It is with sadness that I share with the board the news of Bishop D. Ward Nichols passing! Bishop Nichols was a dynamic person, pastor, preacher, etc...! I will surely miss his preaching, and the way he was able to "work his handkerchief while bringing his message home." Rest in peace Papa Nick!

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2005

Answers

My sincere condolences to the Nichols family and all of black Methodism. Regrettably, I only knew him from a distance since he was long retired when I joined the AMEC. With the loss of Nichols who is now the senior AME Bishop (active or retired)? QED

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2005

On behalf of the National Alumni Chapter of Turner theological Seminary and President Daniel W. Jacobs, Sr., we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the late Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols. A pioneer of of African Methodism and our country, Our prayers are with you, as we will remember him on this year's Founder's Day celebration. May you continue to look towards "Our Heavenly Father" during this time of bereavement.

Rev. E. H. Brown, TTS Public Relations , Director

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2005

The Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church "2005" is Bishop Philip Robert Cousin of the the 4th Episcopal District.

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2005

It is with profound sadness that I submit condolences to the family of the longest living Bishop of the 20th century. My prayers to his family during this hour and to the family of the first Episcopal District. Bishop Nichols was one of the first Bishops to visit Bermuda many years ago and was instrumental in growing the AME Church in Bermuda.

I had the pleasure of meeting with him a couple of times over the last few years on Church development business and he was always very sharp to learn the details. Rest in Peace Papa Nick indeed.

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2005