As has been the custom of the African Methodist Episcopal Church throughout the years, whenever a senior group was formed, the next concern was for the children and the young people of the church.

The first steps to develop a Young People's Department of the Women's Parent Mite Society were taken at an Executive Board meeting at Wilberforce University in 1912. 

 It was, however, not until October 1915, that the Young Peoples Department was formerly adopted by the Women's Parent Mite Missionary Society in its quadrennial session.  They were called Juvenile Societies.

At the Quadrennial Convention held in Detroit, Michigan, October, 1915, the plan was presented and adopted by the convention that the Young Peoples Department be divided into three groups - Young Women's Auxiliary, Allen Starts and Mother's Pearls.

The Young People's and Children Division of the Women's Missionary Society today consist of the Children's Division which is divided into two areas, Mother's Sunbeams, Age level 2-6, preschool to primary and the Allen Stars, age level 7-12, primary to sixth grade. 

The Young People's Auxiliary, ages 13-17 and the Young Adult Division, ages 18-26 are probably the most active groups as they prepare to be the future leaders of the Women's Missionary Society and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The organization strives to teach youth what it means to be Christians, to love, share, care, and reach out to others in the field of missions. 

St. Paul's YPD meets on the first Wednesday of each month. 

We welcome all the youth of the church to become a member of the YPD and encourage as many parents and interested adults as possible to support the YPD in any way you can.

YPD DIVISION AND LEADERS

Mother Sunbeams (2 years – K)
Angela Van Cleaf & James Culp

Allen Stars I (1-3 grades)
Jackie Knight & Devina Onwukwe

Allen Stars II (4-5 grades)
James Culp

Young People’s Auxiliary
Middle School (6-8 grades) Margaret Chatman, Dr. Canise Bean
High School (9-12 grades) Nancy Thomas and Kim Dorsey

WMS Meeting Support
Mrs. Cora Glass, Mrs. Sarah Moore, Mrs. Merzell McGhee

YPD Officers 2006-2007

President Katrice Pipkins
Vice President Ashley Van Cleaf
Secretary Jemari Ferguson Assistant Secretary Yvette Bean
Financial Secretary Naharrajah Durham
Worship Leader Kristian Bell Parliamentarian Brandon White
Historiographer Kayla Banks
WMS President Mrs. Clarice Davies
YPD Director Mrs. Carlotta Hughes-Culp

Ohio Conference Officers
St. Paul Members
President Charron Culp
Recording Secretary Ashley VanCleaf

I pledge my willing and untiring service to all efforts of the Young People’s and Children’s Division to aid the needy and suffering people, regardless of race, color or creed. I further pledge to take the Bible as my guide, to aid my church, and to attend meetings regularly. In all these tasks I seek the Savior’s guidance.

YPD COLORS

Green is symbolic of growth and Christian vitality, white represents purity, light and faith.

YPD MOTTO

“Grow, Glow and Go for Christ”

YPD PROJECTS

Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday
Chili Supper Cook-Off
Founder’s Day Essay Contest
Ohio Conference YPD Green and White Luncheon
Food and Toiletry Drive for Columbus Aids Task Force
Self-Denial
YPD Sunday
YPD High School Retreat
Third District YPD Retreat, Ripley, WV
Jam N’ Jefferson Park
TAWAWA
Ohio Conference Annual Conference YPD Day

THE YPD PLEDGE

I pledge my willing and untiring service to all efforts of the Young People’s and Childrens’ Division to aid the needy and suffering people, regardless of race, color or creed. I further pledge to take the Bible as my guide, to aid my church, and to attend meetings regularly. In all these tasks I seek the
Savior’s guidance.”

THE Y.P.D. BENEDICTION

“In the name of the triune God, may the spirit of Christian Missions, enter every heart. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.”