Our History

History of the National Association of the Church of God Ushers

In 1939, the first meeting of the National Ushers Fellowship was held at the Detroit Church of God in Detroit, Michigan. At that time, the church was located at the corner of Chaney and Jay Streets, with Rev. Charles White serving as pastor. Mrs. Bessie Wilson, Rev. C. A. Craig, and several others recognized the need for more efficient ushering at the National Association of the Church of God (NACOG) conventions and voluntarily offered their services. It quickly became evident that they were meeting a genuine need, and their service drew considerable attention.

​

In 1940, Rev. White recommended to the trustees and ministers of NACOG that a national usher president be selected. Mr. Daniel S. Phillips, a deacon from Sharon, Pennsylvania, and Rev. L. M. Turner, then pastor of the Church of God on Cedar Avenue in Sharon, Pennsylvania, recommended Sister Esther B. Culp for the position. Sister Culp had served for many years as a youth worker at the West Middlesex Campground, the headquarters of NACOG, where she pioneered numerous projects. She was elected as the first National Usher President in 1940.

​

Reflecting on her leadership, Sister Culp later stated:

 

“There have been many struggles and many changes. We feel that these changes have been helpful and that our National Ushers Fellowship has developed into a much more efficient organization. Where there is no struggle, there is no active development.”

​

The annual camp meeting of the National Association of the Church of God has always been the high point of service for the ushers. At the West Middlesex Campground, also known as Zion’s Hill, uniformed ushers served faithfully at every worship service. In addition, President Culp conducted training classes, providing fresh instructional materials each year. These sessions served both as continuing education for seasoned ushers and as foundational training for those newly entering the National Ushers Fellowship.

​

Recognizing that her reelection every two years required continual growth in leadership, Sister Culp committed herself to improving the standard of ushering. She began researching the field extensively, collecting materials that eventually led her to the School of Ushering at the University of Nebraska. After completing the program, she was awarded a certificate and the prestigious Gold Master Ushers’ Key in 1956. The Gold Key was presented to her during a special service at her local congregation in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

​

In early 1957, Sister Culp led the National Ushers Fellowship in a nationwide recruitment and training initiative. “Captainships,” as they were called, were established in many states. Enthusiasm increased rapidly, and soon multiple teams of ushers were serving daily throughout the national camp meeting each year. The National Ushers Fellowship experienced significant growth and progress within the National Association of the Church of God, for which members remain deeply grateful to God.

​

Words cannot adequately express the invaluable contributions of the late Rev. Gabriel P. Dixon, pastor of the Cote Brilliante Avenue Church of God in St. Louis, Missouri. Rev. Dixon was the first teacher of the National Ushers Fellowship, and his wisdom and encouragement were indispensable during its formative years. He later recommended the late Rev. Raymond S. Jackson of Detroit, Michigan—longtime Chairman of the NACOG West Middlesex Ministerial Assembly—to the Fellowship. His fatherly counsel and compassionate guidance were a source of strength during challenging times. Sister Culp fondly remarked of him:

​

“He not only taught us, but he put on his tuxedo and showed us how.”

​

The national ushers affectionately regarded him as the “Head Usher.” Through his tireless efforts and unwavering support, the Fellowship continued to make significant progress.

​

In 1952, Sister Daisy Davis received a vision for a National Ushers Convention and shared it with Sister Culp and Rev. A. R. Cochran. By 1954, discussions began in Sharon, Pennsylvania, about holding a Spring National Ushers Fellowship Convention. The enthusiasm was so great that in 1955, Rev. Cochran—then pastor of the Cedar Avenue Church of God in Cleveland, Ohio—hosted the first annual National Ushers Fellowship Convention. From its inception, the convention has served as a powerful spiritual retreat for all who attend.

​

The 1965 convention, held in Columbus, Ohio, marked the tenth consecutive year of the national convention. Each year has featured an annual banquet with a guest speaker, the crowning of a “State of States Queen,” ushers’ workshops, guided tours, and inspirational worship services that uplift and inspire attendees.

​

As the Fellowship continued to grow, many churches joined, allowing high-quality usher training to spread nationwide. The ministry eventually reached international prominence when the Angle Street Church of God in Hamilton, Bermuda, became a member. Plans were then made to hold the 1966 Annual National Ushers Fellowship Convention in Bermuda.

​

The National Ushers Fellowship remains an integral arm of the ministry of the National Association of the Church of God. Ushers have contributed both spiritually and financially, including funding the concrete floor of the Raymond S. Jackson Tabernacle at the NACOG Campground and donating funds for its folding chairs. The altar of the tabernacle is consistently adorned with flowers and ferns provided by the Fellowship. Over the years, the National Ushers Fellowship has faithfully supported the general work of NACOG.

​

In 1976, the first ushers’ choir was organized by Sister Luesther Pierce of Linden, New Jersey. An ushers’ choir has been a staple of the national convention ever since. That same year, the Fellowship introduced its first youth minister at a national convention—Minister Timothy J. Clarke, now Bishop Timothy J. Clarke, pastor of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio.

​

By 1985, many of the pioneering leaders of the National Ushers Fellowship had transitioned to their eternal reward. Their legacy laid a strong foundation for a great work. Through their dedication, the ministry of ushering became widely recognized. The Church has been strengthened, and ushers have experienced spiritual growth and blessing through service at camp meetings, state field days, funerals, and local congregations.

​

Current and former presidents, along with all past and present ushers, humbly cherish the opportunity to serve the Church on a national level. In the words of the Fellowship’s first leader, the late Sister Esther B. Culp—whose leadership was instrumental in its growth—the collective sentiment of the National Ushers Fellowship is best expressed when she declared:

​

“We are happy to be a part of the National Association and members of the great team of national workers!”