CDMC

Christian Debutante-Master Commission

Christian Debutante Master Commission (CDMC) Virtual Dedicatory Ceremony at 2021 General Conference

An important highlight of general conferences for decades now has been the Christian Debutante Master Commission Dedicatory Ceremony, showcasing and affirming in prayer young women and men as they move into Christian adulthood. For the 51st session of the general conference, CDMC offered a virtual dedicatory ceremony on Friday, July 9, 2021.

This short report highlights the work of the Christian Debutante Master Commission (CDMC) for 2016-2021

MISSION STATEMENT:

We, the members of the Christian Debutante-Master Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, endeavor to promote the principles and doctrines of Christian Education as set forth in the guidelines of this initiative. We will create an environment for spiritual growth and development of our youth through exploration of “spiritual gifts”; availing resources and remembrances that will guide, instruct and instill Christ-like attributes in our youth. Furthermore, we resolve to work collaboratively and diligently in fulfilling our commitment to “creating a future worthy of our past.”

MOTTO: “DAILY MAGNIFY CHRIST”

THEME: “Magnifying Christ as we reflect on the past, experience the present and focus on the future”

SCRIPTURE: “Oh magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

CDMC LITURGICAL COLORS: Red and White
Red symbolizes excitement, energy, and power.
White symbolizes celebration, joy, and peace.

The Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission (CDMC) introduces young people to Christian society and celebrates their transition to adulthood. Through its adult advisors, the CDMC reinforces the work of Christian education by providing guidance and information for relevant study and fieldwork activities. Young people participating in the CDMC have an opportunity to receive regular and special study programs for personal Christian development and creative leadership in the A.M.E. Church.

The CDMC focuses on the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood that many cultures consider a “rites of passage”. Young people desire to celebrate and symbolize their new adult status. The CDMC channels this desire that enhances the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Christian Debutante-Master Ceremony is the official activity under the auspices of the CDMC, a solemn religious service whereby the young honorees in their period of transition celebrate their new adult status in the church. It pays tribute to the rites of passage from youth to adulthood. The Debutante-Master Ceremony, the flagship of the CDMC, affords young people, ages sixteen through twenty-two, the opportunity to be introduced to the church society and to dedicate their lives to greater Christian service.

Divisions of the Christian Debutante-Master Commission

Debutante-Master Division | Ages 16 – 22

Sub Debutantes / Sub-Master | Ages 13 – 15

Junior Allenites | Ages 9 – 12

Pre-Junior Allenites | Ages 5-8

The age level for participation is from nine to twenty-two years of age.

Marital Status:
Single only (no children) may participate in the dedication ceremony.

Christian Belief:
To acquaint young people with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and His ministry. To believe that Christ Is the Son of God, that He lived, and died for our sins, was resurrected, and is now in heaven as our Redeemer.

Personal Desire:
The personal desires of young people should be respected, however young people should be encouraged and motivated to participate in church and community activities and remain active until they have completed the requirements to participate in the dedication ceremony.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW:

What is now a popular activity, the introduction of young people to society under church auspices, and their dedication to continued Christian service, was inaugurated as a Christian rite of passage by the A.M.E. Church in 1952 and is denoted by the phrase, “The Christian Debutante Master Dedication Commission”.

The CDMC originated by Dr. Julma Crawford under the division of Christian Education. The first Debutante-Master Dedication was held May 18, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois at the seat of the 34th General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The DMC became an official commission by elected legislation enacted at the 39th session of the A.M.E. General Conference held in June, 1972 in Dallas, Texas.

The CDMC is a commission of adults comprising a new supportive and supplemental service to youth groups of the Christian Education at each level of the A.M.E. Church.

On July 1, 1972, Mrs. Crawford was elected Administrator of this commission with the rank of General Officer. In 1976, Mrs. Crawford became a connectional officer as the administrator of the newly legislated Debutante Master Commission.

Dr. Julma Crawford retired in 1992. In July 1992 Mrs. Loretta Fields Hill of Austin, Texas was elected the 2nd Connectional General Administrator of the Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Commission. During Mrs. Hill’s 16 years of leadership she created the CDMC Manual and handbook. She also established the Julma Crawford Scholarship as well as the current organizational structure for the program. She is a retired public health educator and an active lifetime member of Grant AME Worship Center, Austin, TX.

In July 2008 during the General Board meeting at the General Conference in St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Gloria Massey Ward of Memphis, TN was appointed to serve as the 3rd Connectional General Administrator of the Christian Debutante-Master Commission. She is a retired teacher and an active lifetime member at St. Andrew AMEC in Memphis, TN. Mrs. Ward is no stranger to the CDMC Commission. She has served as chairperson of the Julma Crawford Scholarship Committee, coordinator of the Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony held at the General Conference in 2008 as well as having held the positions of conference and district commissioner in her district (13th).

In July 2016 during the General Board meeting at the General Conference in Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Lyndajo Watson of Little rock, AR was appointed to serve as the 4th Connectional General Administrator of the Christian Debutante-Master Commission. She is employed by the Secretary of State’s Office of the state of Arkansas and an active member at Union AMEC in Little Rock for over 50 years.  Mrs. Watson is no stranger to the CDMC Commission. She was the commissioner for the 12th District from 1994-2016, served as chairperson of the CDMC scholarship banquet in 2012 and 2016, and coordinator of the Christian Debutante-Master Dedication Ceremony held at the General Conference in 2002 and 2016. She also served as 1st Vice President during Mrs. Gloria Ward’s tenure.

CDMC DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

1st: Thaeh Norris
2nd: Alvin White
3rd:  TBD
4th: Rev. Deidre Hines
5th: TBD
6th: Sandi Brown
7th: Andrea White
8th: Audreye Hall
9th: Rev. Angie Cox
10th: TBD
11th: Sharon Sheffield
12th: Patricia Roberts
13th: Sherrie Pointer
14th-20th: TBD
Consultant: Mrs. Gloria Ward

2016-2020 CDMC OFFICERS

Administrator: Lyndajo Watson
1st Vice President: Sharon Sheffield
2nd Vice President: Linda Sims
Secretary: Audreye Hall
Assistant Secretary: TBD
Corresponding Secretary: TBD
Parliamentarian: Alvin White
Historiographer: Janice Gurley
Worship Leader: Rev. Deidre Hines
Social Media & Marketing: Shantel Sims
Treasurer: C. Ann Smith

Translate »