The Right Reverend Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church, will be the guest preacher for the Centennial Anniversary of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) of Santa Monica By the Sea on Sunday, September 12, at 11 a.m., via Zoom.
The theme is “Voices: Cherishing the Past, Embracing the Present, Welcoming the Future,” said Pastor Carolyn Baskin-Bell, who also welcomed the public to tune in for the worship service.
“All are invited to join us in our Zoom worship center and hear a dynamic word preached by Bishop Fugh,” said Baskin-Bell. “This is our culminating service after a year of monthly celebrations with individual components of the church lifting up the rich history contributed to Santa Monica.
“In 1921, the faithful pioneers met in the home of Richard and Carrie Dumas to organize an AME Church in the Santa Monica community. One hundred years later, FAME Santa Monica continues to strive in service to this present age. In reviewing the history and observing the present, God continues to smile on the ministry that was planted, sown, watered and has bloomed over these past one hundred years,” the pastor explained.
“The Stewards, Trustees, Stewardesses, Clara Bussey Women’s Missionary Society, Young People’s Division, Lay Organization, Sons of Allen, Cathedral Choir and Usher Board expressed in their own unique way the steadfast faith that empowered those pioneers to persevere. This foundational faith continues to motivate the efforts of this great church in 2021.
“I praise God for those pastors and first families who have labored before me and count it all joy to serve God and God’s people during this season,” added Baskin-Bell.
The Centennial Anniversary Committee consists of Bill and Carolyne Edwards, co-chairs; and members Syreathea Barnes-Locke, Anita Clark, Evan Goff, Kim Harrington-Goff, Donald Locke, Art Terry, Polly Terry, Rita Tresenwriter and Annie C. Wilson.
Fugh, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, was elected and consecrated as the 131st bishop in 2012. He served four years in West Africa, as the presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District.
In 2016, Fugh was assigned to his current position, where he serves as chief shepherd and administrator over AME churches in the 15 states west of the Mississippi River, including Hawaii. He was reappointed in 2021.
Previously, he led several churches in Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio for more than 30 years and was elected as general secretary and chief information officer of the AME Church. He recently completed a one-year term as president of the AME Council of Bishops.
Fugh received his Bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University, his Master of Theology degree from Boston University School of Theology and his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. Also, he completed graduate studies at Atlanta University, Payne Theological Seminary and Memphis Theological Seminary.
For information, contact the FAME Santa Monica church office at (310) 450-0331 or [email protected].
