Ministerial Staff
Pastor Elijah Hames

Rev. Elijah I. Hames (aka Rev. E.I. Hames)

Rev. Elijah I. Hames, affectionately known as Rev. E or Rev. E.I. Hames is the dynamic second son of Bishop Charley Hames Jr. and Felicia S. Hames. Born in Evanston, IL, and raised in the vibrant community of Oakland, CA, Rev. Elijah’s journey has been marked by a deep commitment to service, leadership, and faith.

A proud graduate of Oakland High School, Rev. Elijah went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Communications at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he flourished as an organizational and student leader. He distinguished himself in various leadership roles at UNLV,
the nation’s most diverse higher education institution. As a dedicated Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member, he held the positions of President and Vice-President of the Theta Sigma Chapter. He served on the Western Province Undergraduate Board of Directors. His leadership extended beyond his fraternity, as he also took on the role of Vice President of Outreach for the Divine Nine’s governing council at UNLV.

A deep calling to ministry has guided Rev. Elijah’s path. Formerly the Pastor of Lewis Memorial CME Church in San Jose, CA, he now shepherds this congregation, Walls Memorial CME Church. His ministry is characterized by a genuine commitment to uplifting underserved communities and leading them toward healthier, more empowered realities, using this vision to grow, be restored, be renewed, and be transformed in Christ.

His academic achievements further reflect Rev. Elijah’s dedication to spiritual and community leadership. He recently completed his Master of Health Administration at the University of Kentucky in the Spring of 2024, where he served as the Coordinator and later the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on the Master of Health Administration Student Association Board (MHASA). His passion for health equity and desire to serve as an agent of change in the healthcare landscape are evident in every facet of his work.

As he looks to the future, Rev. Elijah is preparing to continue his theological studies. He has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University. Starting in January, he will embark on a new chapter in his journey, pursuing his Master of Divinity with the same passion and dedication that have defined his life thus far.

Rev. Elijah I. Hames knows God, loves God, and lives to bear witness to God’s grace and power. His life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, leadership, and service, and he remains steadfast in his mission to inspire and uplift those around him

Reverend Jacqueline Warrior-McCowan

Reverend Jacqueline Warrior-McCowan

Rev. McCowan accepted her call to preach in 2004, was licensed a local preacher in 2009 and was ordained a local deacon at the 2010 Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Annual Conference in Rosemont, Illinois. At the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan in August 2017, she was recommended and ordained a local Elder.

Rev. McCowan is currently the Co-Director of the SOAP Prayer Ministry (Saints Overcoming with Anointed Prayer and Praise). She is also the Ministerial Advisor to the Missionary and Board of Christian Education Ministries. Rev. McCowan coordinates the service for the Early Morning Breakfast Ministry and is a member of the Beautifying and Pastor’s Aide Ministries. She has been a member of the Walls Memorial Mass choir and the Gospel Chorus for many years.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She recently retired from the Chicago Public Schools where she was employed as a Speech and Language Pathologist and was a Lead Pathologist for many years. Rev. McCowan continues her spiritual education by attending various workshops and seminars and attends classes at the Chicago Bible Institute with seminary- trained instructors, Daniel and Shuling Baker.

Rev. Mc fell in love with Jesus more than 25 years ago and the flame is still burning bright. Her heart is to see the lost come to Christ and grow in knowledge and grace. She endeavors to live out her walk with God according to Matthew 6:33: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

Rev. Geraldine Walker-Grimes

Rev. Geraldine Walker-Grimes

Rev Geraldine Walker Grimes is an Associate Minister at Walls Memorial CME Church. She accepted Christ at the early age of 7. She was educated in the Highland Park MI school system. She attended and graduated from Schapiro School of Practical Nursing in Detroit MI.

She moved to Chicago where in Feburary1990 she joined Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church under Pastor Rev J.J. Jackson. She accepted her call to ministry under Rev. Richard Shaw, and was ordained Deacon in 2014 and Elder in 2017. She served faithfully as General Superintendent of Sunday School for several years, then as General Superintendent of Sunday Schools of the Chicago District where she held this position for several years until 2015.

She serves as the spiritual advisor for the Bereavement/Comfort Committee and the Usher Board.
The scripture that guides her life is Psalm 23 with her anchor scripture being John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Rev. Brenda Johnson

Rev. Brenda Johnson

Reverend Brenda Johnson is an Associate Minister who serves as chief armor bearer to the pastor. Additionally, she serves as the Young Adult minister and Board of Evangelism Director.

