Jamira McCoy is a freshman at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans majoring in pre-med/biology. A graduate of Saint Laurence High School in Burbank, Illinois with a G.P.A. of 4.5, Jamira confesses that both her parents encouraged her to be a leader. Very concerned about the inequities in healthcare for African Americans, Jamira grew up in a family of strong Black women with a mother and a grandmother who were nurses.
Determined to follow in their footsteps, Jamira has already completed an internship at Stickney Township Clinic and received her FEMA training. An avid tennis player, Jamira excelled on her team at Saint Laurence and encouraged her coach to enact new traditions that encouraged the young ladies and built comradery and sportsmanship.
She was a student ambassador and a member of the honor society, the leader scholars, and the Student Athlete Leadership Council. She is a volunteer with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Loyola Hospital as well as an active member of Harvey Memorial Church.
Reverend Ivory Jean Nuckolls is the third of five generations of her family that serve at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois. She received the Holy Spirit at the age of fifteen and became highly involved in all facets of church ministry.
To prepare herself for her calling, Reverend Nuckolls studied at the American Conservatory of Music and is accredited with her Bachelor Degree from DePaul University in Counseling and Therapy. She is a member of the Iota Psi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education and has received her Masters Degree from DePaul University in Education and Human Services and Counseling. Reverend Nuckolls also studied at the Moody Bible Institute.
Reverend Nuckolls is married to Gerald R. Nuckolls, Jr. and together they have utilized their gifts in many ministries to further the Church, including:
Answering the call to preach and teach the word of God in the late 1980’s, Reverend Nuckolls has furthered her ministry by serving in numerous capacities including:
Assistant Pastor, Apostolic Church of God since Oct. 20, 1996
Director of Pastoral Care, Apostolic Church of God
Women’s Committee
Visitation and Family Life Ministry
Recreation and Fitness Ministry
Adviser, International and State Young People’s Chair of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
Adviser, International Pentecostal Young People’s Union
Adviser, Illinois District Council Women’s Chair
Liaison, Interdenominational Young People’s Union
Liaison, Interdenominational Board of Bishops Convention
Assistant to the Presiding Prelate – International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
Conference Leader, Apostolic Church of God Retreat
Administrative Director, Lupus Support Group
Therapist, Lydia Home
Director of Programming for Pentecostal Assembly of the World Inc. Intercessors Conference
Conference Coordinator for Pentecostal Assembly of the World Inc. Intercessors Conference
Reverend Nuckolls has also devoted her time to various other responsibilities throughout her career, such as:
Director, Young People’s Ministry
Director of Worship and Chaplaincy, International Pentecostal Young People’s Union
Director of Chaplaincy, Illinois District Council Young People’s Union
Director, A Crisis House
Staff Director of Singles Ministry
New Members Committee
Convention Coordinator, Apostolic Church of God
Chaplain, Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir
Liaison Advisor to the Support Group – Moody Bible Institute Solheim Center
Chair, Community Development Board YWCA – Chicago
Committee Member, La Rabida Big Heart Ambassador
Convention Coordinator, International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Music Workshop
Convention Program Director, International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
Reverend Nuckolls was the recipient of the Big Hearts for Young Heroes award from La Rabida Children’s Hospital and was nominated for the Community Leader of the Year award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc…
Whilst this succinct recount serves as an overview of Ivory’s life, work and Godly commitment, it doesn’t truly reflect her passionate love of God and His word; her extensive and innumerable sacrifices for the work of the Lord and her sensitivity to the needs of his people.
Rev. Isaac C. Hayes is an Assistant Pastor at the Apostolic Church of God where he has the responsibility for the strategic and operational support of the Apostolic Church of God’s auxiliaries and the programmatic activities. Already holding a masters in theology, Rev. Hayes is now a doctoral student at Trinity International University. His research focuses on Missional Thinking in the Black Church, a concept that propels the church, particularly the mega church, to move beyond the walls in ways that encourage and support the broader community by holistically ministering to the body, mind, and soul. Rev. Hayes has distinguished himself as a theologian and preacher within the Apostolic Pentecostal church community and beyond.
