About Us

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Who We Are

About Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference
The Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has been a spiritual home in heart of the Mississippi Delta, where families gather, faith deepens, and lives are transformed through the power of God's love.

Rooted in our AME heritage of liberation, uplift, and community empowerment, we are called to serve not only those within our sanctuary but to be a blessing to all who need hope, guidance, and fellowship. Through worship, discipleship, and outreach, we walk together in the tradition of Richard Allen — carrying forward a legacy of faith that transforms communities.

From youth ministry to mission work, from Sunday worship to midweek Bible study, we invite you to join a church family committed to spiritual growth and making a real difference in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

Your presence matters here. Come worship with us.
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Presiding Elder Archie R. Smith


Archie R. Smith, a native of Canton, MS, educated at Rogers High School and a Tougaloo College graduate with a B.S. in Political Science, earned a Doctor of Ministry from Southwest Theological Institute, Lubbock, TX. Rev. Smith is the oldest child of Emma Barnes and Tommie Horn; he is married to the former Valerie Thigpen and has four children: Ahmad, Aisha, Nia, and Julia.

Rev. Smith served as pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Madison, Mississippi, for thirteen years. He was instrumental in leading a new building project for St. Paul that resulted in a new 1.5 million dollar sanctuary. He started (10) ten new ministries and founded the Henry Thompson Foundation as an adult day care center. In 2006 he received the Pastor of the Year Award, for Madison County, MS.

In 2010 Rev. Smith was elevated to serve as the Presiding Elder of the Greenville-Greenwood District and now the Northwest District of the North Mississippi Conference. He led three churches to acquire new sanctuaries, with two of the churches receiving them debt-free. He also serves as Chairperson of the 8th District Budget Committee.

Rev. Smith is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he previously served as the chapter Basileus and the State and District Chaplin, was voted Omega Man of the Year in 1995 and 2001, and was voted Omega Citizen of the Year in 2003. In 2008 he was awarded the first Omega Pioneer Award for service to both Omega and the community. He has served on many boards throughout the Canton community.

Rev. Smith has been an agent for Allstate Insurance Company for 20 years. As an agent, he has received numerous awards, from Rookie of the Year to Chairman Conference, the highest recognition the company awards. Rev. Smith is a member of the Madison, MS, branch of the NAACP.

His motto is “When faith meets preparation, blessings are assured.”  
Contact the Elder

District Component Heads and Staff

#WorkingTogetherWorks



 

District
Administrative Assistant 
Marundo D. Hubbard

District Finance Chair

Rev. Horace McKay

Recording Secretary
Latah Holloway
 

District Secretary
Rev. Phonecia Witherspoon

Correspondence Secretary
Lille Young


Chair & Assistant Ministerial Alliance 
Rev. Phonecia Witherspoon
Rev. Darren Thomas, II


Church Growth & Evangelism

Rev. Dr. Linda Lane


Special Project Committee Directors

Rev. Cedell Raggs
Rev. Perry Truddle
Ethel Russell


President Women in Ministry 

Rev. Phonecia Witherspoon


M-SWAWO+PK

Irajeannie Truddle


Area WMS Chairperson

Latah Holloway


Area YPD Director

Tonda Wells


RAYAC

Rev. Darren Thomas, II
Brother Ken Aultman


District Lay Organization

Etherine Mitchell


Director of Christian Education

Dr. Eugenia Fox
Regina Shoddie-Burch


DMC Commissioner

Madilyn Johnson
Tonda Wells


District Sons of Allen Coordinator

Rev. Roy Johnson
Lawrence Foules


Church School
Superintendent & Assistant

Myrdle Tucker
Brenda Dumas


District Social Media & Technology

Brother Ken Aultman

 

Northwest District Musician
Rev. Dorothy Jackson

 

Bereavement & Benevolence Ministry

Rev. Cedell Raggs
Lillie Young


Social Action Coordinators

Rev. Darren Thomas, II
Brother Ken Aultman


Voter Mobilization & NAACP Coordinators
Rev. Dr. Alice Crenshaw
Rev. Cora Lowe


Health Commission

Rev. Dr. Alice Crenshaw
Dr. Lydia Franklin


Web Designer

Flow Vision Technology
Rev. Lindsay McGhee Alexander
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Proudly following the leadership of
Bishop Erika D. Crawford
Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District

Officially known as the Annual Conferences of Mississippi and Louisiana, the Eighth Episcopal District is home to more than two hundred congregations dating back to the mid-1800s.

GR8t things don’t just happen—they are the result of intentional effort, faithful leadership, and a community of praying believers working together in unity. It takes visionaries who lead with purpose, intercessors who believe in the power of prayer, and, above all, the supernatural impartation of God to breathe life into what we could never accomplish on our own. When human faithfulness meets divine favor, the extraordinary becomes possible.
Learn More about the Gr8t 8th!

Frequently Asked Questions
 


What services does Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference provide?
The Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference offers a variety of services, including weekly worship services, youth programs, community outreach, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and spiritual counseling. Our aim is to cater to the spiritual needs of our congregation and community.
 

How can I get involved with Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference?
Getting involved is easy! You can join us for any of our services, participate in our outreach programs, volunteer for community service, or attend our group meetings and events. For more specific opportunities, please contact us directly.
 

Does Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference have programs for children and teenagers?
Yes, we have robust programs for both children and teenagers designed to engage them in age-appropriate spiritual education, community service, and fellowship activities. Our aim is to support their growth as individuals and as members of the faith community.
 

How can I contribute to Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference or its community services?
Contributions can be made in various ways, including volunteering your time, donating resources, or providing financial support. Each contribution goes directly towards supporting our missions and community outreach efforts. 

Here's how you can give:

CashApp: $NorthwestDistNMSC
Mail: P.O. Box 4329, Cleveland, MS 38732

What makes Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference unique in Cleveland, MS?
What sets Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference apart is our commitment to inclusivity, community service, and providing a comprehensive spiritual and support network. Our dynamic programs and dedicated congregation make us a vital part of the larger North Mississippi community, continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our members and neighbors.
 

Find Your Faith and Community Today

Discover the spirit of the Lord at Northwest District - North Mississippi Conference.
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