Biography

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Presiding Elder David Rhone is a native of Panama City, FL. He has given service to ministry for over thirty years.  He accepted his call to preach in 1976 and was ordained an itinerant elder in 1980.  He began his pastorate at St. Steven A.M.E. Church in Bristol, FL in 1979.  He has since pastored thirteen churches in the Eleventh and Sixth Episcopal Districts.  While in the Eleventh Episcopal District, Elder Rhone pastored Mt. Zion A.M.E., Panama City, FL, St. James A.M.E., Wewahitcha, FL, St. Luke A.M.E., Vernon, FL, St. John A.M.E., Vernon, FL, Friendship A.M.E., Chattahoochee, FL, Mayflower A.M.E., Havana, FL, Greenshade A.M.E., Quincy, FL, New Bethel A.M.E., Quincy, FL, Fountain Chapel A.M.E., Jacksonville, FL, and New Bethel AME Church in Jacksonville, FL. 

 

In 1997, Elder Rhone was transferred to the Sixth Episcopal District and pastored  St. Paul A.M.E., Lithonia, GA, and St. Mark A.M.E., Atlanta, GA.  After pastoring for twenty-five years, Elder Rhone was called to the ministry of shepherding pastors when Bishop Frank Cummings appointed him as the Presiding Elder of the Atlanta North District, which encompasses Atlanta and the Northern cities of Georgia.

 

Elder Rhone received his undergraduate degrees from Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, FL with an Associate of Science Degree in Mental Health Technology, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy and Religion.  Elder Rhone furthered his education at Turner Seminary in the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in Christian Education.  Elder Rhone holds a Doctoral degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA which he received in May 2012.

 

Elder Rhone has served on many boards and committees.  He is presently the Chairman of the Board of KES, Inc., a center for special needs adults.  Elder Rhone has received many awards and achievements over the years.  In 2000, Secretary of State Cathy Cox honored him with the Georgia Citizen of the Year Award.  In 2002, Gospel Today honored him with the Outstanding Pastor of the Year Award.  Elder Rhone is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

 

Elder Rhone is married to the former Felicia Gail Harris, and they are the proud parents of David, III, and Kendra.  Elder Rhone is an avid reader who loves vacationing near the waters, singing, and spending time with his family.  His most favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33, “First seek ye the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added unto you.”