African American Lutheran Association continues to fund seminary students
For the past 18 years, the Synod’s African American Lutheran Association (AALA) has been quietly funding new students going into the ministry. Since 1989, it has given more than $32,000 in scholarships to 30 students entering seminaries, mostly to help purchase their books. The program is named in memory of James Heyliger, past AALA president and long-time member of St. John’s in the Bronx .

“We’re the best-kept secret in the Synod,” laughed Livingston Chrichlow, chair of the AALA Program Committee and member of New Hope, Jamaica.

Originally set aside for anyone pursuing a career in the church, lay or clergy, Chrichlow said the fund evolved into a program for Synod minority seminary candidates.

Meeting quarterly, the association is open to any Synod member. Its president is Homer Alexander of Abiding Presence, the Bronx. Martha Hundley, Trinity, St. Albans, chairs the Scholarship Committee.

This year, AALA gave scholarships to four students, Linda Bell, Franklin



The Scholarship Committee, from left, front,
Faustina Roberts, Evelyn Watson, Theresa Tibou.
Rear: Anita Danzler, Carolyn Brown and
Martha Hundley, chairperson.



AALA President Homer Alexander,
left, presents a plaque to


Dassin, Miriam Sedzro, who is from Ghana, and James Smith, son of Pr. Mac Smith of Trinity, Wyandanch. Past recipients have included several of the Synod’s pastors, including Pr. Rosaline Brathwaite, Augustana, E. Elmhurst; Pr. Perucy Butika, Holy Trinity, Hollis; Pr. Joy Clarke, St. Peter’s, Springfield Garden; Pr. Roman Dabee, Our Saviour’s, Jamaica; Pr. Brenda Jack, Prince of Peace, Cambria Heights; Pr. Marcia Parkinson, Resurrection, St. Albans; and Pr. Michael Thomas, New Hope for All Saints, the Bronx. In addition, the AALA funded six pastors who are now serving outside the Synod.

“We’ve supplied the nation,” he smiled.

The scholarships are funded through individual donations, and are given out at the annual Martin Luther King Service held each year in different churches throughout the Synod.

Over the years, said Chrichlow, the scholarship program has grown, and he invites Synod members to continue to support it. “It’s been broadening, and has given a distinct direction to our association. It is viewed by the membership as creating a special interest in helping and supporting others. Others benefit as they move ahead to serve the Lord.”