with his religious avocation. Varick joined the John Street Methodist Church in New York City at an early date, possibly in 1766, the year after the church held its first meeting. Varick seems to have been licensed to... preach by this group although he does not appear among the licensed preachers of the early Zion church listed by Christopher Rush, the second supervisor or bishop, in his 1844 history of the denomination. As early as 1780, black members of the John Street Church were holding separate class and prayer meetings. In 1796, Varick was among those black leaders who established separate meetings on a firmer footing. See more

This is the James Varick graduating class of 2010. R.I.P. JW Raymond Brown.