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 important American Anglican leader. He served as a bishop for the Reformed Episcopal Church's Diocese of the Southeast from 2007 to 2020.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Alphonza Gadsden Sr. was born in Russellville, South Carolina. His parents were Silas and Leola Gadsden. He grew up in St. Stephen, attending the Reformed Episcopal Church. He finished high school at Russellville High.
After high school, Gadsden joined the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam War and became a sergeant. Later, he went to college, earning a degree from Limestone University. He then studied to become a minister, getting his M.Div. from Cummins Theological Seminary. He also did advanced studies at Erskine Theological Seminary. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Reformed Episcopal Church. Alphonza Gadsden was married to Hester Brown Gadsden.
Career and Ministry
After becoming a minister, Gadsden worked at Liberty Reformed Episcopal Church. This church was in Jamestown, South Carolina. He served as both a vicar and a rector there. Later, he became the president of the Diocese of the Southeast's standing committee.
While working in the church, Gadsden also 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 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 the church. Properties belonging to the church were improved. All church 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. The meeting focused on bringing people together. It discussed racial reconciliation in the mostly Black Diocese of the Southeast.
Later Years and Legacy
Bishop Gadsden retired from his role in 2020. William White took over as the new bishop.
Alphonza Gadsden Sr. passed away on January 17, 2025. He was 79 years old.
