In a historic decision, officials appointed Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness as the first woman pastor of Philadelphia's Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Cavaness's installation as pastor marks a groundbreaking moment for the church founded in the 1790s by Richard Allen, the Christian Post reported.

The Mother Bethel AME Church, established in the 1790s by Richard Allen, stands as a beacon of resilience and change. Founded as a response to racial segregation in the Methodist Episcopal Church, it has played a pivotal role in the African Methodist Episcopal denomination and American religious history overall.

Bishop Samuel Green announced Rev. Cavaness's appointment during the AME First Episcopal District Planning Meeting held on a recent Saturday. This significant announcement was followed by her inaugural service as pastor the next day, ushering in a new era for the congregation.

Before her historic appointment, Rev. Cavaness served at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Her academic journey took her to Barnard College of Columbia University where she majored in urban studies, followed by a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

The Path To Leadership At Mother Bethel

Rev. Cavaness's leadership is informed by a deep history of religious service within her family—she is a fourth-generation preacher in the AME Church. Her great-grandfather, grandmother, and father all served before her, carving a path that she followed with pride.

During her first service at Mother Bethel AME Church, Rev. Cavaness expressed her honor and humility. "I’m tremendously honored and humbled and overwhelmingly by God’s goodness and faithfulness," she told her new congregation, emphasizing continuity in their shared faith journey.

"I stand before you as a new pastor before new people. But the same God that has kept us yesterday and is keeping us right now is the same God that will keep us in the days that will unfold," she said, highlighting the unchanging support of their faith through changing times.

Preserving A Historical Landmark

Alongside spiritual leadership, Rev. Cavaness engages in maintaining the church's legacy in more tangible ways. In January, Mother Bethel received a significant boost for its preservation efforts—a $90,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Mother Bethel is honored to be awarded such a generous grant to assist with vital preservation efforts on our 134-year-old building! The $90,000 grant will make raising additional preservation dollars a much easier lift," stated the church. This funding is essential not only for the physical upkeep of the historic structure but also for the continued community and spiritual outreach in Philadelphia.

As a dynamic leader, Rev. Cavaness has also engaged in extensive interfaith charitable efforts, displaying a dedication to unity and communal support across different faiths—a testament to her broad vision of community engagement.

A Legacy of Women Leaders

Reflecting on her position in a long line of pioneering women in the AME Church, Rev. Cavaness discussed the historical context of her role. She mentioned Jarena Lee, recognized in 1819 as the first woman authorized to preach in the AME, underscoring that her appointment represents both progress and acknowledgment of past barriers.

"I’m looking forward to working together; I’m looking forward towards continuing in the long legacy as we stand as the mother of them all," Rev. Cavaness commented, expressing eagerness to contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of the AME Church.

Given her varied experiences and deep familial ties to the church, Rev. Cavaness brings a rich perspective to Mother Bethel. Her tenure begins amid hope and enthusiasm for the future, supported by the strong pillars of her predecessors and the faith community she now leads.

Symbol of Progress and Continuity

With Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness's leadership, Mother Bethel AME Church is set to continue its mission with renewed vigor and an expanded vision. Her historic appointment is not just a personal achievement but a communal milestone for the AME Church as it continues to advocate for social justice, spiritual leadership, and community support.

As Mother Bethel moves forward under Rev. Cavaness's guidance, her leadership is a beacon of change, representing both an acknowledgment of the church's historical significance and its ongoing commitment to progress and inclusivity in practices and perspectives.

The impact of her leadership and the preservation of the church's historic building are poised to reinforce the strong foundation laid by the generations before her, promising a future rich with potential and guided by faith and resilience.