The Council of Governing Elders

Elder Teldon Allen, born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, joined SPCBC in 1991, baptized in 1992 and became an Elder in 2016. Retired NYC carpenter of 35 years, he serves on the African Justice task force, remaining committed to faith-driven service.

Alice Blackmon, born in South Carolina, is a cancer survivor of 20 years. A retired U.S. Coast Guard auditor, she serves SPCBC in ministries like Council of Wise Jewels and Menders Becoming, dedicating her life to service and healing through touch and energy modalities.

Bruce Leon Booker, born in Brooklyn, joined SPCBC in 1992 and became an Elder in 2007. A retired NYC Transit Sergeant, poet, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, he is committed to uplifting the community. Married to Cherise, they have five children and eight grandchildren.

Cherise Dorrine McGill Booker, born in 1961, holds degrees from NYC Technical College and The College of New Rochelle. Retired from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she serves on SPCBC’s Governing Elders Council alongside her husband, Bruce. She values service and unity.

Linda Boyce, originally from North Carolina, has served SPCBC since 1976. A retired NYC Social Services manager and Certified Travel Consultant, she actively participates in ministries like Menders Becoming and Prayer Intercessor while enjoying travel and entertaining.

Zandra Brockman, a 35-year SPCBC member, has served in ministries like Women’s Ministry and Prayer Intercessors. Retired IRS financial analyst, she also serves her community through associations. Her passions include reading, jewelry-making, and family engagement.

Charlene Caldwell, a member since 1996, actively serves in Women’s Jewel Ministry and Maafa Ministry. A writer, she navigates life’s challenges with faith and finds strength in Proverbs 4:23, dedicating her journey to serving her community.

Thomas Carter, a member since 1984, was consecrated to the Board of Elders in 1994. A retired Brooklyn Navy Yard worker, he leads the Wounded Leaders ministry. Married for 49 years, he remains a faithful servant in his church and community.

Jaral Chamble, an SPCBC member since age nine, serves as a sound engineer and MAAFA transportation director. Married with two children, he contributes to the church’s technical needs and finds inspiration in 2 Timothy 1:7.

Karen Glover-Grier, a member since 1987, serves in Women’s Ministry. A former nurse, educator, and advocate for holistic ministry. She is a proud mother of two, committed to inspiring others through ministry and nurturing meaningful relationships.

Julia Hayes, an SPCBC member for 16 years, serves as an NYC Department of Education administrator. She is passionate about community empowerment, history, and ministry, finding strength in Psalm 27 and leading initiatives to inspire growth and connection.

Reverend Dexter Henderson, Associate Pastor at SPCBC, serves in Men’s Ministry and New Life Ministry. A single father honored with NYC’s Dad’s Matter Award, he holds a Doctor of Ministry degree, advocating for social justice and faith-centered transformation.

Robert Johnson, a Vietnam veteran and SPCBC member since 1994, served in Eldad-Medad and Maafa ministries. Retired from Command Financial, he continues to volunteer, inspire faith, and embrace Hebrews 11:6 as his guiding scripture.

Lisa LaBorde, a 25-year SPCBC member, is active in women’s ministries like the Council of Wise Jewels and Baby Dedication team. Married for 27 years, she finds daily Christian inspiration in John 3:16, serving others with love and purpose.

David M. Lacey, an SPCBC Elder since 2016, is a Senior Print and Direct Mail Production Manager. Married over 21 years, he is a proud father and grandfather. He finds strength in 1 Timothy 1:12 and remains committed to faith-driven service.

Fernando Layne, born in Panama, joined SPCBC in 1983 and was consecrated as an Elder in 1988. A U.S. Army veteran, he contributes to ministries like Eldad-Medad and New Members Class while supporting his community with faith and dedication.

Willy Legagneur, an SPCBC Elder since 2007, is a retired entrepreneur and community advocate with Haitian roots. Active in Eldad-Medad and Maafa ministries, he supports leadership and spiritual growth.

