Black Westchester previously reported that The Gospel Cultural Center announced 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 was originally to take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the historic Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 90 Wildey Street in Tarrytown.
While it isn’t clear why the location has changed, the service is now scheduled to take place at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 43 S Broadway in Tarrytown, at the same time on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
This event, led by the Gospel Cultural Center, formally acknowledges the divine calling he fulfilled through spoken-word prayers on his albums, turning his pain into a public testament to his faith.
“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.
Earl “DMX” Simmons was originally appointed Deacon in 2012 at Morning Star Baptist Church in Phoenix.
EVENT DETAILS: Christ Episcopal Church, located at 43 S Broadway in Tarrytown
- EVENT: Posthumous Ordination of Minister Earl “DMX” Simmons
- DATE: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- TIME: 3:00 PM
- LOCATION: Christ Episcopal Church, 43 S Broadway, Tarrytown
- SCRIPTURE: Acts 17:31
I’ve read a few good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you set to make any such magnificent informative web site.