Quinn to welcome new pastor

Quinn Memorial AME Church will hold a welcoming reception for its newly appointed pastor, the Rev. Solomon Cooper, and his wife, Robin Moore-Cooper Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Jacqueline Lyles-Gibson will be mistress of ceremonies. Patrick Morris will give the invocation and Patricia Fletcher will bring the welcome. Also participating will be Veronica Smith and Mary Collins.

Mayor Domenick Mucci and 4th Ward Councilman Dave Fortunato will bring greetings and welcome from the city.

Also welcoming the new pastor will be the Revs. Richard Davis, Lydia Spragin, Norris Hood, Patricia Angel, Floyd Alexander,Sue Herceg, James Baber and L. Anthony Gatewood.

Darlene Alexander and Mark Fletcher will present musical selections. Closing remarks and the benediction will be given by the Coopers. Dinner will follow in the James F. Murray Fellowship Hall.

Reception coordinators include Gibson, Fletcher, Gloria Crossland, William Collins, Alexander, Anna Washington, Sylvia Thompson and Veronica Smith.

Members of the Men's Usher Board, led by William Collins, will usher. The new pastor has experience as a consultant, counselor, educator, certified HIV/AIDS tester/screener, disability service provider and advocate, community activist, licensed social worker and certified trainer.

His background in the human services field includes serving the homeless, economically disadvantaged, at-risk youth and adults.

He has conducted numerous seminars and workshops in areas of expertise.

Cooper earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Penn State University, a bachelor's degree in social work from Wilberforce University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Ohio State University. He is pursuing a master's in divinity degree at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce.

He has received recognition and awards in the human services field and a national award for his work in HIV/AIDS while serving on the executive board of Urban League Young Professionals in Dayton.

His wife is assistant director for Ohio Transition Services External Relations for the State of Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and is a certified rehabilitation counselor and American Board of Disability Analysts, Diplomate. She has more than 25 years' experience as a public servant and has received local, state and national recognition for her achievements.