Presiding Elder Gary McCants has spent his life in two seemingly different and yet compatible worlds. From 1975 to 2012 he worked in the Illinois legislature, first for the House Democrats, and after 1988 as a lobbyist for the Illinois Banker's Association. But in 1979 he began a spiritual journey that eventually led to him becoming an African Methodist Episcopal minister. During his ministry he also continued to work in the legislature full time. He found that his ministry in the legislature (informal though it was) just as important as the several congregations he had ministered to since first answering the call in the late 1970s. One of those who reached out to him was then Senator Barack Obama.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Impressions of Barack Obama
Abstract
Interview Session
Lobbyist for IL Bankers Association during housing crisis and memories of Obama
You can listen to Reverend McCants' entire interview in our People of Faith collection.
Photos
Caption
All the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church laid hands upon Unites States Senator Barack Obama and prayed for him following his address at a session of the AME Church General.
Where:
St. Louis, Missouri
When:
July 2008
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
This compilation of photos was used during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. The photos in the compilation were taken by Lee Milner, photographer for the Illinois House.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2008
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
President Obama was the keynote speaker at the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial dinner at Springfield’s Crown Plaza on February 12, 2009. Elder McCants reminded President Obama that he still prayed for him following their days in the Illinois legislature.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
February 12, 2009.
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.