The Kinston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will celebrate its 60th Anniversary with a luncheon featuring Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the National Chaplin of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The event will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Greenville Hilton beginning at 12:30 PM. This event is open to the public and the cost is $60.

As National Chaplin of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bishop Murphy McKenzie has served as the spiritual leader of the largest predominately African-American sorority of college educated women with membership of more than 250,000 for over 30 years. She is also the granddaughter of one of the 22 Founders, Vashti Turley Murphy.

Bishop McKenzie serves as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Her historic election in 2000 represents the first time in the history of the AME church a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office.

On February 28, 1959 the Regional Director, Jennie Taylor, presented twenty young enthusiastic women the charter for the Kinston Alumnae Chapter. The mission was and continues to be the provision of services and programs that promote human welfare in local communities in Lenoir and Greene counties.

The charter officers were: Eloise Beech, President; Eunice Wing, Vice President; Virginia M. Payton, Recording Secretary; Jeanette H. Cogdell, Financial Secretary; Kenneth A. Banks, Corresponding Secretary; Alberta Hines, Treasurer; Eva Best, Sergeant-at-Arms; Dorothy Carraway, Custodian; Mae D. Holmes, Parliamentarian; Mary K. Elliott, Chaplin; and Geraldine D. Grice, Journalist. Other charter members included: Zoldine Banks, Mary Brinson, Esther Cogdell, Mankie B. Durham, Ernestine Holmes, Marselette B. Morgan, Althea Tillery, Glen Esther Vines and Hester Joyner Smith.

The basic thread of the sorority’s public service is through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. These five areas are Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

The Chapter has implemented numerous projects in Lenoir and Greene counties. Among them are a tutorial program, summer camp for indigent children, Career Day for area schools. Recent projects include: recipient of $5000 grant to assist with recovery efforts for victims of Hurricane Matthew; Relay for Life; Toys for Tots; Red Cross Blood Drive; Real Life Experience; Christmas Party for Caswell residents from Lenoir and Greene counties; provide scholarships to high school students; supported the National Children’s Safety Program; partnered in a local book-bag give away. The chapter continues to support many local agencies as well.

For ticket information you may contact Ruby Bethel at (252) 523-5792 or Phaedra Holley at (252) 523-7452.