FIRE BAPTIZED HOLINESS CHURCH OF GOD OF THE AMERICAS, INC.
ALL MEMBERS MAY OBTAIN AND SEEK THE HIGHEST CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE IN THIS LIFE
HISTORY OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S INSTITUTE
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
(1946 – 1986)
A dream was made a reality when the Young People’s Institute was made an integral part of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas in the General Council held in Brooklyn, New York, June 26, 1946. Miss Johnnie E. Fuller had a burning desire to keep the youth inspired and develop their talents. She was called from labor to reward before her dream materialized. The mantle fell on her mother, Mrs. E. C. Fuller, who presided over the YPI as National Supervisor until her death in 1955. The first Youth Congress was held in Atlanta, Georgia, in August 1947.
Contest singing was the special feature and arts and crafts were displayed. Bishop W. E. Fuller, Jr., was Dean of the Institute and Elder R.J. Bowman was Assistant Dean; Elders J.W. Smith and R.M. Palmer were the first treasurers. Bishop A.L. McCracken, Elders P.R. Durant and G.F. Boyd served on the Finance Committee. Elders William Robinson, E.L. Rilley, and Larry Thompson were added to the roster. Elders L. Thompson, W.D. Davis, R.J. Davidson, and J.H. Lewis are currently serving in this capacity. Mrs. Mildred F. Caldwell and Mrs. W. E. Bowman served as the first secretaries. Mrs. Antoinette C. Bowers became the assistant secretary in 1966. Mother F. Feemster was selected as Mother of the YPI, Mother L. J. McCracken was elevated to the position of Congress Mother.
Classes were held at Morris Brown College and services were held at Fuller’s Tabernacle. Each year the delegation outnumbered the previous year, and in 1952 all activities were held at Morris Brown College until 1969 when the Youth Congress was moved to the campus of Fuller Normal and Industrial Institute in Greenville, SC. Religious education and training progressed under the instruction of capable and inspiring instructors. The late Bishop E.Z. Bowman taught the Old and New Testaments and Christian Ethics. Sermon Building, Church History, and ”Youth Want to Know” were taught by Bishop W. E. Fuller, Jr.; Mrs. Elmira Robinson taught Evangelism; Miss L. B. More – Arts and Crafts; Mrs. J.T. Jackson – Vocational Guidance; Miss M.L. Pearson and Mrs. Barbara Simon – Health and Hygiene; Mrs. Madelle T. Brown – Young Adults; Miss T.L. Hatley – Juniors; Miss Rosa Jones, Mrs. Barbara Simon and presently, Mrs. Marie Danner – Opening the Bible to the Children.
Workshops for Supervisors, Presidents, and Group Leaders were spearheaded by Mrs. Armentria Ingram and Mrs. C.W. Fuller. Later added to the curriculum was Church Music – Mrs. Elmira Robinson; Sunday School Administration - Miss Juanita Fields and Miss Jeanette Hodge; and – The Bible in Our Times – Rev. N. Simmons. The following classes and instructors have been added to the roster: Reverend Miss C.R. Canty – Ambassadors for Christ; Mrs. Carol Ballard – RN Nurses Guild; Mrs. Demetri C. Braxton – Arts and Crafts; and Elder Patrick Frazier, Jr. – Teenagers. Certificates were received upon completing three years of training. Miss Pearl Lamotte served as Music Director and later Mrs. Alice McDonald and Professor Johnny Thompson served as Director. Our youth have aspired to buoyantly display their vocal, instrumental, dramatic, oratorical, and spiritual talents.
The concern for a youth center became church wide and as a result in 1952 brought into being the crowning of Miss Youth Congress, which is now the highlight of the Youth Congress and is held on Saturday afternoon, during the Congress in the J.E. Fuller Youth Center located on the campus of the Fuller Normal and Industrial Institute.
In 1955, four National Supervisors were appointed: Mrs. C.W. Fuller, Chairlady; Mrs. E. K. Palmer, Mrs. B.R. Johnson, and Mrs. S.H. Hatley. In 1978, the appointed National Supervisors were: Mrs. C.W. Fuller, Chairlady, Mrs. Grace McCowan; Mrs. Armentria Ingram; and Mrs. Virginia F. Roberts.
