The official birth of The National Sunday School Association (NSSA) is 1926 apparently on the recommendation of the P.A.W. By-Laws Committee. In 1927, the minutes of the National Sunday School Association meeting in Indianapolis as part of the P.A.W. Convention shows business of an organizational nature.

The original roster of officers is listed in thehistory recorded by Bishop Morris E. Golder as:

Brother Edward F. King (Indianapolis) Chairman

Brother R.M. Davis (Baltimore) Vice-Chairman

Sister Willa B. Howard (Indianapolis) Secretary

Sister Mary Johnson (New York) Asst. Secretary

Sister Anna Curtis (Hazelwood, PA) Treasurer

Terms of office were not recorded, and the exact date when the title of the NSSA leader was changed is not known. One of the organization’s yearbooks shows the roster as:

Elder Samuel Clemons (Chicago) Superintendent

Brot her James Gibson (Kansas City) Assistant Superintendent

Sister Geraldine Jackson (San Antonio) Secretary

Sister Elizabeth Golder (Indianapolis) Assistant Secretary

Sister Elva Grove (Columbus, OH) Treasurer

The roster of presidents for the NSSA, later changed to the International Christian Education Association (ICEA) includes the following people, many of whom were later elevated in ministerial ranks:

Brother Edward King (Indianapolis) 1926 to 1936

Brother William Webb (Indianapolis) 1936-1957

Elder Samuel Clemons (Chicago) 1957 to 1970

Elder Edward R. Sofer from 1970-1974

District Elder Cross (Los Angeles) 1974-1978

Elder Edward Sofer 1978-1982

Elder Harold Sawyer (Indianapolis) 1989-1995

Dr. Jerome Sheppard (Cleveland, OH) 1995-2001

Dr. Rosa Sailes (Chicago) 2001 to 2007

Sister Henrietta Bowers-Jackson (Conn) 2007-Present

There are a number of other elected officers who rendered service during the history of the National Sunday School Association. These have included:

Elder Jackson (Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer)

Brother Alfred Ector (Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer)

Sister Yvonne Ector (Asst. Secty, Secty, 2nd and 1st V.P.)

Sister Sarah Maggot (Asst. Secty, Secty, 2nd and 1st V.P.)

Sister Anna Bowers (Asst. Secty, Secty, 2nd and 1st V.P.)

Evangelist Francis Echols (Chicago) Secty

Pastor Aida Ford (New York) 2nd Vice President

Sister Hazel King Owens (Indianapolis) Secty 1945-1955

S/Bishop Edward R. Sofer served two terms as ICEA President, 1978-1995

National Sunday School Association Officers

in 1974:

Elder Edward R. Sofer, Chairman

Elder Andrew Cross, 1st vice Chairman

Elder Benjamin Day, 2nd Vice Chairman

Sister Sarah Maggott, Secretary

Sister Lucy Newman, Assistant Secretary

Elder Harold E. Sawyer, Treasurer

Brother Alfred Ector, Assistant Treasurer

Evangelist Lorene T. Gordon, Coordinator of Christian Education

Bishop Morris E. Golder, Auxiliary Bishop

Source: 1974 Minute Book and By-Laws National Sunday School Association of the PAW

International Sunday School Auxiliary Officers in 1985:

Elder Edward R. Sofer, President

Elder Harold Sawyer, 1st Vice President

Sister Sarah Maggot, 2nd Vice president

Sister Yvonne Ector, Secretary

Sister Anna Bowers, Assistant Secretary

Elder Woodward Jackson, Treasurer

Sister Johnnie M. Brown, Director of Cristian Education

Bishop Frank H. Branscumb, Auxiliary Director

Source: ISSA Yearbook. 1985 The Apostolic Light Press Stroy (In Part)

In 1969 the NSSA under the leadership of Bishop James Johnson as Director and Elder Samuel Clemons as President advocated for, and started publication of the Apostolic Light, the P.A.W. Sunday Literature. Serving on the committee to design the publication were Elder Morris Golder, District Elder F.L. Frances, Elder Henry Perry, Elder Benjamin Day, Sister Georgiana Stewart, Sister Winifred Lee, and Sister Alva A. Grove. Later, Elder Edward R. Sofer (Alabama) joined the ranks of those who physically labored so that Sunday School material could be written and published by the P.A.W.

