LEADERSHIP

Rev. Dr. David L. McLendon, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. David L. McLendon, Sr. was born on August 6 in Rockingham, North Carolina, to the late Luther and Leola McLendon. He graduated from Bowman Senior High School in 1975 and later pursued diverse educational achievements, including an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Richmond Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Shaw University (where he served in various Student Government roles), and a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary. While at Shaw, he was listed in Who’s Who Among Students, made the National Dean’s List, and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) from Columbia International University.

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Dr. McLendon began his preaching journey in 1976, obtaining licensure and ordination through the Pee Dee Baptist Association, where he served two congregations. In 1980, he joined the West Central North Carolina Conference at St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church in High Point, North Carolina, and was ordained a deacon by Bishop Alfred G. Dunston, Jr. Two years later, Bishop Arthur Marshall, Jr. ordained him as an Elder in the A.M.E. Zion Church.

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With a ministry spanning multiple churches, Dr. McLendon currently leads St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury, Maryland, within the Eastern Shore District of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Annual Conference. Devoted to God and his church, his guiding motto is, “Always leave the church better than you found it.”

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He is married to his beloved wife, Tojuna J. Rucker. Together, they have five children—Sarita, Kimberly, Tiffany, DeMarcus, and the late David Jr.—along with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Tel: 410-742-1427   |   st.jamesamez521@gmail.com

Tojuna R. McLendon

First Lady

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” - Proverbs 31:26

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Tojuna R. McLendon, a native of Concord, NC, now resides in Salisbury, Maryland. She graduated Cum Laude from Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Management.

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A consecrated Deaconess in the A.M.E. Zion Church, Tojuna actively serves as the Young Adult Coordinator of the WH&OMS on the Eastern Shore District. She is also a lifelong member and the current 3rd Vice President of the International Minister Spouses & Widowers Fellowship, in addition to holding the role of President for the Minister Spouses & Widowers Fellowship on both the Eastern Shore District and within the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference. Tojuna is also a proud member of the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP.

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Tojuna finds joy in serving alongside her husband and eagerly anticipates the paths God will open as they continue to promote His Kingdom. She loves connecting with people and sharing her faith.

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One of her favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

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Tel: 410-742-1427   |   st.jamesamez521@gmail.com