Born and raised in the state of New York, Brenda L. Eason strives for her ~ “Living Not to Be In Vain” by helping others along her life’s journey. She graduated Magnum Cum Laude from New York University with a major in Business Administration, also excelled in the profession of cosmetology graduating as Valedictorian from Abyssinian Church School of Cosmetology in New York City. Brenda retired from IBM – International Business Machines Corporation, after 40 years of service with 32 years in Business Management, currently employed as the Director of Operations and Convention Planning for The General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.
She received a prestigious degree as Doctorate Degree from the Louisiana State United Theological Seminary and Bible College.
Brenda successfully led the Ministry of Ushers as they severed during the Billy Graham Crusade held in the early 1990’ in Atlanta, GA. She currently holds the position of Coordinator of Ushers at her church, Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, GA. Coordinating President of Ushers and Health Professionals for The General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. She also is an Instructor during the NBCUSA, Inc. Congress of Christian Education for the Ministry of Ushers. She is currently serving as the President of the Ushers and Nurses for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.
~ To God Be The Glory ~
Fifty-nine transformative years of delight and discovery! It is rewarding and refreshing to know the labor of ushers, past and present, who persevered and prospered on our behalf.
Mrs. Minnie E. Anderson (1943–1975) organized the National Baptist Convention Ushers Auxiliary in 1943. The ushers had no place to hold their meetings and had to assemble in hallways and garages. A decision made by the Parent Body allowed them to assemble with the Laymen Auxiliary. They were allocated two hours of meeting time on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Funds collected from Ushers were given to the Laymen and were to be reported to the Parent Body; however, financial reports listed Laymen only.
During the Annual Session the following year, President Anderson requested more meeting time. The Laymen refused the request, prompting a walkout by the Ushers. Having discussed and assessed the situation, the Ushers walked the streets of Chicago, Illinois, searching for a place to hold their meetings. This courageous group hailed from the states of Arkansas, California, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, and Tennessee.
After blocks of walking—dripping with perspiration and aching feet—they met a man who listened to their story. He introduced them to a friend who owned a funeral home. Having rested and talked, they engaged in a Spirit-filled service. News of this endeavor reached President Dr. J. H. Jackson, who asked the Parent Body to accept the Ushers as an Auxiliary and to provide them with the same accommodations as other Auxiliaries.
President Anderson’s humble beginning is one we can all emulate. She picked up fans and paper from the floors long after services concluded. She placed herself at doors without being assigned, simply to be available to greet members and visitors.
Recognizing the lack of organized involvement for young people, in September 1973 President Anderson organized the National Young People Department. Supervisors appointed were Evernetta Williams of California and Mamie Luckie of New York.
President Anderson faced many challenges and crossed many barriers, yet remained steadfast. From the inception of the Ushers’ Auxiliary in 1943 through her thirty-two years of leadership, she was “just a woman standing at the door,” but even then, she had VISA.
Mrs. Naomi Ellis (1976–1989) — Inspired by the leadership of our first president, President Ellis kept the momentum going. She served with fortitude and commitment, pressing forward to bigger and better things. Her sincerity and integrity earned her the respect and admiration of fellow doorkeepers.
Mrs. Mamie Luckie (1990–1998) — Good followers make good leaders. President Luckie served as Vice President At Large to President Ellis. A Spirit-filled and dedicated Christian leader, she found joy in her work and taught God’s word with conviction. We honor her eight years of faithful leadership and continued commitment.
Mrs. Sallie N. Titus (1998–2010) — In 1998, President Titus became the fourth President under Convention President Henry J. Lyons. She began her term with faith in herself and her followers. A woman of integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness, she demonstrated deep love for the Ushers and Nurses Auxiliary.
Through the integration of VISA, President Titus accomplished the following:
Appointed a Regional Director to restructure geographical regions
Centralized consolidated registration and banking
Developed a curriculum and course of study
Certified classes through the Sunday School Publishing Board
Procured study guides for classes
Published an annual newsletter
Provided quarterly reports to the President and Auditors
Made semi-annual reports to the Parent Body
President Titus has been a catalyst for change. After fifty-nine years, we rejoice in the progress made. We have been up and we have been down, but never out. Every sermon preached, class taught, prayer prayed, song sung, and dollar given has had one goal—the salvation of souls. Thank God for the victory.
Truly, we have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord and trusting in His holy word. He has never failed us yet. We cannot turn around—we have come this far by faith. New chapters await. Jesus Christ—Only, Always—leads us every step of the way.
Margaret Roland, Reporting
Los Angeles, California
We continue to “Come This Far By Faith”! & Pressing On! – Philippians 3:14
History was made when the Auxiliary’s first “male” President, Bro. James McHenry, was appointed by Dr. Julius Scruggs in 2010. Bro. McHenry served for ten years, unselfishly giving his time to help build and strengthen the Ministry.
During his tenure, he established the Sallie N. Titus Award in honor of Dr. Sallie N. Titus. This award is presented annually to Ushers and Nurses from each state in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the Ministry. He also encouraged the State Ushers and Nurses March, giving each state the opportunity to support the overall Convention financially. Educational seminars were added to the curriculum to enhance learning and development.
Dr. Brenda Eason was appointed and installed by Dr. Jerry Young in January 2020 to lead the Auxiliary to the next level following the conclusion of Bro. James McHenry’s tenure at the end of 2019. She was reappointed to the office of Auxiliary President by Dr. Bosie Kimber in January 2025.
During her tenure, Dr. Eason has established and strengthened the following initiatives:
Monthly Contributors Program
Evangelism training and witnessing to the unsaved
Mission Outreach focusing on the Least, the Less, and the Lost
Distribution of personal care items across each state
Partnerships with Disaster Relief initiatives
Project H.O.P.E.
Youth and Young Adults (YYA) Ministry
Evangelism training and seminars were further expanded in early 2023 under the effective leadership of Elder Sharon Walters.
The “Power Up” initiative, in partnership with the Healthcare Academy, was established in 2022.
Intercessory Prayer Meetings have been conducted every first Sunday evening since 2020, beginning during the pandemic, with a focus on prayer and intercession for others.
An Auxiliary Executive Board Report and Newsletter has also been established to ensure clear communication and accountability.
Please use the form below to contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible.
