Edsel Albert Ammons facts for kids
Edsel Albert Ammons (born February 17, 1924 – died December 24, 2010) was an American bishop in the United Methodist Church. He was chosen for this important role in 1976. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in some Christian churches.
About Edsel Ammons
Edsel Ammons was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 17, 1924. He passed away on December 24, 2010. His father was Albert Ammons, a famous musician known for his "boogie woogie" piano playing.
Edsel Ammons had six children: Marilyn, Edsel Jr., Carol, Kenneth, Carlton, and Lila, who became a singer. He was married to Helen Ammons. She used to be a director at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
His Education
Edsel Ammons went to Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his first college degree there in 1948.
Later, he studied at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He received a special degree in religion in 1956. He continued his studies and earned another advanced degree from Chicago Theological Seminary in 1975.
Becoming a Minister
Edsel Ammons became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This happened in 1947 and 1949. He served as a pastor (a church leader) in churches in Chicago and in Highland Falls, New York.
Before becoming a full-time minister, Edsel worked as a social case worker. He helped people in Cook County, Illinois, from 1951 to 1956.
In 1957, he joined the Methodist Church. He was assigned to the Whitfield Methodist Church in Chicago. This church later became the Ingleside-Whitfield Methodist Parish. He led this church until 1963.
After that, he became a director for urban ministry in the Rockford area. In 1966, he joined the program staff for the church's yearly meeting.
Teaching and Leadership
In 1968, Ammons started teaching at Garrett Theological Seminary. He taught there until 1976. That year, he was elected to become a Bishop (a top leader) in the church.
As a bishop, he first served in Michigan for eight years. Then, he was assigned to the West Ohio area.
Bishop Ammons also held important leadership roles within the United Methodist Church. He was president of the General Board of Discipleship from 1980 to 1984. He also chaired departments focused on health, welfare, and missionary work.
He received several special honorary degrees from different colleges. These degrees recognized his important contributions. After he retired, Bishop Ammons continued to serve at Garrett-Evangelical as a bishop-in-residence.
Edsel Ammons passed away in Evanston, Illinois, on December 24, 2010, at the age of 86.
See also
- List of bishops of the United Methodist Church
