wfn.org | Floyd Rhodes Named Vice-Moderator

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

GA99029 
21-June-1999 
 
                Floyd Rhodes Named Vice-Moderator 
 
FORT WORTH In an announcement that came very early Sunday afternoon, the 
Rev. Floyd Rhodes was named Vice-Moderator of the 211th General Assembly. 
"I got back from lunch at Billy Bob's," recalls the stunned Rhodes, "and 
Cliff Kirkpatrick said Freda was looking for me. I thought she wanted me to 
say a prayer!" 
     An associate executive for ethnic and urban concerns in Greater 
Atlanta Presbytery, Rhodes grew up in Memphis where he was one of eight 
children in a Baptist family. After a stint in the Army, he worked for the 
United States Postal Service for six years before entering Norfolk State 
University at the age of 29. A Rockefeller Foundation grant paved the way 
for him to attend Princeton Seminary, where he encountered Presbyterianism 
and Moderator Freda Gardner. 
     Following graduation in 1969, Rhodes began his parish ministry with a 
call to be assistant pastor at the former Brick Church in Rochester, NY, 
where he was already working to establish a day care program. He served 
four other congregations across the country and then began his ministry as 
a presbytery staff member in 1984.  
     Looking ahead to his term as Vice-Moderator, Rhodes admits a certain 
anxiety. "I like to have butterflies in my stomach," he claims. "If I'm 
nervous, I know I'm relying more on God." And yet, he is optimistic as 
well. "Freda says she is going to truly use me," Rhodes reports. "I will 
willingly and gladly serve the church with all my resources, knowledge, and 
strength." 
     When asked about his hopes for the coming year, Rhodes responded 
simply: "I wish we could get beyond the sexuality issues which divide us 
and learn to trust and live with each other.  We need to be united," he 
continued, "around the basic human needs for food and shelter and 
education." 
     When asked about her selection, Freda Gardner said that she 
particularly wanted a clergy person, a male, and a person from a 
racial/ethnic group different from her own.  "I've known Floyd since the 
60s and believe his leadership will be a valuable gift to the church." 
     According to executive presbyter Ed Albright, "Floyd is dearly loved 
in Greater Atlanta.  His ministry is extremely effective, not only in the 
African-American community, but with all our racial/ethnic congregations. 
We're delighted for Floyd and for the church." 
     "I am pleased and honored to serve as the Vice-Moderator for the 211th 
General Assembly," says the 66-year-old Rhodes. "I love the Presbyterian 
Church, our people and our polity. I will gladly make myself available 
according to the wishes of the Moderator." 
Sue Boardman 

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