Sheila Ligon-Bennett, a dedicated servant leader, serves as Pearl Advisor and Maafa Property Mistress. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, she leads ministries with compassion and commitment, while embracing her role as wife, mother, and grandmother.

Donna Matthews, an SPCBC member for 31 years, serves as Trustee Board Secretary and leader in Baby Dedication, Dance, and MAAFA ministries. Retired and pursuing opportunities in fitness, she draws inspiration from Philippians 1:6 and serves her church community passionately.

Ernest McWilliams, an SPCBC member since 1985, serves on the Usher Board and as a Gatekeeper. A retired NYC Transit worker and proud family man, he celebrates 90 years of faith and dedication, motivated by Ephesians 1:11 to serve God's people.

Gloria Miller, Director of Women’s Ministry, serves with passion. Retired from a 30-year communications career, she focuses on mentoring and uplifting others. She embraces Philippians 4:13 as her guiding scripture in service to the Lord and community.

Hercules Miller, born in in South Carolina, a Vietnam veteran and SPCBC Elder, joined in 1987. Active in various ministries, he serves faithfully as a family man and community advocate. He holds Psalm 14:19 dear, honoring his journey of faith and dedication.

Andrew Morgan, SPCBC member since 1999, serves in Men’s Ministry and AV support. A family man dedicated to his community, he draws strength from Micah 6:8, balancing his faith and work as Supervisor of Stock-workers for NYC.

Linda Murrell, a member since 1987, is a retired social worker and playwright. Passionate about theater and community, she leads free performances and supports members as a Prayer Intercessor, she is inspired by Psalm 139.

Evelyn Plaines, SPCBC member since 1999, serves in multiple ministries, including Menders Becoming and Prayer Intercessors. A retired Medicaid Inspector General employee, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family, guided by Galatians 5:22-23.

Orel Smalling, a Jamaica native, joined SPCBC in 1989 and serves as an Elder. A welder and plumber, he mentors young adults and supports his community in Brooklyn and Jamaica, guided by Micah 6:8 and recognized with the Faith Award in 2023.

Joseph Smith, SPCBC member for 26 years, serves on multiple ministries, including Eldad-Medad and African Justice Ministry. Retired from BMCC, he continues to guide others through financial planning and faith, inspired by Romans 8:28-30.

John Sutton, SPCBC member since 1999, serves in Eldad-Medad and Drama ministries. A retired NYC Transit Authority manager, he mentors others with his rich experience and faith, embracing Revelation 3:20 to guide his service.

Maurice Tasher, SPCBC Elder since 1987, is a Belize native dedicated to spiritual growth. Active in multiple ministries, he draws inspiration from Joshua 1:8-9 to guide his faith-driven service to his church and community.

Emily Walton, SPCBC member, celebrates life with music, family, and faith. A proud mother and grandmother, she cherishes Psalms 1 as her guiding scripture and continues to inspire her community with her love, devotion, and joyful spirit.

Gwendolyn Warner, SPCBC member since 1984, serves in Compassion and Wise Jewels ministries. A retired medical professional, she inspires others through service and mentorship, embracing Philippians 4:13 to guide her faith and leadership journey.

Dafina Westbrooks, SPCBC member, is a school leader transforming education for 18 years. A published writer and award-winning educator, she draws inspiration from Psalm 1 and her spiritual journey at St. Paul to guide her mission of equity and empowerment.

Randy Williams, SPCBC Elder since 1995, serves in West Indian Ministry. A proud grandfather, he embraces Jeremiah 1:12 as his guiding scripture, dedicating over 30 years of service to the church with unwavering faith.

Victor Young, SPCBC member since 1995, serves in multiple ministries, including Sacred Arts and Men’s Ministry. A retired educator, he is a devoted family man inspired by 2 Peter 1:3-11 to guide his faith and commitment to his community.

Wiletta Young, SPCBC member of 25 years, leads in Women’s Ministry and serves as a teacher. Devoted to her family, she finds strength in Philippians 4:13, shaping young minds and supporting the community through her faith and leadership.