Pastor Orsella R. Hughes
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Rev. Orsella Renea Hughes is a distinguished Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and currently serves as the first female Pastor of Saint Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem, NY. Her leadership journey spans multiple esteemed appointments, including Pastor at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Hartford, CT (2021-2024) and Saint James A.M.E. Church in Danbury, CT (2017-2021). Prior to these roles, she was an Associate Minister at Bethel A.M.E. Churches in New Haven and Bridgeport, CT, where she held positions such as Christian Education Director, Women's Ministry Leader, Youth Minister, and 8 AM Community Pastor. Rev. Hughes also made significant contributions as Marketing Chairperson for the First Episcopal District AME Church’s 2016 Bicentennial Celebration and is a proud member of the Connectional A.M.E. Women in Ministry.
​Professionally, Rev. Hughes has excelled as a business leader. In 2008, she was hired as Executive Business Manager at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, where she oversaw the expansion of the company from one to three locations in Connecticut. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the employee performance program, “Aria,” which inspired a culture of excellence, and helped launch “Zola,” a grief counseling division that supports families through the healing process. Currently, Rev. Hughes serves as Executive Director for The Prosperity Foundation in Connecticut, a Black Community Foundation dedicated to building endowments and providing grants to Black-led and Black-serving communities in the areas of education, economics, and health.
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Rev. Hughes is deeply committed to service beyond the church. She is a proud member of The Links, Inc., where she serves in the Greater Hartford (CT) Chapter and holds the position of Eastern Area Chair for Wellness - Mind, Body & Spirit. She is also a member of the National Council of Chaplains for The Links, Inc.
In addition to her ministerial and philanthropic work, Rev. Hughes is a successful entrepreneur. She is the owner of "Serenity Ceremonies by Rev. Orsella," offering wedding officiating services both domestically and internationally, as well as premarital spiritual counseling. With numerous 5-star reviews, her business has been recognized with WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice Award and The Knot’s Best of Weddings for seven consecutive years. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Munaluchi Bridal, BRIDES, Black Brides, and The B Collective Magazine.
​Rev. Hughes's pursuit of education is a testament to her commitment to excellence. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, MA, a Certificate in Business Management from Cornell University, and a Certificate of Women’s Studies from Hartford, Seminary, Hartford, CT. These academic achievements, coupled with her extensive experience, demonstrate her competence and expertise in her field.
In her personal life, Rev. Hughes married First Gentleman Howard Hughes in 2012. The couple shares a deep love for walks on the beach, dancing together, and filling their lives with laughter.
