ABOUT FAME SOUTH
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. The Kent Worship Center was initially based in a rented cafeteria at the Sequoia Junior High School in Kent, Washington. It was led by worship leader the Rev. Micah Daniels, who quickly became known for leading spirit-filled, and enthusiastic worship services. The congregation would not allow form or fashion to hinder the praise and worship that is due the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The membership at the Worship Center began to grow. 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.
As the membership grew to nearly 100, it became apparent that a more accommodating space would be needed. So in the Spring of 2004 the Worship Center was relocated to the Emerald Park Elementary school in Kent, Washington. Rev. Daniels continued as our Worship Leader, followed briefly by the Rev. Darryl Williams, who had a fighting spirit for our Lord. In 2005 the Senior Pastor of First AME Church, the Rev. Carey G. Anderson renamed the Worship Center First AME (FAME) South. It was through God’s grace, Rev. Anderson’s senior leadership, and continuance of that vision that FAME South exists to this day. Other associate pastors from First AME Church Seattle would lead the FAME South worship services, including the Rev. Thomas Calhoun, Rev. Willie Hodge, and Rev. Ebenezer Ben Mudede.
In 2004, Rev. George Davenport was assigned as coordinator to FAME South. Well known for his impromptu praise dances and unabashed love of the Lord, Rev. George often challenged the congregation by asking “Are you really Saved?” Many ministries were established at this time, and programs of community service and outreach begun.
The First AME South congregation has been blessed to have the spoken word given by a host of esteemed guest, senior and associate Pastors, and licentiates, including 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).
Today the FAME South Church is led by the Rev. Dr. Tom Carpenter. He is proving to be a leader, scholar, visionary and teacher. He not only remains committed to securing a permanent sanctuary, a multipurpose facility for not only worship and praise, community activism and outreach, but is helping lay the framework through his Growth Ministry.
God commands us all to love our fellow man, and manifest that love in not only words, but deeds.