Irene Bibbie was born in 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is one of seven children born to Arthur and Evelyn Lee. She attended South High School in Grand Rapids, and later studied stenography, speech, and business at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.
Irene served for many years at Morgan Park Assembly/Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, under the leadership of two pastors, Suffragan Bishop Robert Baggett and Bishop William A. Ellis. For a number of years, Irene Bibbie coordinated the travel of guest speakers including Bishop Noel Jones for church programs and conventions. She was also the lead Usher Board member for several years.
Irene Bibbie has been a member of the Victory Apostolic Church under the leadership of District Elder Andrew Singleton, Jr. for approximately 16 years. She has served as an usher, deaconess, hospitality committee member, Senior Ministry member, travel consultant, and usher for the Victory Association Summits.
In her former denomination, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Irene Bibbie, served as International Secretary of the PAW Usher Board, was Illinois District Council Secretary, and Tour Coordinator for the various national conventions for the PAW International Young People’s Conventions. During Suffragan Bishop Noah Nicholson’s tenure as present of the Young People’s Union, Irene Bibbie was responsible for arranging transportation for the convention speakers.
Irene Bibbie worked with Travel Brokers in Homewood, Illinois and other agencies, retiring in 2022. During her 40-year career, Irene Bibbie brought saints together from PAW churches across the United States to travel and fellowship all over the world by land and sea. She is noted for guiding tours and travel experiences on all continents for many groups, families, churches, and other organizations, many of whom had never considered travel before.
For a time, Irene was employed at Old Kent Bank (now 5th/3rd Bank) in Harvey, Illinois. For 30 years she worked at School District 147 in Harvey, Illinois as the secretary for the middle school, special education secretary in the main office, library clerk at Washington School, and secretary for the Assistant Superintendent. She also coordinated the first annual awards ceremony and the first District 147 Handbook which has continued to be updated annually for 20 years. A huge sports fan for young people, Irene Bibbie coached the elementary school cheerleaders, 3 of whom became Thornton High School cheerleaders. She also coordinated class trips for Rosa Parks Middle School graduates. At 89 years young, Irene Bibbie continues to attend high school, college, and professional sporting events for graduates of School District 147 and Thornton Township High School.
Irene Bibbie was married to the late Donald Bibbie, Jr. for 65 years and was blessed with three sons: Donald (Carolyn), Lamont (Sherron), and Duane (Latonya). Each of her sons holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also has a grandson and two great granddaughters.
Deacon Henry Griffin was born on September 27, 1926 to Georgia and Oliver Griffin. He was the sixth of the nine children born to the family. He was born on the family farm in Jackson Mississippi. His grandfather, Papa Wiley Griffin, owned several hundred acres of farmland where he raised cattle as well as various crops which were among the items he sold in two family-owned grocery stores. Deacon Henry Griffin was raised with an honorable legacy of service and family has sustained him through the years.
In 1945, Henry Griffin was drafted into the United States Army during World War II where he served in both France and Germany. Following his discharge, Henry’s father encouraged him to move to Chicago where he worked during the day and continued his education at night under the GI Bill. The Virginia Board of Education awarded Deacon Griffin “in grateful recognition of personal sacrifice made to ensure the safety and security of our country and all mankind and in acknowledgement of a lifetime of learning and achievement that has enriched our community and our country.” Henry Griffin was employed for 32 years by the People’s Gas Company. He retired as a foreman.
While Henry was raised in the church, he was not raised in an Apostolic family. On March 19, 1950, Henry Griffin was invited to Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church where he heard Elder Charles H. Ellis, the church’s pastor, preach from Acts that Cornelius was a good man who was not ready for heaven. The message resonated with Henry Griffin and that same day, he was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Spirit. Henry Griffin immediately began to work in the church, first as a Sunday School teacher where he served for 40 years, eventually becoming the superintendent in the 1990s. He was appointed Deacon under Pastor Odee Akins and was elevated to Chairman of the Board of Directors under Bishop Charles Davis. He has faithfully executed his role as Deacon for more than 65 years and is the only living one of the 5 original signers of the Articles of Incorporation and Board of Directors of IPC. He continues to fulfill his heartfelt obligation to encourage the well-being of the members in love. Through his time in service to the Lord, Deacon Griffin has held many positions and untiringly served the people of God personally and also supported various auxiliaries. Above all, his life has been an example to the younger members of the congregation, especially the young men who have come to respect and love Deacon Griffin as father in Christ and a father figure and role model for their own lives.
