The Sam Sampson Board members are “Kingdom Builders” striving to do the will of Almighty God. We remain committed to preserving the “Life and Legacy” of the late Reverend Samuel “Sam” Sampson. Reverend Sampson served as a full-time pastor for many years in the Tallahassee/Quincy District. He was well-known as an “Evangelistic Preacher,” and his life’s ministry was bringing “Souls to Christ.” Additionally, at the request of many, many pastors, he led “week-long” revival meetings throughout The Big Bend Area during the summer months.
Reverend Sampson and his wife, Mrs. Clarissa Johnson Sampson, were the spiritual parents of Thomasena, Geraldine (Gerri), Timothy, and Charles. Her passion was nourishing the academic and spiritual needs of the many children that she taught. Mrs. Sampson devoted her life to educating young children for over forty-one years as an elementary school teacher in the Leon County School System, under the leadership of Mr. Amos P. Godby, Superintendent of Leon County Schools.
After retiring as a full-time pastor, Reverend Ira D. Hinson invited Reverend Sampson to join him at Bethel A.M.E. Church as Associate Pastor. Upon his acceptance, he assigned to him the “Ministry of Evangelism!” They worked in spiritual harmony until Reverend Sampson’s demise in 1963.
In 1964, Reverend Hinson charged a committee of dedicated members to organize the “Sam Sampson Board” in memory of his “Life and Legacy.” Praise God for Reverend Hinson’s “vision!”
After the demise of Sister Mattie Green, president, and mother of Sister Barbara Kelly, Reverend John Frank Green encouraged and appointed Sister Gerri Chambers as president of the Sam Sampson Board in the year of 2003. His vision was to ensure that the Sam Sampson Board would continue to be a viable ministry of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Sister Gerri Chambers has served the board with dedicated service from 2003 – Present. “The Work Is All Devine!”
