The Gospel Cultural Center announces the historic posthumous ordination of Deacon Earl Simmons, known globally as the legendary Hip-Hop artist DMX, to the office of Minister. The celebratory service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the historic Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 90 Wildey Street in Tarrytown.
Founded in 1860, the Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church is a verified “Safe House” and stop on the Underground Railroad that symbolizes liberation and resilience. Hosting the ordination at this sacred site honors Simmons’ lifelong spiritual journey and his impact as a “Hip-Hop Pastor” who used his platform to lead millions in prayer.
“Earl Simmons wrestled with God in the public square, turning his pain into a ministry of raw truth,” said Bishop Dr. Osiris Imhotep, founder of the Gospel Cultural Center. “This ordination recognizes the divine calling he fulfilled every time he spoke a prayer into a microphone”.
A meaningful tribute to the spiritual impact he left on generations.
Keep it real with us now, I wanna feel show me how
(Please!) Let me take yo’ hand, guide me (What!)
I’ll walk slow but stay right beside me
(Please!) Devil’s tryna find me (Please)
Hide me, Hold up, I take that back
Protect me and give me the strength to fight back! (Lord give me a sign!)
DMX famously included a sincere prayer on nearly every one of his studio albums, showcasing his deep Christian faith amidst his gritty music, with tracks like “Prayer (Skit)” on “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” released in 1998, “Prayer III” on And Then There Was X” released in 1999, “Ready to Meet Him” (also known as “Prayer II”) on Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood” the second album released in 1998, “Prayer IV” and “A Minute for Your Son” on “The Great Depression” released in 2001, “Prayer V” on “Grand Champ” released in 2003, and “Lord Give Me a Sign” on “Year of the Dog… Again” released in 2006, serving as raw, vulnerable pleas for guidance and redemption, contrasting his tough persona with his spiritual journey. These prayers highlighted his struggles, his belief in God, and his hope for salvation, becoming a signature part of his artistic legacy.
He would often break into prayer on stage or in interviews, a signature move that highlighted his deep spiritual connection and desire for grace.
His lyrics often explored the internal fight between his faith and temptation, frequently referencing his struggles with addiction in the Damien Trilogy
- “Damien” is the introduction and Part 1 of the story. It is one of the best songs off of his classic debut “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot’.
- “The Omen ft Marilyn Manson” is part 2 of the story and features the Antichrist Superstar himself, who is a perfect character for this story. This one is from X’s Sophomore album ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of my Blood”.
- “Damien 3” is the last one he’s dropped in this series. It is from his album ‘The Great Depression’. This one has more upbeat production but still feels as evil as ever.
DMX’s spiritual journey was a powerful testament to the grace of God for sinners, showing that faith could coexist alongside profound struggle, making him a unique spiritual voice in Hip-Hop.
In April 2021, following his passing, Black Westchester released a DMX Tribute issue. In it, I spoke about his spirituality in the article, “DMX Was A Modern Day Paul The Apostle.”
EVENT DETAILS:
- EVENT: Posthumous Ordination of Minister Earl “DMX” Simmons
- DATE: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- TIME: 3:00 PM
- LOCATION: Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 90 Wildey Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591
- SCRIPTURE: Acts 17:31
Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Tarrytown, NY, is named after its pioneering founders, Amanda and Henry Foster, with Amanda being the primary driving force, often called the “Mother of the Church,” who established the congregation in her confectionery store around 1860, with the church built later, a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad. Amanda, a free Black woman who started the church, famously used her “free papers” to help enslaved people escape via the Underground Railroad.
MEDIA CONTACT: Bishop Dr. Osiris Imhotep – Phone: 347-996-6412 – Email – Website
appreciate BW for posting this
I’m here where’s everybody at?
It was moved to a near by location … DMX Will Still Be Posthumously Ordained as Minister Saturday, But The Venue Has Changed https://blackwestchester.com/dmx-will-still-be-posthumously-ordained-as-minister-saturday-but-the-venue-has-changed/ via @Black Westchester