It was at Indiana Avenue that Bro. Griffin met the beautiful Doris Ellis (not a member of the famous Ellis family). She was one of the Earnest Allen Singers invited to worship in song that day. The couple was married on June 23, 1951. The couple’s five children were raised to love the Lord, seek an education, and excel in the tradition of the family. Today, the Griffin offspring have devoted themselves to helping others in various religious and secular careers. The Griffins have 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren with two on the way. The legacy of excellence has continued unto a fourth generation, assuring that Deacon Griffin’s legacy will live on.
Rev. Frank C. Walton was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was the 4th of 8 children born to Robert and Joetta Walton who always celebrated faith and Gospel music. Frank accepted Christ at the age of 5 at the church where his uncle, J. L. Walton served as the pastor, Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. Frank grew up surrounded by Gospel music. The famous recording artist Arthur Scales was his father’s best friend. Frank’s father and uncles were known as The Walton Brothers, a Gospel A Cappella group that performed across the country. They were the first live group featured on the renown Isabel Joseph Johnson radio program.
Growing up, Frank attended Lindblom High School and Kennedy-King College. He was also an Explorer Scout and attended school in Sweden as part of an exchange student program. Frank completed undergraduate studies in Business Management at the John F. Kennedy College in the University of Nebraska where he studied vocal music. He later completed his master’s degree in theological studies at Faith International University and Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. In addition to his certification from the Interim Ministry Network, Frank studied business operations at the University of Phoenix.
Frank’s career in radio began on the west coast where he was an announcer and hosted a program on Gospel 860 in Phoenix, Arizona. Frank is the founding president of the Seattle Area Gospel Announcers Guild and the West Coast Gospel Music Conference. He is an inductee of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio and was the 2009 GMWA/GAG Gospel Announcer of the Year. Among his many awards are the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from the American Baptist Churches of America and the honor of being deemed one of the Most Distinguished Men of Illinois in 2017.
It was while he lived in Seattle that Frank accepted the call on his life. He definitely has a shepherd’s heart and has found his ministry niche to be support and leadership. He has helped several churches as they faced transition in ministry. He has served as the Interim Pastor of Christ Community Church of Wheaton, First Baptist Church of LaGrange, Community Baptist Church of Warrenville. In addition to his work with the Interim Ministerial Network, Frank works with several institutions to provide support for men across the country going through the grief process.
In his secular career, Frank held the position of National Director of Sales for Urban Ministries, Inc. Since 2002 Frank has owned First Class Financial Christian Services, providing resources to churches and non-profits with PowerChurch Software and consulting services. For nine years, Frank served as the Director of Business Operations for The Salvation Army Salvation in Tacoma, Washington. He also worked for Pacific Northwest and the Xerox Corporation. In work that merged his gift of ministry and secular talents, Frank was part of the Probation Challenge founded by the Honorable Eugene Pincham and Howard Bailey. The Probation Challenge’s aim was to provide the necessary education support for formerly incarcerated men and women to lead successful lives.
Frank Walton and PamMorris-Walton have proven to be a powerful force in trailblazing a special place in Gospel Radio. But their commitment of faith and love is not on display for the notoriety of broadcasting. Their love of ministry, helping others, and promoting Gospel music as a way of life, has touched thousands across the United States. They serve the community in many ways. They provide weekly services including food, fellowship, prayer, and communion to seniors through nuHeart Ministries. Their influence is shown through their involvement in the Bud Billiken Gospel Fest, the Annual Black Marriage Chicago Conference, as Ambassadors for the Bernie Mac Foundation, and co-hosts of the Broadcast Minister’s Alliance with the late Archbishop Lucius Hall. In 2020, this spirited husband-wife team became joint recipients of honorary doctorate degrees from the GMOR Theological Institute of America Midwest Region. Together they have more than sixty years in radio and media markets across the country. They are authorities on Gospel Music and have been positioned by God to collectively deliver a fresh, unique, and dynamic presentation of inspirational music. Collectively, Frank and Pam have three adult sons, one adult daughter, and five grandchildren.
