While the numbers were few and the challenges were many in the early years, the faith and determination of those men (and many others) did not allow this great endeavor to fail. Through the years, as the Lectureship gradually grew and became more organized and functional, it leadership baton was passed along to the hands of several committed men, including W.C. Edwards, Warren Blakney, David Penn, Lovell Hayes, Larry Johnson, and recently appointed Cleavon Matthews, who all have served terms as Chairman of the Lectureship.
As the Lectureship grew in membership, it developed into its current organizational structure consisting of an Executive Committee (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary) and a 6-member Advisory Board of “seasoned” ministers. The Lectureship has also expanded to include the current states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee and Michigan. Due to its expansion, it is now known as the Midwest Lectureship. The Lectureship is currently going through a restructuring with the goal of improving its quality and quantity.
The Midwest Lectureship is an amazing experience that has proven to be a great source of encouragement to all who have attended. It has a rich history and a bright future.
The Midwest Lectureship was born out of the vision of a few preachers who saw the need to encourage saints in the tri-state area of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The late Bro. William Baker, formerly the minister of the Newburg church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky, the late Bro. Samuel Jordan, formerly the minister of the Sheldon Heights church of Christ in Chicago, Bro. Mayo Towles, the minister emeritus of the Jasper Street church of Christ in Decatur, Illinois, Bro. Ralph Smith, the current minister of the Centreville church of Christ in East St. Louis, Illinois, Bro. David Perkins, current minister of the College Avenue church of Christ in Indianapolis and a few others came together in Louisville in 1976 to discuss the formation of the (then) Tri-State Lectureship. The primary purpose was to encourage and build up Christians in that area who otherwise were not able to get such encouragement due to their inability to attend National Lectureships.
ABOUT US
Leadership
2018 Nathaniel Cobb
2017 Leonardo D. Gilbert
2016 Larry Johnson
2015 James Thompson
2014 Franklin Florence
2013 David Penn
2012 Terry Atwater
2011 Howard Anderson
2010 Daniel Harrison
2009 Lovell Hayes
2008 Dallas Walker
2007 Richard Rose
2006 Ralph Smith
2005 David Perkins
2004 Robert Palmore
2003 William Jones
2002 Jim Miller
2001 Mayo Towles
2000 Robert Hughes
1999 Robert Woods
1998 John Wright
1997 Louis Tyson
1996 A.J. Lyons
1995 Jules Hutton
1994 Samuel Jordan
1993 Duel Ghant Sr.
1992 Leroy Durley
1991 William Baker
1990 B.T. Martin
1989 G.P. Holt
Past Honorees
The Midwest Lectureship convenes each year on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the third week of October. Sermons, Open Forums and Workshops are conducted and designed for the growth, edification and encouragement of Christians who attend. The goal is to provide a forum where Christians of all ages can learn, study, and be uplifted.
An annual Chairman's lunch meeting is held on Friday during the Lectureship to provide information to the attendees and solicit suggestion for improvement of the Lectureship. In addition, each year we honor a seasoned minister for his "work sake"; it is the highlight of our formal banquet.
Executive Board
Cleavon Matthews, Chairman, Dayton, OH
Leonardo D. Gilbert,
Vice Chair, Chicago, IL
Steven Thompson, Secretary, Milwaukee, WI
Terry Atwater
Treasurer, Waukegan, IL
Advisory Board
Franklin Florence Harvey, IL
Jeremy Flowers Cincinnati, OH
Oscar Middlebrook, Indy, IN
Roy K. Morgan St. Louis, MO
David Perkins Indianapolis, IN
Dallas Walker Detroit, MI
Chairman Emeritus
Larry Johnson, Bloomington, IL