THOUSANDS TURNOUT TO HONOR
AME BISHOP SAMUEL GREEN SR.
& HOST COMEDIAN AKINTUNDE
GOSPEL ARTIST SMOKIE NORFUL
By HERBERT CLIFTON
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Florence, SC— On a balmy evening at the Florence Center, over 2,000 attendees gathered to celebrate the remarkable leadership and ministry of Bishop Samuel Green Sr. The event, dubbed "The Green Effect," was a testament to the profound impact of Bishop Green's service within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. With a production quality reminiscent of a Hollywood awards show, the celebration was an evening of reverence, joy, and heartfelt tributes.
The night featured stellar appearances from Grammy Award winner Smokie Norful and comedian Akintunde, both of whom are no strangers to award show stages. Akintunde, the evening's host, seamlessly blended his duties with extended stand-up comedy sets, providing humor and keeping the program on pace. His jokes, including a quip about former President Donald Trump's recent guilty verdict, elicited laughter and camaraderie among the clergy and AME Church members present.
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The celebration began with an atmosphere of anticipation, as attendees from across the Southeast filled the Florence Center. The staging was spectacular, featuring professional lighting and sound systems that enhanced the night's worship and entertainment. The event opened with an inspiring invocation, setting a reverent tone for the evening.
One of the night's highlights was Smokie Norful, who was introduced by his father, Reverend W. R. Norful. Smokie shared colorful and heartfelt stories about his relationship with Bishop Green, reflecting his deep admiration for the bishop. His music set included beloved AME Church hymns and some of his chart-topping hits, which brought the audience to their feet in worship and praise.
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PASTOR & RECORDING ARTIST SMOKIE NORFUL SHARES
HYMNS AND HIT SONGS
THE 7TH DISTRICT OF
AME CHURCH TURN OUT
FOR THE HOLLYWOOD
STYLE PRODUCTION
The surprises continued as Bishop Green took the stage, only to be met with a special appearance by the St. Mark AME Church choir from Florida. This choir, from the church where Bishop Green previously pastored, delivered a powerful performance that moved many to tears. The connection between Bishop Green and his former congregation was palpable, underscoring the enduring bonds he has formed throughout his ministry.
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Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. has long been a pillar in the AME Church. Born in Tampa, Florida, and nurtured by his parents, Reverend Henry E. and Irene W. Green, Bishop Green's calling into ministry was evident from a young age. By 17, he was already preaching and impacting lives, despite facing challenges and criticism due to his youth. His innovative approaches to worship and ministry have consistently aimed to meet individual needs, reflecting his deep commitment to spiritual growth and community service.
From 1988 to 2004, Bishop Green pastored St. Mark AME Church in Orlando, Florida, where his leadership led to significant developments, including a daycare facility and a family life center. His dedication to the church was honored when the family life center was renamed the Samuel L. Green Sr. Family Life Center.
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Bishop Green's influence extends beyond Florida. Elected as the 125th Bishop of the AME Church at the 47th Quadrennial Session, his passion for leading others to a closer relationship with Jesus remains as fervent as ever. His tenure has included presiding over the 15th and 12th Episcopal Districts, where his leadership brought about significant achievements, such as restoring accreditation to Shorter College.
DOVE COMEDY AWARD
COMEDIAN AKINTUNDE
HOST THE EVENT IN THE
FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER
As the night drew to a close, Bishop Green expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the audience, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his family, including his sons Samuel Jr., Adam, and Stephen. His words resonated with the crowd, many of whom have been directly touched by his ministry.