Our Affiliations
Progressive National Baptist Convention
Salem Gilfield is a member of Progressive National Baptist Convention, Incorporated (PNBC); it was formed in 1961 after civil-rights-oriented Baptist ministers, led by Martin Luther King, Jr., proposed a change of tenure of office and leadership, which was shared by a cross-section of Baptists at that time.
The Convention was initially formed as the “Progressive Baptist Convention,” and the word “National” was added to the name in 1962. The Convention has grown from the original founding numbers to member congregations throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
PNBC has followed a path of political activism, supporting groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and methods such as affirmative action. Famous civil rights leaders who were members of the PNBC include Martin Luther King, Benjamin Mays, Ralph David Abernathy, Wyatt Tee Walker, and Gardner C. Taylor. The Convention bills the progressive concept as “fellowship, progress, and peace.”
Sessions of the Convention are held annually in August, and recently celebrated their 50th Annual Session in Washington, DC, in August 2011. Headquarters are in Washington, D.C
PNBC
Progressive National Baptist Convention, INC.
Picture from Wilkipedia
CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCACY
The excerpt below is from an Article on the PNBC Website
(www.pnbc.org)
Recently, a faction of The Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) has emerged, consisting of younger generations of Baptists who are dedicated to promoting complete voter registration, education, and participation, affirmative action against all forms of racism and bigotry, Black economic empowerment and development, equal opportunities in education, freedom of religion, and the elimination of South African apartheid. Additionally, they support the realization of universal human rights and total human liberation.
At all annual and adjourned sessions, a vast and impressive civil rights celebration is scheduled, featuring a national civil rights leader. This event is aimed at informing the constituents of the Convention about current issues and challenges, inspiring them to continue and increase their participation in the struggle and garner fresh human and financial resources to advance the cause of complete and total human rights. The Convention supports groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and methods such as affirmative action.
The PNBC is known for its famous civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Benjamin Mays, Ralph David Abernathy, Wyatt Tee Walker, and Gardner C. Taylor. The Convention bills the progressive concept as “fellowship, progress, and peace.”
Sessions of the Convention are held annually in August, and their 50th Annual Session was celebrated in Washington, D.C in August 2011. The PNBC headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.
The Memphis Baptist Congress of Christian Education
The Memphis Baptist Congress of Christian Education was organized in 1936 at the First Baptist Church of St. Paul Avenue, pastored by Dr. T. O. Fuller (Now First Baptist Church – Lauderdale. Former pastors of Salem, Rev. W. L. Varnado and Rev. A. L. McCargo, were present and supported the organization. The first officers were elected at Salem Baptist Church (Salem Gilfield Baptist Church). Mrs. M. E. Fisher and Professor J. L Buckner, members of Salem, were present and elected to office.
Annetta A. Hamilton, our 150th Church Anniversary Chairperson and lifelong member of Salem Gilfield, was the first female elected to a Presidential position in the 75-year history of the Congress.
Seventy-nine years later, the Congress continues to be “A Mighty Force of Christian Education” in the Memphis Community. “ Salem Gilfield remains active in this organization.
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