Three Bishops were serving at that time: Senior Bishop W. E. Fuller, Jr., Bishop N.T. Scott, Bishop J. J. Martin, and twenty-four District Supervisors.
HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
(1986 - Present)
Over the last 36 years, we have seen the mighty move of God in the youth department of this grand old Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas. What once was a mere dream, conceived in the recesses of a young girl's mind, has become a budding reality, and the dream still lives on…
in 1986, Bishop W. E. Fuller, Jr., was the Dean of the young people's institute and he was a strong advocate and supporter of the YPI. At that time, the Board of National Supervisors consisted of Sis. Christine W. Fuller (Chairlady), Sis. Armentria Ingram, Sis. Grace McCowan, and Virginia F. Roberts. These dedicated individuals loved the Lord and had a burning passion for young people, and a heightened
awareness of the great potential that lay within the youth of their time and the generations that would follow.
They endeavored to enhance the outreach capacity of the youth department by implementing services, programs, courses, and activities geared toward reaching lost souls and introducing them to Christ,
teaching Biblical and doctrinal principles designed to cultivate their inquiring minds, and developing the gifts and talents that might otherwise have been lost or left dormant had it not been for the opportunities they were given to explore and expand their powerful gifts and talents. In the mid to late 1980’s, the National Supervisors enhanced the YPI by forming the Youth Congress Workshop Choir under the direction of National Music Director Professor Johnny Thompson and Assistant Music Director, Sis. Elmira Robinson.
This formation proved to be a drawing card as the concerts got better and better each year. We were blessed back then to have some of today's top artists appear at the Tuesday night pre-Concerts. Such prominent artists who came our way back then were: Darryl Coley, Twinkie Clark, Richard ‘Mr. Clean’ White, Kirk Franklin, Witness, Timothy Wright, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Choir, LaShun Pace, the Anointed Pace Sisters, and many others. Music has always been a vital and integral part of our worship experience and we applaud those who have willingly shared their musical talents with us.
On August 18, 1992, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-constructed addition to our Youth Center and new boys’ dormitory in Greenville, South Carolina. Sis. Elmira Robinson served faithfully on the Music Board for many years until her demise in April 2009. Also serving on the National Music Board with Professor Johnny Thompson at that time was Rev. Nadine Houston and Bro. Markell Powell, who was newly appointed to this office in June 2010 at the General Council. We appreciate the services they have rendered to the Music Department of the YPI and their untiring labor of love. Later on, Elder Franklin Brown and Minister Regina Raiford were added to the National Music Board to adequately staff the National Music Board, which continues to be a major outreach component of the YPI.
Also supporting the Music efforts of the Congress Workshop Choir were the dynamic producing duo, Bro. Antoine Adams, and Bro. Andre’ Littlejohn. Together with the Board Directors and the Congress Choir, great things were on the horizon for the Congress Workshop Choir. In July 2016, under the auspices of the YPI, the Congress Workshop Choir produced a spectacular CD entitled “FBH Live!”. What an awesome way to showcase the essence of our Church through music. The CD was masterfully produced and choreographed, garnering the attention of such gospel greats as Hezekiah Walker and Ricky Dillard. Bishop Walker graced our 73rd Youth Congress with his powerful presence at the Friday Night Concert in Greenville, SC, in July 2019; and Ricky Dillard sang with the Congress Choir virtually in July 2020 at the 74th Congress.
What a wonderful opportunity for our youth and the congregation to experience this electrifying ministry of music in song in a packed-out house. In addition to great things happening on the horizon on the musical front, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit overshadowed the Congress’ services throughout every Congress. Many, many souls were saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost through the powerful preaching, exhortation, and singing in these Spirit-filled services.
July 2020 – July 2022
The 74th, 75th, and 76th Annual Youth Congress was held on the Zoom platform due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. In the midst of all the chaos and devastation brought on by the pandemic, God allowed National Supervisors, Rev. Kaye W. Littlejohn, Chairlady, Minister Vanita Lemon, and Rev. Miriam C. Harris, and the District YPI Supervisors to host three consecutive Youth Congresses in cyberspace on the virtual platform in a manner par excellent! In the history of the YPI, this was the first occasion for the Congress to be carried out on the virtual platform. What an awesome challenge and experience to go LIVE! in this global-pandemic world. To God be the Glory for the great things He has done!
