The Rev. Betty L. Furbert-Woolridge made history this past weekend when she presided over the East-West District Conference of the Bermuda Conference of the AME Church forst the first time.

The Rev. Furbert-Woolridge is the denomination's first female Presiding Elder in the history of Bermuda Conference.

This occasion marked an historic milestone for the AME Church and shattered another glass ceiling for women in the ministry on the island, a statement from the AME Church said.

The Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the AME Denomination, The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, appointed Rev. Furbert-Woolridge as the Presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Churches in Bermuda earlier this year on April 30.

The District Conference, which convened at Mt. Zion AME Church, consists of all ordained clergy, ministers, delegates and members as well as ministry and component heads within the Bermuda AME Church.

The Conference began on October 8 with a dynamic worship experience, where she preached an empowering and encouraging message that challenged the conference to walk in compassion as Jesus did; And that by doing so, the A.M.E. church's message and example will continue to be a source of positive and powerful transformation in the lives of people and the larger community, the statement added.

The business sessions on Saturday were informative, innovative and engaging as members learned about different aspects of the church and its ongoing work throughout Bermuda.

The conference ended in a crescendo of enthusiasm as the members of the Conference commended Presiding Elder Furbert-Woolridge for her leadership, grace and openness. Further, the entire conference pledged their support in advancing the work of the Bermuda Conference to the honour and glory of God.

Presiding Elder Furbert-Woolridge expressed her heartfelt thanks and was grateful for the opportunity to serve God and His people from this new platform.