Alphonza Gadsden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Alphonza Gadsden Sr. |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of the Southeast | |
| Church | Anglican Church in North America Reformed Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | REC Southeast |
| In Office | 2007–2020 |
| Predecessor | James C. West |
| Successor | William White |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | November 11, 2007 by Leonard W. Riches |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 13, 1945 Russellville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 2025 (aged 79) Kingstree, South Carolina, U.S. |
Alphonza Gadsden Sr. (born December 13, 1945 – died January 17, 2025) was an American bishop in the Anglican church. He served as the main bishop for the Reformed Episcopal Church's Diocese of the Southeast from 2007 to 2020.
About Alphonza Gadsden Sr.
Alphonza Gadsden Sr. was born in Russellville, South Carolina. His parents were Silas and Leola Gadsden. He grew up in St. Stephen. His family was part of the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Early Life and Education
Gadsden finished high school at Russellville High School. He then joined the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam War and became a sergeant. After his military service, he continued his education. He earned his first college degree from Limestone University. He later received a Master of Divinity degree from Cummins Theological Seminary. He also did advanced studies at Erskine Theological Seminary. The Reformed Episcopal Church gave him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. He was married to Hester Brown Gadsden.
Career and Ministry
After becoming a minister, Gadsden worked at Liberty Reformed Episcopal Church. This church was located in Jamestown, South Carolina. He later became the president of the Diocese of the Southeast's standing committee.
Besides his church work, Gadsden had a long career. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 39 years. He made history as the first Black postmaster in Kingstree, South Carolina.
Becoming a Bishop
In 2007, Bishop James C. West passed away. Alphonza Gadsden was then chosen to be the new bishop. He became the bishop ordinary for the Diocese of the Southeast. Leonard W. Riches officially made him a bishop on November 17, 2007.
During his time as bishop, the diocese grew. Eight new clergy members joined. Church properties were improved and debts were paid off. Two more churches were added to the diocese. In 2015, Bishop Gadsden hosted an important meeting. It was for the Anglican Church in North America. They discussed how to bring people of different races together. The Diocese of the Southeast had many Black members.
Bishop Gadsden retired in 2020. William White took over as the new bishop ordinary. Alphonza Gadsden Sr. passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 79.
