Sis. Merolyn Kelly
From the moment she joined St. Matthew AME during the 33rd anniversary of the church's founding, Sis. Merolyn Kelly has continually been active in the church and supporting the work of the church. She marked her 50th anniversary as a member of St. Matthew during the church's 83rd anniversary celebration.
"It has all been a blessing," Sis. Kelly said. "The joy is that the church is all family to me."
At the time she joined, Sis. Kelly was raising a young family. Her mother's words telling her she needed to be a part of a church resonated in her head. And she was influenced by her cousin, Rev. James Deas, who was already a member in 1975 but not yet ordained.
Rev. Leroy Attles, who led the congregation from 1972 to 1977, was the pastor of the small but growing church. "It was very family oriented," Sis. Kelly said of the church, which was still in the original building at that time. "I was part of the hospitality group. We served tea and coffee after church on one Sunday each month."
And she enrolled her children, Derek and Nicole, in Sunday school. They also participated in the youth choir, which was started under Rev. Attles.
After the shepherd's role was turned over to then Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, now Bishop Jackson, she continued her work and activism in the church. Under his leadership, the Inspirational Choir was created. "One Sunday, Rev. Jackson asked everyone aged 15 to 30 to stand and he told them they were now all members of the choir." She didn't think she should have been in it because she felt she couldn't sing, but she learned.
Sis. Kelly became involved with the Young People's Division and even drove the church van. Rev. Jackson appointed her YPD director and she stayed in that role for about six years, even after her daughter left for college. "I was making sure they were participating. I could see how they grew and made friendships," she said.
Sis. Kelly then became a trustee for about eight years. "And we started the Commission on African American History and Culture. And we named it after Rev. John Wesley Jackson after he passed away. He was a former assistant pastor."
Because she worked in education, she was also involved with the summer camp program and eventually became its director. "Because of summer camp, I did get to meet other members in the church. We had a field trip every Friday. And the older teens became the aides."
Sis. Kelly also taught Sunday School for about 10 years. "I learned so much preparing lessons," Sis. Kelly said. "Just working in the church and being active is what helps you connect with other church members."
Her involvement in the church didn't stop when Rev. Melvin Wilson became pastor. She continues her missionary work and stays active with other committees.
"I am at home when I come to St. Matthew. It is an awesome feeling."
"Your commitment and involvement will help you grow," Sis. Kelly noted. "And young people can be a mentor to you, especially working with the YPD."
Sis. Kelly said she owes part of her success outside of the church to Bro. Michael Brown, who pointed her in the direction of financial aid when she was in college and then also told her about the availability of money for graduate school. She retired as a school counselor from the East Orange school district about 10 years ago. She is also the chair of the John Wesley Jackson Commission on Black History and Culture, which each third Sunday of the month presents a Black History moment.
Her joy in celebrating her 50th anniversary comes from being a part of the St. Matthew family. "I am still active in the church and I have support from current members. God has spared me. I am still a missionary," she said.
"I've watched the young people grow up and become adults and now they are leading me in the organizations," she added. "There's never been a point in my life where I felt displaced. St. Matthew is home."
By Sandra Long Weaver