Rev. Patrick Clayborn Takes Over for Reid at Bethel AME
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new pastor has joined Bethel AME Church. Sunday marked Reverend Patrick D. Clayborn's first sermon at the 231-year-old West Baltimore church.
Rev. Frank M. Reid III, the church's pastor for 28 years, was recently elevated to the rank of bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, an active member of Bethel AME, tells our media partner The Baltimore Sun, that she was refreshed and encouraged by Clayborn's sermon, which focused on encouraging parishioners to be courageous and dare to be yourself.
"I'm looking forward to this new chapter in Bethel," Dixon said. "I think he will bring a lot of great new ideas and strong leadership, and stir up in many of us some of the gifts that have gone dormant for whatever reason."
Clayborn, a Memphis native, earned degrees at Morehouse College and Georgia Institute of Technology before entering the ministry. He was formerly a pastor of St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Ala. His wife, Sheri, is also a pastor.