Nineteen years ago December 1st, Rev. Glenn G. Grayson was brought to Pittsburgh to Pastor Wesley Center AMEZ Church in the Hill District. In the early days of his ministry he made it clear that the vision and mission God instilled in him for this Church would expand far beyond the Walls of Wesley Center, that has proven to be true to the 10th power.
He always told his congregation that they would not sit in the church and ridicule those outside the church.
They would welcome those who perhaps had not found their way to God, whether they were unwed moms, or young men at risk. Demonstrating that he would walk the talk he spoke of, he was known for actually bringing disenfranchised youth to his home, helping them find jobs, taking them to work and just working with them to advance their lives.
And this was all before he started the Centre that C.A.R.E.S, an after school program started in the church and for whom just weeks ago a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on its new building.
During these 19 years Rev. Grayson and his wife Attorney Marsha Grayson would tragically lose their youngest child to gun violence. Ironically this was right around the same time he himself, was pulling together organizations, political leaders, and individuals to form a task force in the Hill District whose mission would be to take a stand against the rising gun violence in the community. The new Center that C.A.R.E.S facility is named for his late son Jeron X. Grayson.
These are just some of the accomplishments he has made during his tenure with Wesley Center. Additionally while serving as Pastor, being a father and husband, and serving on various boards within the Hill District Community, he was also serving as Presiding Elder and Treasurer of the Allegheny A.M.E. Zion conference for 15 years. On November 8, the A.M.E. Zion Conference Home Missions Department hosted a banquet honoring Rev. Grayson for his service to the Conference.
The Banquet, held at the Doubletree at Bigelow Boulevard, was coordinated by Mary Ann Howard who is the “Preachers Steward” at Homewood AMEZ Church in Homewood. Lillian Bee Young, a long time member of Wesley Center Church traveled from Atlanta to serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. More than100 people were on hand for the gala occasion for which “snappy casual” was the attire. Guests feasted on a sumptuous meal situation at food stations strategically scattered around the room. The menu included Spicy Tomato Bisque Soup, Spinach Salad, Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Chicken, choice of Rice Pilaf and Broccoli, and an array of desserts.
There was an official recognition and special tribute given to Mrs. Grayson, the audience were favored with a song by Dajiah Clemons and live music and dancing at the programs end. Rev. Grayson received a Photo Collage of his time at Wesley Center and as Presiding Elder of the Conference as a gift.
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, was in attendance and a proclamation from Mayor Bill Peduto was read by Rev. Stanley Dennison, Pastor of Homewood AMEZ Church.
The proclamation ended with a declaration that was named Rev. Glenn G. Grayson Day in Pittsburgh.
At the conclusion of the evening the celebration turned into a party which included dancing from music by DJ “Tony Tony”