Reverend Johnson is one who has a heart for evangelism along with reaching beyond the walls and being a catalyst in ministering to women who have been faced with abusive situations. Proverbs 3:5&6 is the platform for her ministry and her focus in her spiritual walk. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he will direct thy paths.”
Rev. Sharon D. McCall

Rev. Sharon D. McCall

Sharon D. McCall attended high school at John F. Kennedy, and Marshall Metro. She furthered her education at Malcolm X College where she studied child development, and proceeded to work with children in a caring community.

She enjoyed being a part of the growth process in the children’s lives at Fifth City Preschool. Rev. Sharon D. McCall currently attends Chicago Bible Institute, and Ashford University.

She received her Missionary License on September 12th, 2004. On September 21st, 2013 she was granted her Evangelist license under Bishop Nazierean Shaw, and on March 23rd, 2015 she received her local preacher license under recommendation from her Pastor, Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas. In 2015 she was recommended for itinerant ministry and was ordained a Traveling Deacons at the 2016 Annual Conference for the Christian Methodist Episcopal church under Presiding Prelate Bishop Sylvester Williams Sr.

She puts these numerous experiences to active practice as a Superintendent of Sunday School, and as a spiritual advisor for the Children and Youth department.

She works in ministry under the scriptural foundation based upon Psalms 33:22: Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.

Min Veronica Rogers-Jordan

Rev. Veronica Rogers-Jordan

Veronica Rogers Jordan: Child of the King, Daughter, Sister, Wife, Teacher, Counselor, Confidant, Friend, Prayer Warrior, Mother and Grandmother. Rev. Roni as she is affectionately called is a graduate of Providence St. Mel School and Lewis University where she received her BA degree in Business.

She has been a member of Walls since birth. She is active in the life of Walls. She currently is the Youth Director, a Steward, a leader in the Music Ministry. She serves as secretary for the local church and quarterly conference as well as the district Missionary society. She answered the call to preach in 2016.

She is dedicated to God, her church, and family. She strives to display God’s love for all to see and allow God’s hand to be her continuing guide. She embodies her life to the scripture Psalm 34:1: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in

Min. Anquenette Jackson

Min. Anquenette Jackson

Min. Anquenette Jackson is a member of the Walls Memorial CME Church. She is a native of Chicago Illinois and is the oldest of 5 children born to Booker T (deceased) and Mamie D Davis. It was May 2006 when she knew she was called to peach but did not accept her call until September 4, 2017.

On Sunday September 12, 2017 she acknowledged her call before Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas pastor of Walls Memorial CME Church. She preached her first sermon Sunday June 10, 2018, “What Dress Code Are You Following”

Min. Jackson is the mother of 3 sons and 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, where it definitively tells us to, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.”

Min. Janice Tina Piolet

Min. Janice Tina Piolet

Min. Janice Tina Piolet was born to Booker T and Mamie Davis in Chicago, Illinois. The baby of five girls, she was nourished in a home filled with love, discipline and many chores.

Her spiritual teachings occurred under the leadership of Rev. Dr Clarence C. Buchanan of Walls Memorial CME Church. She was a member of the Angelic Choir under directors Mrs. Bessie Keys and Mrs. Christine Buchanan and the Youth Choir under Jerry Starks. She would accept Christ as her savor at 15.

She attended Lane Technical High School on the north side of Chicago in 1979 where she became a member of the National Honor Society. In 1983 she matriculated to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

After graduating from the U of I, Tina would go on to be employed at Allied Tube & Conduit in Harvey, IL as a staff accountant. She would remain there for 31 years until she obtained a position with the American Medical Association as a Senior Tax Accountant.

In 1990 she would marry the gentleman from Centreville, IL Donnie J. Piolet, after a 7 year courtship. They would raise a family of four children: Michael, Janiece, Daniel and Christine.

Under the pastor-ship of Rev. Marvin Frank Thomas, Tina served as Young Adult Sunday school teacher, Steward Board Member, Chair of the Harvest Festival Committee and Recording Steward

On January 27, 2019, Tina informed Rev. Dr. T. C. Thomas God had called her to preach. Her first sermon was Nov 24, 2019 “Are you Going Jesus Way” John 14:1-6.

Ticina is the owner of Creativiti Custom Designs and Events LLC. Creativiti Custom Designs and Events offers project based event design, digital marketing and project management services to small businesses, non-profit and faith based organizations in underserved communities. She has worked on community projects like the Chicago Children’s Business Fair, The Woodlawn Community Summit and New Covenant Baptist Church’s Economic Empowerment Summit. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting and watching true crime television shows.

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