Citation for Faithful Service
2003 Honorees — Biographical Sketches

Presented October 18, 2003, at
Union Congregational Church
Richmond Hill

Margaret Cameron

Greater Allen AME Cathedral, Jamaica
The Rev. Floyd H. Flake, Pastor

Margaret Cameron has been a very dedicated member of The Greater Allen AME Cathedral since 1976. She readily volunteers to assist any ministry that needs her service. Her spirit bespeaks a woman of faithfulness who is able to remain content in all circumstances. Today is truly a day of celebration and acknowledgment of a faithful servant of God. When we understand that faith is more than a religious or theological expression, but is an attitude, we come to the realization that life can be enjoyable. "May the blessings of the Lord be upon you." (Psalm 129:8) We wish you love, peace, and happiness in the future!

 
Alfreda Cobbs

Church of the Resurrection, East Elmhurst
The Rev. Pierre-Andre Duvert, Rector

Alfreda Cartledge Cobbs is a product of the New York City School System. Following graduation from Wadleigh High School in Manhattan, she continued her education at Baruch College in pursuit of a degree in Business Education. Her love of poetry and literature would later lead her to SUNY/ Empire State and a degree in Humanities and Creative Writing. Mrs. Cobbs' ministry at The Church of the Resurrection has been that of Assistant Church Risk Manager, member of the Search Committee and its co-chaplain, a co-captain in the Stewardship Committee Program and Chaplain for Episcopal Church Women at the Church of the Resurrection. She is a member of the Ladies Aid Guild and its Treasurer. Mrs. Cobbs has been a Lay Eucharistic Minister for the past sixteen years and she is Church Historian. Mrs. Cobbs is a member of the local chapter of NAACP, the Corona/East Elmhurst Civic Association. She is a member of the Gilmore Street Block Association, where she serves as its correspondence secretary and member of its entertainment committee. She is a member of the local chapter of AARP and has served as its correspondence secretary and is currently its first vice president. Mrs. Cobbs monitors very carefully the progress and development of her sponsored daughter in Ethiopia whom she has sponsored from the age of five. Now at the age of sixteen, she would like at some juncture, to bring her to America. Mrs. Cobbs is the mother of one son, Winston, Jr., and has two very talented granddaughters, Noelle and Paige Alfreda. Her years of employment ended with the New York State Professional Office Network as Administrative Assistant in Personnel Placement.

 
Elder Robin C. Crichlow

Fullness of Joy Ministries, Saint Albans
The Rev. David S. Butler, Pastor

Elder Robin Crichlow is a woman who truly loves the Lord and has devoted her life in obedience to serving Him. She was born in Queens and is a mother of three sons and one daughter: Gary Jr., Corey, Ranard and Quatima, ages ranging from thirteen to twenty-six years old and two grandchildren, six and a half years old Star-Asia and 12 weeks old Yahleeyah. Robin Crichlow serves as an Elder at the Fullness of Joy Ministries under the tutelage of Pastor David S. Butler, M.Div. Elder Crichlow is the acting president for the Women's Ministry, Sunday school teacher for the young adults, shares a part as one of the team leaders in the youth fellowship, works with the finance department and is one of the intercessors for the ministry. She has studied at Bethel Bible Institute, True Praise Community Bible Institute, a branch of Community Bible Institute, and New York Christian Counseling Center. She's taken a course in teenage counseling and a creative writing course which she believes has added a new dimension to her love for the written word. Elder Crichlow has also begun taking Chaplaincy Courses which she believes would assist in furthering the ministerial and evangelistic call upon her life. Besides her prophetic and deliverance ministry, God has given her many spiritual gifts. She is also an anointed poet and writer. Elder Crichlow has assisted her brother Pastor Richard Hogan with his program, B.A.K.E. (Brothers Against Killing Eachother), where she conducted workshops with the cheerleaders, ages nine to seventeen, on social and economic concerns as well as personal issues primarily focusing on their fluctuating levels of self-esteem. Early in her ministry in the midst of one of her many trials the Holy Spirit spoke to her concerning a young women's ministry. The Holy Spirit was also influential in naming it, and said that it should be called F.A.I.T.H. (Females Attaining Integrity Through Hope). As the founder and director, Elder Crichlow spends endless hours counseling, instructing, praying for and praying with many young women who have lost hope and are trying to find that light at the end of the tunnel. Elder Crichlow totally depends on the guiding of the Holy Spirit as she leads them to the one and only true Light of this world, Jesus the Christ. Because of her concern and love for young people, she was featured in the NY Newsday August 2002 as an "Every Day Hero." Elder Crichlow is a dedicated Christian woman, driven by the Holy Spirit to accomplish great things for God, and is best known for having a listening ear, as well as being a loyal and committed mother, servant and friend.

