Pastoral Team
Minister of Outreach and Community Engagement
The Rev. Dr. Terrie Elizabeth Griffin, a native of Pittsburgh, PA is a graduate of the Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University where she earned the Masters of Divinity (M. Div.) and Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degrees. Her doctoral studies culminated in the development of a training curriculum, “AIDS and the Black Church: Preparing Persons for Ministry.” Her curriculum was used with the first accredited graduate course on HIV/AIDS to be offered to students pursuing a combined degree in theology and sociology. As a health educator she traveled throughout the United States, the Eastern European countries of Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia, the Republic of Haiti, and the South African countries of Botswana, Swaziland, and Lesotho. She trained clergy, missionaries and lay leadership in the development of HIV prevention education ministries in response to the growing needs of urban and rural churches and communities. After a 50-year hiatus, she returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh to serve as director of Women’s Ministry with Living Ministry, a grassroots Christian organization serving the homeless. In December 2019 Living Ministry closed its doors. But, Dr. Griffin did not shut down her outreach ministry to the homeless and underserved. As a member of the pastoral staff of her home church, The Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Rev. Glen Grayson, she serves as Minister of Outreach and Community Engagement. She believes working in urban communities, serving the homeless and, equipping the church for missional outreach ministry to the least, lost, and often under-served is her “Divine Assignment.” Dr. Griffin is the mother of one daughter Kaiya, and two grandchildren Aidan Elijah and Amber Brianna all residing in Pittsburgh.
Associate Pastor
Rev. Marsha Viola Copeland, life member of Wesley Center Church in the Hill District. Rev. Copeland is the first daughter in Christ under Rev. Glenn Grayson. She is a product of the Pittsburgh Public School System and a graduate of Geneva College with an Associate Degree. Rev. Copeland is the proud wife of Norwood Copeland who is the cream and sugar in her morning coffee. Also she is the mother of two children Gary and Stacey Lambria and the grandmother of two DeAndre Chapman and Taylor Lambria. Rev. Copeland was employed with United States Steel for fourteen years and then with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh for twenty-three years. She retired in 2008. Rev. Copeland volunteered with the Urban League of Pittsburgh and Boys Scouts of America. Currently, she volunteers with Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center in the Hill District. Rev. Copeland says she ran from her calling until she couldn’t go any farther and she YES to God and has never looked back. The best thing anyone can do in life is to say yes to the Lord. Life has never been better.
Lead Pastor
Rev. Glenn Garrett Grayson, Sr., a native of Brooklyn, New York, received his early education in New York, graduating from the John Dewey High School. He matriculated at Livingstone College, receiving a B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1981 and a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina. In 1985, Rev. Grayson completed a yearlong residency program in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) from Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In December of 1996, Rev. Grayson was appointed to Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church, located in the historic Hill District of Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to his current pastoral service, Rev. Grayson successfully pastured Third Creek and Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Churches in North Carolina. Rev. Grayson is known for his hands-on and active approach to working with children, youth, and adults. He has held positions as a social worker with the Department of Social Services and as domestic violence therapist. Today, he shares his time and energy by serving of the boards of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Hill District Growth Fund, African-American Men & Boys Task Force of the Heinz Endowments and the United Way Board, Leadership Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Foundation. Rev. Grayson is the former president of the PIIN (Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network). He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Rev. Grayson is married to Attorney Marsha C. Hughes-Grayson and is the proud father of Garrett G. Grayson, Jr. (Erikka), Shinora Grayson-Johnson, the late Jeron X. Grayson, and also the proud grandfather of Aniyah, Xavier, Nori, Harry, and Zoey. He is a mentor and father figure to many and a seemingly tireless advocate the most vulnerable. Rev. Grayson has received numerous awards throughout the course of his pastoral ministry. On April 3, 2014, Rev. Grayson was recognized by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony honoring “Champions of Change” in the area of Gun Violence Prevention. Rev. Grayson remains committed to the work of creating a community invests in its children and families.
