Rev. Dr. Melvin Grimes has been selected by the Churches United of the Quad City Area Board of Directors to serve as Interim Executive Director. Dr. Grimes will continue the tradition of Christian faith-based leadership until a new Executive Director is chosen to replace Anne Wachal, who stepped down in December.
Dr. Grimes has been active in the ministries of Churches United for much of his adult life. The past president of Churches United’s board of directors currently serves on the board executive committee as Finance Director for the 57-year-old organization.
“As the interim, my task is to meet with local member congregations to re-introduce them to the opportunities for service through Churches United.,” Dr. Grimes said. “Also, I am looking to reestablish our Social Justice Committee, our Jail Ministry and Ecumenical Worship. I hope to work with the pastors in Moline to assemble the Moline Ministerial Association. As I look at the needs of the QCA I believe that Churches United is ready and willing to serve the community through the power and grace of God.”
A Quad City native, Dr. Grimes received his Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Divinity from Grace Valley Theological Seminary in Edinburgh, Texas. Dr. Grimes acknowledged his call to the ministry and was licensed by the Second Baptist Church in Rock Island and ordained in 1975. He served as the Assistant Pastor to Second Baptist, pastor at Corinthian Baptist Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and pastor at the historic Washington Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. In November 1989, Dr. Grimes accepted the call to pastor Tabernacle Baptist Church, Moline, where he continues to serve with distinction.
Dr. Grimes also serves on numerous boards and committees in the Quad-Cities area. He is a commissioner and Chairman of the Board for the Moline Housing Authority; serves on the State of Illinois Council on Aging, and is President of the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging.
Churches United of the Quad City Area is a cooperative association of more than 136 churches representing 20+ Christian faith traditions. Our ministries provide food for the hungry and shelter for homeless women and children who may have survived domestic violence. For more about Dr. Grimes, information on our programs and how to support Churches United, visit our website at www.cuqca.org or call 563-332-5002.
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