Our History

The inaugural worship service of the First AME South Church was held Easter Sunday 2003. Founded by former Pastor of First AME Church Seattle the Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter, it was then known as the Kent Worship Center. Based in a rented cafeteria at the Sequoia Junior High School in Kent, Washington, and led by worship leaders such as the Rev. Micah Daniels, the church quickly become known for its casual, yet spirit-filled, and enthusiastic worship services. Its congregation would not allow form or fashion to hinder the praise and worship that is due the Lord and savior Jesus Christ. For many parishioners now residing in the suburbs south of Seattle, it also provided a more accessible and convenient site for worship, reflecting the shifting demographics of the time.

 

Many associate pastors from First AME Church Seattle would lead the worship services, including the Rev. Thomas Calhoun, Rev. Willie Hodge, and Rev. Ebenezer Ben Mudede. As the membership grew to nearly 100, it became apparent that a more accommodating space would be needed. So the Worship Center was relocated to the Emerald Park Elementary school in Kent, Washington in the spring of 2004 and renamed First AME (FAME) South, where it exists to this day.

 

The First AME South congregation has been blessed to have the spoken word given by Rev. Hunter and a host of esteemed guest and associate Pastors, and Licentiates, including the current Pastor of First AME Church Seattle the Reverend Carey G. Anderson, Presiding Elder Ellis H. Casson, and Presiding Elder Shermella Garrett. The Third Anniversary service 2006 was administered by Presiding Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. of the Fourteen Episcopal District (Africa).

 

In 2004, a young, energetic Minister by the name of George Isiah Davenport was assigned as coordinator to FAME South. Well known for his impromptu praise dances and unabashed love of the Lord, Rev. George (as he is now affectionately known) often challenged the congregation by asking “Are you really Saved?” During this period many programs initiated by dedicated members began to expand and reach out into the surrounding communities. These included a Domestic Violence program where recycled and restored cell phones were donated to victims of domestic violence and abuse, and the Christmas Gift Giving program for needy families. In 2006 Reverend George Davenport was ordained, and appointed Itinerant Deacon. He is the current worship and spiritual leader of First AME South.

 

Today the First AME South Church, with the assistance of First AME Church Seattle remains committed to securing a permanent sanctuary, a multipurpose facility for not only worship and praise, but positive community activism and outreach. God commands us to love our fellow man, and manifest that love in not only words, but deeds.

 

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

1 John 3:18