~ Reverend Dr. George Alfred McClenan ~

On the warm, sunny summer day of Sunday, June 22, 1947, Nathan and Ethel Lee McClennon were blessed with the birth of their first son. They named him George Alfred: George, after his paternal grandmother, Georgianna; and Alfred, which was his father's middle name.

Over the next decade of his life, George went on to become the oldest brother of six siblings. He took his position of oldest brother very seriously and earned the undying love, extreme respect and admiration of all his siblings. Although very serious-minded, he also had a comedic side. He was always ready to share a joke or two and make you smile, or roll onto the floor in laughter.

George was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County, graduating from Russellville High School in 1965.

At an early age, he was baptized and became a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church, St. Stephen, SC. When this church was combined with Zion United Methodist Church, he continued his membership there. As a teenager, he often led prayers and devotions at church. He set a positive example and was a role model for his peers at church, school and in the community.

After graduating from high school, George moved to New York. The height of the Vietnam War was in 1966, therefore, it was not very long before he was drafted into the United States Army. His basic training took place at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Then he was off to serve his country on a tour of duty in Vietnam.

George and Betty were married after he served his time in the Army and were blessed with a daughter, Tonya Deon; then twelve years later, a son, George Alfred II. "Al" went home to be with the Lord during the summer of 1996. His daughter, Tonya, and son-in-law, Kennon Kinard, have been blessed with three children which makes him the proud grandfather of three wonderful grandchildren: K. Deondre', Amber and Christina Kinard. Several years later, they were blessed by God with the responsibility of raising their grandnephew, Joshua Demalo.

Reverend Dr. George McClenan's calling to the ministry began in the 1970s. He enrolled in college in August 1975 in order to obtain his degree in theology. He received his degree from Claflin University in May 1979.  In May 1982, he obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Interdenominational Theological Center Seminary. Then in October 1995, he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from Drew University. From the mid 1970s through 2012, he has served numerous appointments. Under the appointment of Bishop Edward Tullis, he was first appointed to serve the following parishes: Edisto Fork Parish, Orangeburg, SC (September 1976 - December 1976); York-St. James Parish, York, SC (January 1977 - June 1977); and Bamberg Circuit, Bamberg, SC (June 1977 - June 1980).

Next, under the appointment of Bishop Edward Tullis and Bishop Roy C. Clark, he was appointed to serve the Greer Circuit, Greer, SC (June 1980 - June 1983). Then under the appointment of Bishop Roy C. Clark and Bishop Joseph B. Bethea, he was appointed to serve the Lake City Parish, Lake City, SC (June 1983 - June 1991). Additionally, under the appointment of Bishop Joseph B. Bethea and Bishop Robert  A. Spain, he served at Edisto Fork Parish (June 1991 - June 1997). Also under the appointment of Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey, he served at Cumberland United Methodist Church, Florence, SC (June 1997 - June 2002).

Finally, under the direction and instructions of Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey and Bishop Virginia Taylor, he served at Wesley United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC (June 2002 - June 2012). After thirty-five years of active ministry with the United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. McClenan retired.

Reverend Dr. McClenan also served as a mentor to young men and women who were striving to become ministers: Rev. Charles Wilson, Rev. Calvin Austin, Rev. Velma Heyward, Rev. Eddie Williams, Rev. Ronald Lucas and Rev. Whitaker Middleton, each of whom went on to become ministers of the South Carolina United Methodist Conference.

Over the past years, Reverend Dr. McClenan has served on numerous boards. Some of which include: Chairperson, South Carolina Conference Board of Evangelism; Chairperson, South Carolina Annual Council of Ministry, each for a period of seven years; Claflin University Board of Visitors; and Professor, ITC Atlanta site, Florence, SC. He was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and St. John Lodge #349, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons.

Reverend Dr. McClenan was one of the most caring and compassionate people you would ever meet. He was forever committed to serving the Lord; being a devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, a dynamic brother, a person who was willing to give you the shirt off his back, and a man of impeccable character that anyone who knew him could sincerely call "Friend." Out of all of the hats he wore, one of his favorites was that of being a grandfather. His grandchildren put a twinkle in his eyes unlike anything else; and he was and will forever be extremely proud of them .

Those left to cherish his memories are: his wife, Betty D. McClenan; daughter, Tonya (Kennon) Kinard; grandnephew raised in the home, Joshua Demalo; three grandchildren, Deondre', Amber and Christina; stepmother, Carrie McClennon; sisters and brothers, Ida (Oscar) Wilson, Jerome (Brenda) McClellan, Jeanette (Allan) Smith, Marion (Glennie) McClennon, Dianne (Henry) Gadsden and Virginia (Raymond) Williams; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mildred Middleton, Dorothy (George) Hall, Alonzo (Carla) Middleton, Peter Middleton, Arthur (Ruby) Middleton, Silas (Audrey) Middleton, Benjamin (Valarie) Middleton and David Middleton; several godchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.