 
Deacon Roy Evans

Living Rock Christian Center, Far Rockaway
The Rev. Joshua C. Kelly, Pastor

Periodically, there are people in our churches that really understand the need for committed individuals in the Kingdom of God. It is these individuals that impact both our churches and more importantly the Kingdom. Roy Evans has been such an individual for this ministry. Roy has served as maintenance engineer, sound engineer, media engineer, financial assistant, trustee and all around Minister of Helps. In every capacity of ministry Mr. Roy Evans has made himself both available and active. Through voluntary service Roy has continually given hours of his time and invested his treasury to foster the kingdom. It is this kind of dedication to ministry that makes him deserving of a citation for faithful service.

 
Eleanor Hoffmeister

First Presbyterian Church of Flushing
The Rev. Dr. John I. Smucker, Pastor

Eleanor Hoffmeister has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Flushing for 49 years and a Sunday School member for 28 years. She continues to be an active member. A graduate of Hunter College and of Columbia Bible College, she has had a strong interest in Missions and was a missionary to Laos for 18 years (1958 -1976). She leads a missionary prayer group, is Treasurer of the Missions Fund and continues to serve on the Missions Committee. Eleanor is a great prayer warrior and prays for the church as well. She has a sweet spirit and many friends. She is retired after having worked for many years as a Chiropractic assistant. She is a long time resident of Bellerose.

 
Margaret Horstmann

St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Woodhaven
The Rev. J. Barrie Lawless, Pastor

Margaret Horstmann has been at St. Luke's for over 70 years. Her career has included teaching mental health, child psychology and counseling at CUNY, Queens College and elsewhere - work she considers an extension of her faith. Within the church she has been a teacher at all levels, has completed the ELCA Diakonia program and is a Deacon. Besides her involvement in general aspects of church life, she has a passion for educating and helping people to be committed to various social programs, including relieving world hunger, helping the homeless, preventing and dealing with incidents of domestic violence, working for an understanding of and love for gay and lesbian people. Her commitment to Christ's first and second commandments is clearly the basis for her whole life. It is a privilege to have her as a co-worker in our congregation.

 
Elder Sandra Humphrey

First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens
The Rev. Dr. Walter L. Eversley, Pastor

Elder Sandra Humphrey has been an Elder since 2002, a Deacon and Trustee since 1996, and Benevolence Treasurer. Elder S. Humphrey is the Chairperson of our Food Program which keeps her very busy, coordinating her voluntary staff. She is an ardent Bible scholar attending Prayer Meeting and Bible Class weekly. She is always willing to help where and when needed. We need more sincere and Godly women, like Mrs. Humphrey in our churches.

 
Edward J. Jeremiah

Christhava Tamil Koil, Elmhurst
The Rev. Sunder Devaprasad, Pastor

Edward J. Jeremiah is one of the strongest lay leaders I have ever met, says his Pastor. He is brilliant, personally vibrant, engaging, intuitive, passionate about his faith, passionate about justice, a super organizer and leader. Mr. Jeremiah and his family are active members since 1985. Edward, for years has been a leader in the men's group and taught Bible class. For the past 10 years, he has been the President of our church. He greatly helped the church to move towards self supporting and raised money for our Building Fund. Above all, he is a committed Christian and serves the Lord well.

 
Ruby M. Joy

New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Brenda K. Smith, Pastor

It has been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the name that they have. Well at New Hope Lutheran Church we certainly believe that Ruby Joy's name certainly describes who she is. A ruby is a rare, precious jewel and our Ruby Joy is certainly rare and precious to us. She is rare because very few persons are as dedicated to serving the Lord as Ruby. Ruby is precious to us because it is through her leadership in various aspects of our church's finances that we are able to know that our record keeping and our strategic planning in this area are always organized, thorough and accurate. Her last name of Joy clearly describes the joy she brings into our lives just by being the person she is. Ruby never meets a stranger, but always treats others with respect and warmth. Ruby has and continues to have a variety of leadership roles at New Hope. For example, she is chairperson of our Finance Committee, coordinator of our counting teams, financial secretary for our Capital Campaign, a member of the Christian Education Committee, Shepherding Committee and the Women of the Evangelical Church in America group, just to name a few of her service activities. Ruby truly lives out through her service for the Lord her favorite saying; "To whom much is given, much is required."

