The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Breaking News: Transition of Retired General Officer Dr. Hercules T. Miles, Jr. (1924-2023)
Transition of Retired General Officer Dr. Hercules T. Miles, Jr. (1924-2023)
Dr. Hercules Miles, Jr. was born on September 19, 1924, in Marlin, Texas, to Hercules and Fae Miles. He received his primary and secondary education in the Dallas, Texas public schools. He obtained the Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Southwestern School and the Bachelor of Arts from Paul Quinn College (then in Waco, Texas) with additional studies at the University of Texas—Austin. He was later honored with an honorary doctorate from Edward Waters College of Jacksonville, Florida.
In his secular life, he served in the US Army as a Combat Engineer from 1946-1948 and was hired as the first African-American Union Employee at the Safeway Store in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Miles was called to preach at Smith Chapel under the pastorate of the Reverend J.R. McGee in 1952. After his first sermon. He was assigned to St. Mary and Forreston Circuit-Mt Zion Station AME Church. That same year he was ordained an Elder under the “missionary rule” by Bishop Howard Thomas Primm.
Dr. Miles served throughout the 10th Episcopal District (Texas). At Johnson and Hamilton Circuit, he led the congregations to rebuild both structures. When appointed to Union Center AME Church, Conroe, Texas, he helped the congregation to build a new church and rebuild the fire-damaged youth center. At Grant Chapel, Austin various physical improvements occurred in the church including a new choir loft, office facility and reception space. Additionally, Grant Villa Apartments and a daycare were opened. Under the tenure of Dr. Miles, Grant Chapel supported the establishment of several new churches, including Young Chapel (Austin), Anderson Chapel (Killeen), and New Hope (Austin). He was elected to the General Board in 1968 and served as President of the AME Texas Council of Progressive Ministers.
At the 1976 General Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, he was elected to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Church Extension Department. Some of the highlights in his 20 years as an active General Officer include: celebrating the 100th Connectional Anniversary of the Church Extension Department; using Allen Travel Agency to charter a plane for the Bishop’s Council Meeting In Jamaica; spearheading the operations of Allen Insurance and Allen Industrial supplies; organizing mortgage relief and contributions to many small churches and letters of guarantee to build new churches; and organizing a carnival in St. Louis, Missouri as an outreach of the Department that was attended by thousands of people.
While serving as an active General Officer, he was assigned to pastor two churches. Bishop H. Hartford Brookins appointed him to Tri-Union, St. Louis, Missouri, where he helped raise $40,000 for the building fund to construct the church’s first building. Bishop Vinton Anderson appointed him as pastor of Quinn Chapel, St. Louis, Missouri—the original church founded by Bishop Paul Quinn. After his retirement, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland appointed him pastor of Bethel, St. Louis, Missouri, where Dr. Miles reorganized the church after the congregation withdrew, restored the building, and was able to form a new congregation.
Dr. Miles died on February 17, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, and is survived by his wife, Joyce, one son, and three daughters.
Please keep the family in your prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder
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