His father, a National Evangelist, and his mother, an outstanding Bible teacher, kindled Bernard’s love for the Bible and service to the Lord. The Kendrick family worshipped at the A.O.H. Church of God on Bowen Avenue in Chicago. Bernard received the Holy Ghost as a teenager. Mentored by his pastor, Elder Cicero Harris, he became a Junior Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a choir director, both locally and nationally.
In 1974, Bernard was called to preach. He was ordained in 1977 and in 1979 became the Assistant Pastor to Elder John Morris at Bethel Apostolic Church. While his earliest affiliation was with the A.O.H. churches, Elder Kendrick was also affiliated with Starlight St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained a senior deacon and worked with several adult and youth choirs. In addition, he served at Christian Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Missouri where he was a lead minister and part of the Broadcast ministry. Even after returning to Illinois, Bernard Kendrick continued his passion for radio ministry with broadcasts on stations WDND and WKBM in Joliet, Illinois.
Strongly feeling the call to pastor, Elder Kendrick organized a Bible study group in 1986. This band of stalwart people of God became Glad Tidings Apostolic Assembly (GTAA) in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Bishop Kendrick and Glad Tidings have survived many storms, but the church has never ceased to serve the needs of its congregants and community. Its inclusive ministry has attracted people of various backgrounds, denominations, and races. GTAA has been recognized by both Will and Cook Counties in Illinois for its work with the homeless population and its food distribution program. In addition to his zeal for helping the community, Bishop Kendrick’s heart for mentoring others has led to the establishment of several churches and ministries.
Elder Kendrick devoted his time and substance to his church and his work in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.) and its Illinois District Council (IDC) where he served as Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Pastor’s Alliance. In January 1995, he was appointed District Elder in the 6th Episcopal District. In 2019, GTAA changed its denominational affiliation to the International Anointed Ministries of Jesus Christ (IAM). In 2021, Pastor Kendrick was ordained as a Bishop.
During the Viet Nam era, Elder Kendrick served in the United States Army National Guard as Staff Sergeant and Senior Military Police officer for 16 years. He is currently a member of the Village of Bolingbrook Christian Clergy Association and the International Police Chaplain’s Association. He has served as the Police Chaplain for the Bolingbrook Police Department for 32 years and was recently elected as its Police Chaplain Coordinator.
Over 53 years ago, Bernard Kendrick married his high school sweetheart, Rena G. Ward. He retired from the FedEx Corporation in 2002. Today Bishop and First Lady Kendrick have two daughters and one son who along their spouses and children are all actively involved in the church. Despite his time commitments, Bishop Kendrick finds time for his hobbies: fishing, spending time with his grandsons, hunting, bowling, golfing, and doing handyman stuff!
2023 Gerald R. Nuckolls Award for Christian Education
Gr. Gwendolyn Boyd has been an educator for almost 50 years. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Education, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and a Middle School Endorsement in Mathematics. Dr. Boyd graduated from Jean Baptiste Point DuSable High School and is a Lifetime member of the DuSable High School Coalition for Action. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Mary Herrick Scholarship Fund and is president of the Boyd-Edwards Scholarship Fund.
A former Math/Science Specialist at Henderson Elementary School, Dr. Boyd holds the distinction of being the first African American female principal of John Marshall Metropolitan High School located on the west side of Chicago. Under her leadership the school’s standardized test scores, and graduation and attendance rates increased.
Dr. Boyd received numerous awards throughout her professional career including Outstanding Administrator Award from the 7th Congressional District of Illinois; Phi Delta Kappa Northeastern University Educator of the Year Award, Police Explorer Outstanding Support Award, Distinguished Educator Award from the Chicago Academy for School Leadership; Outstanding Support Award from Marshall High School Parents, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mary Herrick Scholarship Foundation.