In 2021, the Board of National YPI Supervisors: Chairlady K.W. Littlejohn, National Supervisors
Vanita M. Lemon and Miriam C. Harris, spearheaded a Seminar entitled: “The Three R’s of a Global Pandemic World”. The seminar panelists consisted of experts in science, academia, and health, such as: a Scientist, Rachel Hill, Ph.D; Educators: Sis. Taylor Mitchell, Sis. Melisa Jones, Sis. Kimyatta Mcneill-Taylor, M.Ed.; and Sis. Krytal Smith, Mental Health Excutive Director, LMSW-C. Great information was disseminated to help our youth cope with the residual effects of the pandemic due to isolation, stressful new learning techniques, and coping with the loss of friends and loved ones. The Seminar was a huge success and showcased the YPI’s ability to tackle the hard-hitting issues affecting the old and young alike.
In 2022, again the National Supervisors hosted a two-part series on Financial Literacy for Youth and “The Other Pandemic (The Silent Killer): Electronics and Our Children”. Both seminars reached deep into the areas of life that are so relevant in the lives of all young people. Bringing these matters of concern to the forefront and keeping them there continues to be a main focal point for the YPI agenda.
National Supervisors Timeline (1946 - Present)
Mrs. Emma C. Fuller, National Supervisor - 1946 - 1955
Four National Supervisors were appointed:
SIS. CHRISTINE W. FULLER, CHAIRLADY
Sis. E. K. Palmer
Sis. B. R. Johnson
Sis. S. H. Hatley
1978
Four National Supervisors were appointed:
Sis. Christine W. Fuller, Chairlady
Sis. Grace McCowan
Sis. Armentria J. Ingram
Sis. Virginia F. Roberts
Sis. Sarah T. Hicks
1990 – 1991 - Deceased
Rev. Armentria Ingram
Sis. Grace McCowan
At the dawning of a new decade (1990-1991), two loving, faithful National Supervisors transitioned from earth’s labors to heaven’s reward. National Supervisor Armentria J. Ingram, Second Episcopal Diocese, transitioned in March 1990, and National Supervisor Grace McCowan of the Third Episcopal Diocese transitioned in April 1991. “Gone, but not forgotten, and their works do follow them.”
June 1994 – General Council
Sis. Christine W. Fuller, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor of the First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Virginia F. Roberts, appointed National Supervisor of the Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Katherine Taylor, newly appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
What a dynamic team they formed, each working within their own uniqueness and calling.
June 1998 – General Council
Sis. Christine W. Fuller, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, newly appointed National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Sadie Lampkin, newly appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
**Newly Retired: (1998)
Sis. Virginia F. Roberts, National Supervisor, Emeritus
Sis. Katherine Taylor, National Supervisor, Emeritus
Both were National Supervisors with outstanding qualities, and they were
bestowed the elite rank of Emeritus, each having served with distinction during
the length of their terms in office. Their love, wisdom, and strong support for the
District Supervisors and the Youth earned them great admiration and respect.
The YPI was greatly enhanced by their presence.
June 2002 – General Council
** Newly Retired:
SIS. CHRISTINE W. FULLER, CHAIRLADY, EMERITUS
SIS. KAYE W. LITTLEJOHN, newly appointed CHAIRLADY, National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Elizabeth Hallums, newly appointed, National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Sadie Lampkin, re-appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
This newly formed trio prayerfully sought God's guidance while forging ahead into
a future holding its share of uncertainty, yet offering an abundance of hope,
potential, and promise. And so, they forged ahead with a solid foundation
beneath them, and a great pattern laid out before them. Everything they had
learned and experienced had prepared them to take on the duties and
responsibilities of leadership that now rested squarely on their shoulders.
