Herbert E. Palmer Award for Urban Ministry, presented annually by the Eastern PA Conference’s Urban Commission, is named for the venerable former pastor, district superintendent and executive director of Metro Ministries who was revered by many as an elder statesman among clergy in the conference. He passed away in 2021.

The Rev. Herbert E. Palmer, 94, became a pastor in 1963, was ordained in 1965 and retired in 1994. But he unretired numerous times to respond to the need for his leadership of urban churches and ministries.

Bishop Peggy Johnson and the Rev. Anita Powell, Director of Connectional Ministries, together honored Palmer for his “tireless service, impact and influence” on the conference, especially among African American clergy and laity.

“I have enjoyed being a pastor, preacher and worker in the church for God,” said the humble clergyman, who was greeted by a standing ovation. “I have been blessed to fellowship and work with a lot of people; and whatever I have accomplished has been because of so many people who held me up, taught me, guided me and made me keep on going when I felt like stopping.”

The first urban ministry awards in Palmer’s name were presented, on behalf of the Urban Commission, by the Rev. William Brawner, then conference Urban Ministries Coordinator, to three urban church partnerships, called Urban Alliances, and to one individual Urban Initiative church.