The Apostolic Light Press was first known as Aenon Bookstore. The official birth date as a company was December 1, 1969. The first home of the press was in the basement of the home of the Elder E.W. Lewis family at 1073 W. Liberty Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister Elva Grove and Elder Phillip Smith came down to help get the operation started. Bro. and Sis. Sofer and their three daughters, Sherrie, Regina, and Valli and Brother Thomas Phelps and a few others were the first of the voluntary staff. The first paid employee hired was Sister Marie Lewis. She was paid $17.50 a week for 20 hours of work, this sometimes became 25 to 30 hours a week but the pay remained at $17.50. The first publication was the adult department edited by Elder Henry I. Perry. It was the spring Quarter of 1970. The first lesson published was based on the second book of Acts (PRAISE THE LORD). The first exposition was written by Elder Morris E. Golder and 4,500 copies were produced. About six weeks after Aenon Bookstore was officially started, the demands of the operation made it necessary for Bro. Sofer to give his full time attention to the operation. He resigned from his job at the Post Office after being there over thirteen years. It would be almost a year before he received any pay working at the Apostolic Light Press but the Lord graciously provided for him, his wife, Sis. Sofer and three daughters, Sherri, Regina and Valli. Suffragan Bishop Larry Hunt succeeded Suffragan Bishop Sofer as editor in chief followed by former ICEA President , Dr. Rosa Sailes, as Editor in Chief.

This is by no means the entire Apostolic Light Story and by no means does it end here. The Apostolic Light philosophy will continually be engraved in our hearts and echo in our ears.

Source of above information taken from Article written by Elder Edward R. Sofer in the International Sunday School Yearbook Volume XIII , 1976.

The Birth of the Regions

The notion of regions and regional directors is evident in early yearbooks where the word “Council” appears to be synonymous with the term “Region.” Later the regional concept wasdeveloped in an effort to take the Convention to those who might not have been able to attend the annual summer event. An International Director of Christian Education was named and six Regions were identified, each comprised of at least six councils. Regional Directors of Christian Education were assigned to each. Annually, regions plan a local conference which uses the ICEA theme and many local presenters to replicate the energy and knowledge of the summer conference.

Name Change For Coordinators of Christian Education:

The International Director of Christian Education (formerly called Coordinator of Christian Education and Educational Director) have included:

Sister Lorene T. Gordon (Kansas City, KS)

Sister Elva Grove

Sister Johnnie Brown (Detroit)

Dr. Georgiana Steward (Jamestown, NY)

Sister Betty Thomas (NC)

Past Regional Directors of Christian Education have included:

Sister Bernice LeBlanc (Region 6)

Sister Dorothy Jackson (Region 5)

Pastor Merthell Sanders (Region 4)

Dr. Jack Foree (Region 5)

Dr. Ruth Aaron (Region 6)

Evangelist Connie Wint (Region 3)

Dr. Dolorus Nevels (Region 5)

Evangelist Barbara Payne (Region 5)

Elder Kim Johnson (Region 1)

District Elder Doris Taylor (Region 1)

Under the guidance of the P.A.W. each auxiliary is assigned an Auxiliary Director from among the roster of Bishops. ICEA Directors have been:

Bishop James Johnson

Bishop Morris Golder

Bishop Harry Herman

Bishop Marion Shaw

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks

Bishop Alfonso Madden

In the late 1980’s the name of the organization was changed from National Sunday School Association to National Christian Education Association to be more inclusive of the issues and

concerns of educational ministries. Also during that period, Elder Richard Owens (Indianapolis) created the Model Sunday School to replace the Bible class format that had been used as Sunday

School for many years. In the late 20th Century all P.A.W. auxiliaries were renamed to include the title International in an effort to reflect the worldwide nature of the P.A.W. mission.

Following the death of Pastor Aida Ford in 2003, the ICEA instituted the Aida Ford Scholar Award in her honor. This distinction is given to a P.A.W. member who has published a book that is of value to Christian Educational ministry.

Recipients of the Aida Ford Scholar Award have been:

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks (2004) Region II

Dr. Barbara Reid (2005) Region V

No Entries (2006)

Sister WaLillian Tyson (2007) Region II

Elder Richard Schofield (2008) Region V

Sister Jada Smith (2009) Region II

Minister Karlton Harris (2010) Region V

In 2002, the ICEA instituted the appointed position of Youth Director to seek and involve young people in the ministry activities in the annual convention. Since that time, teens and youths from across the country have been actively involved as participants and presenters in the ICEA Convention.