*Sis. Christine W. Fuller, Chairlady and National Supervisor, Emeritus, First Episcopal Diocese
After serving 47 years at the helm of the YPI Department as Chairlady and National Supervisor of the First Episcopal Diocese from 1955 to 2002, Sister Christine Fuller retired. She was a spirit-filled woman of God, whose elegance and poise enabled her to preside gracefully throughout her longevity in office.
She, no doubt, had abandoned many of her own goals and aspirations in order to pursue the higher calling that God had predestined for her life. She loved the Fire Baptized Church and the youth, and she encouraged them to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives, both spiritually, socially, and academically. Sister Fuller helped train the leaders who would one day follow in her footsteps so that the dream could stay alive.
June 2006 – General Council
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Elizabeth Hallums, re-appointed National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Sadie Lampkin, re-appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
November 2006
**Pastor Sadie Lampkin, (Served 1998-2006) – Deceased
Sadly, our beloved National Supervisor, Sadie Lampkin, went home to be with the Lord in November 2006,
leaving Chairlady Kaye W. Littlejohn and National Supervisor Elizabeth Hallums to share the responsibilities of the Third Episcopal Diocese for the next four years. Her life, legacy, and love for the YPI will never be forgotten. May she rest peacefully in the arms of God. With Chairlady Kaye W. Littlejohn and National Supervisor Elizabeth Hallums working side by side, they joined forces to carry on Sister Lampkin’s work. They committed themselves to attending all of the District Fellowships and pledged their loyal support, and solidarity with all District Supervisors, Elders, and their YPI constituents all over the FBH movement.
During the next four years there was a mighty move of God and momentum for the Youth Congress re-emerged as the crowds grew greater in numbers each year. Many souls were saved, sanctified, filled, and restored at the Youth Congress. Midnight Jubilee was certainly the place to be, with each year steadily being rated better than the previous years. With enthusiasm intensifying, choirs singing, preachers preaching, District youth performing skits, youth giving oratorical addresses, children performing at Children's Hour, plus much singing, shouting, and more shouting, the Youth Congress became the destination of choice, because you didn't want to miss the mighty move of God. You just wanted to be there to see it for yourself!
August 2009
*Sis. Christine W. Fuller, Former Chairlady, Deceased
In August 2009, we saw the end of an era, as God called former YPI Chairlady, Sis. Christine W. Fuller, from labor to reward. Every August for over four decades, Sister Fuller headed to Greenville, SC, bursting with enthusiasm and excitement because she was going to the Youth Congress to see the Saints and her young people. This time, however, she was going home to be with the Lord. Yes, she went to a better place where sickness, sorrow, and pain will be no more. On Monday, August 17, 2009, many gathered to bid farewell to our former Chairlady at her Homegoing Celebration in Atlanta, GA, while others were gathering for the 63rd Youth Congress in Greenville, SC. What a perfect ending for her lifetime of service and dedication to the Youth Department. She’s gone home to get her reward. May she rest in peace.
June 2010 - General Council
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Elizabeth Hallums, re-appointed National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Miriam C. Harris, newly appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
Back together again as a trio, the Board of National Supervisors was dedicated, determined, and committed to putting forth an agenda that would meet the total needs of the ‘total man’.
June 2014 - General Council
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Elizabeth Hallums, re-appointed National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Miriam C. Harris, re-appointed appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
June 2018 – General Council
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Vanita M. Lemon, newly appointed National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Miriam C. Harris, re-appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
**Newly Retired: (2018)
Sis. Elizabeth Hallums, National Supervisor, Emeritus
June 2022 – General Council
Sis. Kaye W. Littlejohn, re-appointed Chairlady and National Supervisor, Second Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Vanita M. Lemon, re-appointed National Supervisor, First Episcopal Diocese
Sis. Doressa Hawes, newly appointed National Supervisor, Third Episcopal Diocese
**Newly Retired: (2022)
Pastor Miriam C. Harris, National Supervisor, EMERITUS
National Harris was lauded for excellence in the YPI, having served 30 years as District Supervisor of the Maryland-Delaware District, and 12 years as National Supervisor of the Third Episcopal Diocese. Well-deserved recognition was given for outstanding leadership, exemplary character, and a commitment to excellence for our YOUTH for 42 years.