Interdenominational Church Ushers Association of Maryland, Inc.

Bro. Henry Sorrell, the founder of the State Organization, was known as a very religious person.  He was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church. He organized the State of Maryland United Ushers in Baltimore City in 1915 at the Sharp Street United Methodist Church where the State held it's Historical Everybody Birthday Luncheon on April 30, 2011.  There were three (3) churches in attendance:  Sharp Street United Methodist Church, Ames United Methodist, and Enon Baptist.  There were also a few ministers in attendance. In the beginning the biggest fear was the churches themselves would object to the breaking down of the denominational barriers by this new organization.  It was a hard struggle to push the idea forward, but with much prayer and hard work, the idea was accepted.

In 1918 and 1919, while the National Organization was being conceptualized and organized, Bro. Sorrell corresponded frequently with Bro. Elijah Hamilton.  Talking and planning about how the New National Organization should be put together. The State of Maryland formally joined the National Organization in 1920.  Bro. Sorrell became very active in the organization and served as one of its'  Vice Presidents. Bro. Sorrell continued his work in the State closely assisted by his wife.  Among her major and numerous accomplishments was the organizing of the first ushers Chorus within the State of Maryland. Bro. Henry Sorrell died in 1945. 

After his death, Vice President, Bro. Marion L. Harris served in his stead carrying out his duties until he was elected president in 1946.  At that time, he shared a dream that he had of us purchasing and owning our own building for meetings and activities. Bro. Harris believed in progress; and under his leadership, prayer and many sacrifices; we purchased two (2) buildings.  He always had his group at heart and always encouraged us to plan for the future.  After thirty (30) years of service, his health forced him to resign.  Bro. Marion L. Harris died in 1976.

After our 1976 convention, we elected our first woman to the position of presidency.  Sis. Jessie L. Brown served a tenure of ten (10) years.  During her administration, much was accomplished.  She brought forth new ideas, hosted the National Convention in 1981, purchased furnishings for our headquarters in Baltimore and much more.  Sis. Brown also served on the Board of Directors of our National Organization.  She also served as President of the Baltimore City Unit of the ICUA of Maryland.

Sis. Aliceteen Wade was elected President at our 1986 convention.  Prior to that time she had served as President of the Anne Arundel County Unit of the ICUA of Maryland, and as first Vice President of the State.  During her six year tenure as president, we obtained our tax exempt status as a 501-C organization, made numerous improvements to our headquarters building and made final payment on the building and property.  Sis. Aliceteen Wade also served as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Sis. Aliceteen Wade departed this life on February 8, 2009.

Bro. Preston Jennings served the State for many years as one of our State Marshalls, however, at our 1991 convention, he was elected to the position of president of the State of Maryland.  He also served as Sergeant-at-Arms of the Eastern Region. Bro. Jennings served the offices faithfully with dignity and pride.

In 1993, Bro. Allen E. Morse was elected as our new State President.  Bro. Morse had previously served the State as Young Adult Co-Counselor and Fourth, Third and First Vice President.  On the regional level he served as Assistant Regional Director and Regional Director.  On the National Level, he served as National Young Adult Co-Counselor and Fourth Vice President.  Bro. Morse also held the positions of Secretary and Chairman of the National Board of Directors.  He was a very dedicated and hard working president and continued to serve ICUA in many capacities.  At our 52nd State Convention, April 4 - 6, 2002, Bro. Morse presented two proposals to assist with implementation of unit assessments across the board based on membership.  The proposal for assessment by membership only was approved and implemented in 2003.  A scholarship program was established in Bro. Allen E. Morse's name.  Bro. Allen E. Morse departed this life on April 8, 2002.

Another woman was elected to the office of President at the 1997 State Convention, Sis. Margaree B. Fickling.  Under her administration, improvements were made in the appearance of the Usher Home.  It was her aim that the organization purchase a computer for the already established computer room.  Sis. Fickling has been a faithful, dedicated worker for many years in her own church and on the State, Regional and National Levels.  She has served as chairperson of the Maryland State Board of Trustees, Chairperson of the National Credential Committee and Chairperson of the National Nominating Committee.

At our 1999 State Convention, Sis. Margurite Askew-Kirkland was elected to the office of President.  She has been actively involved with reorganizing the association and networking with ushers throughout the State.  In 2000, bylaws changes were voted on and implemented.  In 2001, the newsletter, named "ICUA of Maryland Usher's Echo" was developed and published on a quarterly basis.  In 2002, the Spring banquet honoring local presidents was the largest occasion with over 750 guest attending.  Also the Maryland Memorial Weekend was hosted in Anne Arundel County and spear-headed by President Kirkland.  Sis. Askew-Kirkland has served her former home church in many capacities.  At Mt. Tabor, she served as President of her usher board for 25 years.  Her current church, Asbury Townneck U.M., she was a member of the Willing Workers, serves as a member of the Senior Usher Board, and as advisor to the Junior Ushers.

A member of the ICUA since 1979, she has served as President of the Anne Arundel County Unit, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Nominating Committee and General Chairperson.  For the State of Maryland, she has served in the position of Recording Secretary, and Chairpman of the Public Relation Department.  Currently Sis. Kirkland serves as Vice-Chairman of the Leroy Johnson Building Committee of the National Organization.