Pastors of Mother Emanuel

Two framed sets of headshot portraits on a wood-paneled wall.

Spiritual Leadership of Mother Emanuel

Mother Emanuel AME Church stands firmly upon a rich foundation of spiritual leadership within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since 1865, the Lord has continually blessed this sacred house of worship with anointed vessels appointed to guide His people with wisdom, faith, and divine purpose. From generation to generation, each pastor and leader has carried forward the sacred mission of proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing disciples, and serving the community. Rooted in faith and strengthened by God’s enduring grace, Mother Emanuel continues to move forward—led by the Holy Spirit and committed to being a beacon of hope, healing, and love for all.

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Reverend Richard H. Cain

Reverend William H. Brown

Reverend A. Thomas Carr

Reverend M. B. Salter

Reverend N. B. Sterrett

Reverend L. Ruffin Nichols

Reverend Bruce H. Williams

Reverend L. Ruffin Nichols

Reverend William Wesley Beckett

Reverend N. B. Sterrett

Reverend A. E. Peets

Reverend J. H. Welch

Reverend H. W. B. Bennett

Reverend N. B. Sterrett*

Reverend T. B. Nelson*

Reverend P. J. Chavis*

Reverend I. W. Wilborn*

Reverend J. E. Beard*

Reverend J. E. Thomas*

Reverend E. H. McGill*

Reverend R. E. Brogdon*

Reverend Frank R. Veal

Reverend Samuel R. Higgins

Reverend Benjamin J. Glover

Reverend H. B. Butler

Reverend Willie J. Jefferson, Jr.

Reverend Alonzo W. Holman

Reverend John H. Gillison

Reverend William Smith, Jr. 

Reverend Lavern Witherspoon

Reverend Stephen Singleton

Reverend John H. Gillison

Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney

Reverend Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr.

Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark

Reverend Dr. Eric S. C. Manning


1865-1869

1868-1871

1871-1875

1875-1879

1879-1882

1883-1886

1887-1890

1891-1894

1895

1896-1900

1900-1901

1901-1905

1906-1910

1911







1945-1949

1949-1953

1953

1953-1965

1965-1973

1973-1978

1978-1988

1988-1996

1996-2004

2004-2006

2006-2010

2010 Interim Pastor

2010-2015

2015-2016 Interim Pastor

2016

2016-Present


   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

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*  Based on our research, we believe that the order of succession is accurate. We are unable to document with certainty the dates that these pastors served.

 

~ These pastors died while serving as pastors at Mother Emanuel.