Retired Presiding Elder Archie L. Richmond, Associate
Archie Lloyd Richmond graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1954 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and Religion. In 1950, he was appointed Junior Pastor of St. Paul A. M. E Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1952, he was appointed Pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church in Blacksburg Virginia, where he served as a catalyst for civil rights changes for 11 years.
He was employed as Principal of Friends’ Elementary School in 1954, and he served in this position until the Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America recruited him into Professional Scouting in 1959. He quickly established himself as an effective and dedicated leader and became District Executive of three districts in the Blue Ridge Council, where he served until 1963.
His enthusiasm and skill for urban development led to an assignment in the Philadelphia Council, as District Executive and then a promotion to Field Director of five districts. During this time he served as Junior Pastor of the historic Morris Brown A. M. E. Church in Philadelphia. Because of his diverse experience in education and social service, he was invited to serve on the National Staff of the Boy Scouts of America in 1968. While on this staff, Archie continued to distinguish himself serving in many capacities including; Assistant National Director of Urban Service, Assistant Director of Protestant Service, Director of Community Relationship; Service Director of North East Boy Power Campaign, and Assistant National Director of Finance.
When the Boy Scout National office was moved to Texas, Archie, following the direction of the Lord, stayed in New Jersey and attended to full time ministry in the church. After a brief period as Pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, South Bound Brook, he was appointed Pastor of Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, where he served for fifteen years. At Quinn Chapel, his vision and capable leadership resulted in the successful implementation of a ten-year long-range plan which included a triple growth in membership, a renewed commitment to extensive Bible study, building of a new parsonage, interior and exterior renovation of the church sanctuary, and the building of a Christian Education wing. Setting a personal example of his commitment to continued Christian Development, Archie enrolled in New Brunswick Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity degree in 1987.
He was appointed in 1995 as Presiding Elder of the Newark District of the First Episcopal District by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. For the last thirteen years he has served as Director of Stewardship for the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During this time he has also served on the New Jersey Planning Committee on AIDs, and as President of the South African Leadership Development Program and many other unity-building projects in New Jersey and across nation.
Archie Richmond is a man from a humble, loving, and God-fearing home in the hills of North Carolina. God has blessed him with the opportunity to serve people all over the United States. His leadership and service has consistently been characterized by unwavering faith, eternal hope, and steadfast love all by the grace and for the glory of God.