 
Claudia Milton

First Presbyterian Church of Far Rockaway
The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Patterson, Pastor

Claudia Milton has served First Presbyterian Russell Safe Memorial Church of Far Rockaway without parallel since June 1988. She serves presently as a Ruling Elder, President of the Women's Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, and Coordinator of the Community Food Pantry Program. Ms. Milton can be described as an icon of the Five Towns/Far Rockaway sensibilities. She is a woman who embraces the virtue of life in its excellence, exuberance, endurance, energy, and elegance. Ms. Milton is a woman of great pride she is meticulous, and very detailed.. Hundreds of children have been benefitted by her calm unruffled grace during her teaching career. She is a wonderful Christian, who has always brought love and laughter and innovative creativeness into the lives of all those with whom she works. Ms. Milton truly deserves this citation for faithful service.

 
Lipton and Eula Mott

St. James the Less Episcopal Church, Jamaica
The Rev. E. Ulric Jones, Rector

Lipton O. Mott continues his outstanding work at St. James the Less Episcopal Church in the tradition which he began as a 40-year member at Grace Church, Jamaica. As a Lay Pastor, visiting the sick and homebound, he has been recognized by his Bishop (with the Bishop's Cross in January 1976) and twice by his Parish (with the Parish Awards from Fr. Herbert Thompson and Dr. Nathan Wright, Jr.). He has been an usher for many years, provides care and oversight for the church building and grounds, and set-ups for meetings and events. Eula M. Mott has been a hostess for Coffee Hour for many years and a Sunday School teacher for 18 years and was recognized with a Certificate Award by the Rev. Herbert Thompson in the 1978-79 year. She chaired the 285th Anniversary at Grace Church, Jamaica, in 1987. Eula has cared for the homeless people sheltered at the Parish House on Sunday nights, and has assisted in the preparation and serving of food and drink at many Parish receptions. With her husband, they have provided transportation for children and adults attending Sunday School and church.

 
Mariana Plate

Ss. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, College Point
The Rev. Dr. Theodor Damian, Pastor

Mariana Plate has been a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church since 1994. She has dedicated distinguished and quality service to the church community in several meaningful ways; for years she has helped organize major events at the church such as Christmas and Easter celebrations, has taken an active part in the development of our cultural events such as national festivals, symposia, religious feats and many other celebrations that we have in our Church. She is ecumenically involved in the dialogue and relationships that we have with other local churches in New York from the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant traditions. As President of the Lady's Committee, Mariana Plate has responded promptly to all calls for service in the community. She helps the elderly, organizes meals for the participants at the liturgical services and fulfills all her other obligations promptly and generously. All this is done by her on a volunteer basis. Her dedication, effort and love for service are exemplary and acknowledged in the congregation.

 
Linda Rodway

Greater Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ, Saint Albans
The Rev. Robert Prince Washington, Pastor

Linda Rodway is a faithful member of The Greater Mt. Calvary Church Of God In Christ. She has served our Community Outreach by organizing and implementing park ministry both in New York and Connecticut. Ms. Rodway's ministry extended into the Caribbean Island where she recently experienced the move of God among His people. She is President of the Senior Usher Board, a teacher in our Sunday School Department and a licensed Evangelist Missionary. Ms. Rodway is dedicated, loyal, thoughtful and kind. She demonstrates excellent Christ-like characteristics and is an asset to our congregation.

 
Imogene Williams

First Reformed Church of Jamaica
The Rev. Mark S. Kellar, Pastor

Deacon Imogene Williams has been a member of the First Reformed Church of Jamaica since 1995. Ever since joining she has distinguished herself as one who was willing to serve. Her unselfish and giving spirit led her to become a volunteer at our weekly Soup Kitchen where she has served as secretary/administrator for the program. She has an unusual ability to make everyone she meets feel welcome and at home, which made being an usher/greeter and hospitality co-chair a perfect fit. Deacon Williams is a teacher in the public school system and her passion for young people extends from the classroom to the Friday Night Youth program at FRCJ. She serves on several commissions and committees of the church and has become a faithful member of the consistory where she serves as clerk. She is truly a woman of God and understands the call of Christ to serve those in need. She is a proud mother of two wonderful children and one grandson. She is a devoted wife to a wonderful man of God. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; the women who fears the Lord is to be praised." Imogene Williams is one who fears the Lord and it is with joy and honor we give her a well deserved thanks and praise for her commitment and dedication to the church.

 

 
Queens Federation of Churches http://www.QueensChurches.org/ Last Updated February 2, 2005