Youth Directors have been:

Elder Kim Johnson (Hickory, NC) 2001-2005

Evangelist Juliana Stratton (Chicago) 2005-Present

In 2005, the ICEA instituted the Distinguished Scholar Award for those who had served nobly in elected or appointed office. In 2006, the ICEA will institute the Circle of Honor Award to recognize the service of volunteers who were faithful workers at the national level.

2005 DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS

Dist. Elder Edward R. Sofer

Dist. Elder Harold Sawyer

Dr. Jerome Sheppard

Sister Yvonne Ector

Brother Alfred Ector

Sister Johnnie Brown

Dr. Georgiana Stewart

2006 DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS

Suffragan Bishop John Green

Sister Bernie LeBlanc

Dr. Dorothy Jackson

Pastor Merthell Sanders

Suffragan Bishop Alfonso Madden

2006 CIRCLE OF HONOR

Sister Barbara Whiting

Dr. Cynthia Green

Dr. Genevieve Sheppard

Brother John Gilmer

Sister Ruth McDonald

Suffragan Bishop George Burns

Elder Carnest Mitchell

Celebrating 85 Years of Service, the fire of the ICEA, visionaries continues.

Suffragan Bishop Harold Sawyer

served as ICEA President from 1989–1995

Executive Staff:

Evangelist Rosa Sailes First Vice President

Sister Yvonne Ector, Second Vice President

Sister Anna Bowers, Secretary

Sister Patricia Browning Assistant Secretary

Brother Alfred Ector , Treasurer

Suffragan Bishop John Green, Assistant Treasurer

Sister Johnnie Brown, IDCE

Deacon Jerome A. Sheppard, Director of Public Relations

Bishop F.L .Smith Auxiliary Director

Administration Highlights:

• This administration focused on Foreign Missions
• They knew the importance of God’s Word and the urgency to spread to other parts of the world
• Looking to West Africa, there was a strong interest in Togo, West Africa
• President Sawyer was inspired to write an ICEA Operational Manual which was eventually translated into French for Togo.
• To support the translations project, $300 wasraised and paid to the University of Ghana to complete the translation
• In December, 1990, a small group of ICEA delegates, including President Sawyer and Dr. Charles Scott, traveled to Accra, Ghana to teach seminars
• Dr. Scott was able to take 1, 600 Bibles with him distributing to the pastors and members of the 42nd Episcopal District of West Africa where Bishop G.F. Austin, was the Diocesan.
• Turning to the Soviet Union, this administration undertook the Moscow Project and donated 1,300 New Testaments to Russia
• Mission Fund Raising Efforts: Under this administration, there were special efforts to raise money for the Missions.
• These efforts were headed by “Sawyer’s Soldier’s, Deacon Sheppard, Dr. Jack Foree and Bro. John Gilmer
• This administration also awarded scholarships for students attending AENON Bible College
• During the summer convention held in New Orleans in 1991, the ICEA awarded over $2,250.00 in scholarship funds to AENON Bible College students
• This administration is credited with producing and distributing THE ORACLE, an informative ICEA newsletter headed by Deacon Jerome A. Sheppard, Editor in Chief

Deacon Jerome A. Sheppard

Served as ICEA President from 1995–2001

Executive Staff:

Sister Yvonne Ector, First Vice President

Sister Anna Bowers, Second Vice President

Sister Doris Taylor, Secretary

Elder Craig Howard, Assistant Secretary

Brother Alfred Ector, Treasurer

Suffragan Bishop John Green, Assistant, Treasurer

Dr. Georgiana Stewart, Director of Christian Education

Dr. Jack Foree, Assistant Director of Christian Education

Special Assistants to the President,

Elder Arthur H. Coleman & Elder Alfonzo Madden

Administration Highlights:

• Motto: T-E-A-M (Team, Together Everyone Achieves More)
• Created the “YES WE CAN” Program This program reached out to a charitable organization located in the city where the Convention was held. The ICEA held a grand march and gave cash, Baby items and canned goods to the local charity.
• The Mission Room was also established under this administration. The room was set up and maintained throughout the Convention. The room was furnished with artifacts gathered from countries visited by the PAW Missions group. The room was also staffed with a representative from the PAW Mission’s auxiliary who was available to answer questions about the artifacts and share the needs of the particular country on display.
• F-M-O ( For Men Only) This session was held at each Regional Convention and the session was taught by President Sheppard or his designee. The men looked forward to this session.
• Lest We Forget. This was a special Memorial Service held at each convention to remember those who had passed on since the last Convention. These persons had been faithful as Sunday School Teachers, Superintendents, Pastors and Christian workers.
• The ICEA and AENON Exchange Program: People who attended at least three consecutive Regional Conventions received credit towards their education at AENON.
• The Appointment of Male Regional Directors: This administration is credited with appointing the first males as Regional Directors. Prior to this administration, all Regional Directors were female.
• • The appointments included: Elder Kim Johnson, Elder Alonzo Madden and Dr. Jack Foree

Evangelist Rosa Sailes, Ed.D.

Served two terms as ICEA President (2001–2007)

Executive Staff First Term Officers:

Sister Anna Bowers, 1st Vice-President

Pastor Aida Ford, 2nd Vice-President

Evangelist Frances Echols, Secretary

Sister Shari Patterson, Assistant Secretary

Sister Yvonne Ware, Treasurer

Dr. Sonya Taylor, Assistant Treasurer

Elder Kim Johnson, Youth Director

IDCE (No appointment)

Bishop Harry Herman, Auxiliary Director

Executive Staff Second Term Officers:

Dr. Sonya Taylor, 1st Vice-President

Elder John Hymon, 2nd Vice-President

Sister Dorothea Terry, Secretary

Sister Shari Patterson, Assistant Secretary

Sister Yvonne Ware, Treasurer

Elder Lee Wakefield, Assistant Treasurer

Evangelist Juliana Stratton, Youth Director

Sister Betty Thomas, IDCE

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Auxiliary Director

Regional Directors:

Region 1 – Elder Kim Johnson

Region 2 – Suffragan Bishop Arthur H. Coleman

Region 3 – Dr. Theresa Foster

Region 4 – District Elder James Rodges

Region 5 – Evangelist Barbara Payne

Region 6 – Elder Mervyn Lockwood

Administration Highlights:

• • Developed an ICEA Youth Program and worked to merge all PAW youth programs into a cohesive partnership.
• Appointed Elder Kim Johnson as the first ICEA Youth Director and Evang. Juliana Stratton as the second ICEA Youth Director
• Revised the ICEA Constitution and Regional Guidelines Handbook so that all Regions followed the same rules, established goals and methods to evaluate progress and achievements within the Region.
• Instituted the ICEA President Address which always included updates on the annual ICEA
• goals and programming
• During the 2008 Convention, “The Edward R. Sofer “Chair” was installed.
• A “chair” is an academic honor awarded to a scholar or teacher in recognition of past and potential original contributions to the individual’s academic discipline.
• Given the works of S/B Sofer, this is a fitting tribute and an opportunity to further his legacy and concerns for the success of the ICEA and PAW
• Introduced cutting-edge topics not previously dealt within the ICEA: Abuse, educational policy and brought in world class speakers to the conferences.
• Identified officers duties and requirements for running for office including membership and skill-set requirements
• Revised programming structure to include “STRANDs” that insured programming was balanced and covered major areas, such as administrative support, technology and legal issues/policies.
• Revised the election process to include Forums to introduce Candidates seeking office to the ICEA body.

Sister Henrietta Bowers-Jackson

serves as ICEA President (2007–Present)

Executive Staff and Regional Directors:

Sister Yvonne Ware, 1st Vice President

Evangelist Barbara Payne, 2nd Vice President

Sister Shari Patterson, Secretary

Sister Robin Shaw, Assistant Secretary

Elder Lee Wakefield, Treasurer

Elder Robert Grant, Assistant Treasurer

Sister Betty Thomas, International DCE

Sister Juliana Stratton, ICEA Youth Director

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Former Auxiliary Director (2007-2010)

Bishop Alfphonzo Madden, Current Auxiliary Director

(2010-Present)

Regional Directors:

Region 1 – Evangelist Linda Carson

Region 2 – Suffragan Bishop Arthur H. Coleman

Region 3 – Dr. Theresa Foster

Region 4 – Sister Diane Winfrey

Region 5 – Dr. Dolorus Nevels (served until 2009)

Region 5 – Dr. Jean Massey

Region 6 – Elder Mervyn Lockwood

Administration Highlights:

God’s guidance has allowed this administration to achieve the following accomplishments from 2008 through 2010:

• Instituted the Post Summer Convention Roundtable Summit Conference.
• Established a process to identify the best an brightest facilitators from each Region so they can be acknowledged on the National level.
• Introduced cutting edge technology i.e. Smart board and WORDsearch8 for use in the Sunday School classroom.
• Expanded the ICEA Youth program to include an agenda for college students who attended the convention but had no structured activities.
• Carried out the mandate of the previous administration to host the first Edward R. Sofer “Chair” Seminar. The first chosen topic was THE PLIGHT OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE.
• Developed an open dialogue seminar for current issues affecting the family. Sis. Johnnie Brown, the second ICEA Director of Christian Education, chose the need for grandparents as
• mentors for her topic.
• This administration has established a forum to discuss and educate ICEA members on cutting edge topics such as Autism. This forum can and will be used for all issues that have not been
• previously addressed in other venues.

Through prayer and a persevering fortitude for God’s guidance in the future of the ICEA, this current administration will strive to implement superior educational advancements.

Dr. Barbara Payne

Served as ICEA President for two terms (2014–2022)

Executive Staff:

Executive Staff 2014-2018:

Evangelist Lisa Armstrong, 1st Vice President

Minister Cheryl Dansby, 2nd Vice President

Sister Robin Shaw, Secretary

Sister Robin Austin, Assistant Secretary

Elder Robert Grant, Treasurer

Sister Karen Crook, Assistant Treasurer

Sister Betty Thomas, International DCE

Pastor Tavian Harris, ICEA Youth Director

Bishop Alphonso Madden, Auxiliary Director

Regional Directors:

Region 1 – Evangelist Marie Bartelle

Region 2 – Pastor George Twilley

Region 3 – Elder Samuel Patterson

Region 4 – District Elder Willie Ford

Region 5 – Pastor Jean S Massey (2010-2015)

Sister Carolyn Butler

Sister Clementine King

Regin 6A -Sister Yolanda Forest

Region 6B – Elder Mervyn Lockwood

Executive Staff and Regional Directors 2018-2022:

Evangelist Lisa Armstrong, 1st Vice President

Elder Paulette Carswell, 2nd Vice President

Sister Ruth Fredericks, Secretary

Dr. Janet S Cummings, Assistant Secretary

Elder Robert Grant, Treasurer

District Elder William Terry, Assistant Treasurer

Sister Betty Thomas, International DCE

Bishop Alphonso Madden, Auxiliary Director (2014-2021)

Bishop Barrington Smith, Auxiliary Director (2120-Present)

Regional Directors:

Region 1 – Sister Connie Chappell

Region 2 – Minister Cheryl Shepherd

Region 3 – Dr. Lawrence Morganfield, III

Region 4 – District Elder Willie Ford

Region 5 – Sister Clementine King 

Regin 6A -Evangelist Yolanda Forest

Region 6B – District Elder Lisa Rollerson

Region 8 – Evangelist Cynthia Taylor

Administration Highlights:

God’s guidance has allowed this administration to achieve the following accomplishments from 2014 through 2022

I.C.E.A. Motto: “Going from Presentation to Implementation.”

The following goals were established and accomplished.

• Reconciled and balanced all Parent and Regional Accounts.
• And we continue to stand on the foundation and continue with the work and accomplishments of the previous administrations.
• December 31, 2015, all ICEA Regions customize and finalize their Regional Supplementals and Guidelines.
• All Regional Executive Staff members received training on the updated ICEA Guidelines.
• In the Spirit of Excellence and in the Spirit of Unity, the ICEA partnered with other PAW Auxiliaries and collaborated on programming that was reflective of common interest, issues and concerns. We also participated every year in Adopt A Soul sponsored by the CEOS.
• This administration reached out to the secular education world in each state that our conventions were held and explored avenues in which we could participate and be a blessing beyond the church/convention walls. These are some of contributions that were made:

 purchased a washer and dryer, books, and uniforms.

• In the Spirit of Unity, Region VII (The Bahamas) and Region VIII (Jamaica) were revitalized.
• 2020 As this administration encountered Covid 19, we were able to stay connected through our various Social Media vehicles. We held our first National Conference via zoom as well as our Regional Conferences. God always has a plan of escape! Hallelujah!

We celebrate our God for continuing fulfilling and manifesting HIS Promises!