Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings was elected and consecrated as the 95th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in 1976. A native of Richmond, Alabama, he was the seventh of nine children born to Annie and Edmond Cummings.
His active Episcopal Ministry spanned over 28 years, having presided over the work of the Eighth Episcopal District: Louisiana and Mississippi, First Episcopal District: Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, New England, and Bermuda, Eleventh Episcopal District: Florida and the Bahamas, Sixth Episcopal District: Georgia.
Early Career and Notable Achievements
Prior to his election to the Episcopacy, Bishop Cummings demonstrated remarkable leadership and extraordinary pastoral acumen; serving as a highly successful pastor in the Ninth and Fifth Episcopal Districts, pastoring congregations in Aldridge, Alabama; Bremerton, Washington; Santa Barbara, California; and St. Louis, Missouri. In 1968, Bishop Cummings was elected President of the Church Extensions Department.
During his tenure at St. John AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri, Rev. Cummings became the first Black member of the Civil Service Commission and later served as Vice Chairman of the Commission. He also served as President of the NAACP in Santa Barbara, California and President of the Board of Directors of the West End Hospital Association.
Episcopal Leadership and Vision
Bishop Cummings is credited with numerous groundbreaking accomplishments in each district he served. Notably, he personally visited every church in his district. Chief among his many accomplishments is the building purchase or renovation of the headquarters building in the Eighth and Eleventh Episcopal Districts and the crown jewel of them all, “The Miracle on Market Street” First Episcopal District Headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which became a cornerstone for economic development through church and community collaboration
Under his leadership, each district developed Christian stewardship programs emphasizing economic development, home ownership, family values, and a Bible-based ministry.
Global Impact and Financial Support
During his active tenure, Bishop Cummings prioritized global outreach. From 1976 to 2004, he was instrumental in providing $10,000 to each of the 14th through 20th Episcopal Districts every quadrennial. His commitment to education included providing full scholarships for ministerial students attending accredited seminaries.
Bishop Cummings was also instrumental in introducing electronic voting during the 2000 General Conference, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to church administration.
Personal Life and Retirement
Bishop Cummings retired from active ministry at the 47th Session of the General Conference in July 2004. He and his beloved late wife, Mrs. Martha “Angel” Cummings, were devoted parents to their daughter, Paschell C. Mix (Gregory Mix, son-in-law, deceased). They are proud grandparents of Martinique Mix, Olympia Mix-Brown (Harold Brown), and Naja-Paschell Mix (Darian Ross), and great-grandparents to Denver Edward Dean Ross.
Bishop Cummings’ legacy is one of unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering spiritual growth, economic development, and family values.