In 2009, Dr. Boyd retired from the Chicago Public Schools after 35 years of service. In January 2018, she retired from South Suburban College as an Adjunct Professor in the Mathematics Department.
A member of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago for 31 years, Dr. Boyd has served as a cell leader, a section leader, president of the Savvy Seniors, and liaison for volunteers on the Pastoral Care Ministry. Dr. Boyd is the seventh of nine siblings. She has two sons, a daughter-in-love, and two granddaughters. To balance her busy life, Dr. Boyd loves to travel, cook, and entertain.
2023 Trailblazer Award for Exceptional Achievement
Rev. Frank C. Walton was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was the 4th of 8 children born to Robert and Joetta Walton who always celebrated faith and Gospel music. Frank accepted Christ at the age of 5 at the church where his uncle, J. L. Walton served as the pastor, Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. Frank grew up surrounded by Gospel music. The famous recording artist Arthur Scales was his father’s best friend. Frank’s father and uncles were known as The Walton Brothers, a Gospel A Cappella group that performed across the country. They were the first live group featured on the renown Isabel Joseph Johnson radio program.
Growing up, Frank attended Lindblom High School and Kennedy-King College. He was also an Explorer Scout and attended school in Sweden as part of an exchange student program. Frank completed undergraduate studies in Business Management at the John F. Kennedy College in the University of Nebraska where he studied vocal music. He later completed his master’s degree in theological studies at Faith International University and Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. In addition to his certification from the Interim Ministry Network, Frank studied business operations at the University of Phoenix.
Frank’s career in radio began on the west coast where he was an announcer and hosted a program on Gospel 860 in Phoenix, Arizona. Frank is the founding president of the Seattle Area Gospel Announcers Guild and the West Coast Gospel Music Conference. He is an inductee of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio and was the 2009 GMWA/GAG Gospel Announcer of the Year. Among his many awards are the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from the American Baptist Churches of America and the honor of being deemed one of the Most Distinguished Men of Illinois in 2017.
It was while he lived in Seattle that Frank accepted the call on his life. He definitely has a shepherd’s heart and has found his ministry niche to be support and leadership. He has helped several churches as they faced transition in ministry. He has served as the Interim Pastor of Christ Community Church of Wheaton, First Baptist Church of LaGrange, Community Baptist Church of Warrenville. In addition to his work with the Interim Ministerial Network, Frank works with several institutions to provide support for men across the country going through the grief process.
In his secular career, Frank held the position of National Director of Sales for Urban Ministries, Inc. Since 2002 Frank has owned First Class Financial Christian Services, providing resources to churches and non-profits with PowerChurch Software and consulting services. For nine years, Frank served as the Director of Business Operations for The Salvation Army Salvation in Tacoma, Washington. He also worked for Pacific Northwest and the Xerox Corporation. In work that merged his gift of ministry and secular talents, Frank was part of the Probation Challenge founded by the Honorable Eugene Pincham and Howard Bailey. The Probation Challenge’s aim was to provide the necessary education support for formerly incarcerated men and women to lead successful lives.
Frank Walton and PamMorris-Walton have proven to be a powerful force in trailblazing a special place in Gospel Radio. But their commitment of faith and love is not on display for the notoriety of broadcasting. Their love of ministry, helping others, and promoting Gospel music as a way of life, has touched thousands across the United States. They serve the community in many ways. They provide weekly services including food, fellowship, prayer, and communion to seniors through nuHeart Ministries. Their influence is shown through their involvement in the Bud Billiken Gospel Fest, the Annual Black Marriage Chicago Conference, as Ambassadors for the Bernie Mac Foundation, and co-hosts of the Broadcast Minister’s Alliance with the late Archbishop Lucius Hall. In 2020, this spirited husband-wife team became joint recipients of honorary doctorate degrees from the GMOR Theological Institute of America Midwest Region. Together they have more than sixty years in radio and media markets across the country. They are authorities on Gospel Music and have been positioned by God to collectively deliver a fresh, unique, and dynamic presentation of inspirational music. Collectively, Frank and Pam have three adult sons, one adult daughter, and five grandchildren.
