The African Methodist Episcopal Church proudly announces the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Maxine Sumpter as Presiding Elder of the Newberry District and the Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson as the new Pastor of Youngs Chapel AME Church in Irmo, SC. These appointments were made by Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District, during the 2025 Planning Meeting.
Honoring the Leadership and Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Maxine Sumpter
Rev. Dr. Maxine Sumpter has faithfully served as Pastor of Youngs Chapel AME Church since November 2016, leading the congregation
through nine years of transformative, fruitful, and community-centered ministry. Under her leadership, the church experienced spiritual, numerical, and financial growth, expanded its youth and outreach ministries, strengthened technological engagement, completed multiple facility upgrades, launched a memorial garden project, and built strong civic, educational, and governmental partnerships that enhanced the church’s reach and impact in Irmo and the Midlands region.
Members of Youngs Chapel deeply praise Dr. Sumpter’s visionary pastoral leadership, compassionate spiritual care, and community advocacy, expressing profound gratitude for nearly a decade of service that strengthened the church’s foundation for generations to come.
Youngs Chapel celebrates her elevation to Presiding Elder and affirms their continued partnership with her as she transitions into district leadership.
Welcoming the Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson as Pastor of Youngs Chapel
Succeeding Dr. Sumpter is the Rev. Fedrick Allen Wilson, a dynamic pastor, scholar, community builder, and former seminary student of Dr. Sumpter. Pastor Wilson blends “the heart of a pastor, the mind of a scholar, and the hands of a community builder,” bringing expertise in church growth, spiritual formation, counseling, organizational leadership, community engagement, and innovative ministry development.
A native of Williamsburg County, SC, Rev. Wilson has served congregations across the state and brings a distinguished record as a United States Army Reserves Commissioned Officer, educator, and nonprofit leader. He is joyfully supported by his wife, Mrs. Tenessa Bell Wilson, and their children—Taylor, Timothy, and Trenton.
Pastor Wilson and Dr. Sumpter share a meaningful mentor-student relationship as
The leadership, membership, and friends of Youngs Chapel AME Church affirm that this is a spirit-led and seamless pastoral transition. The congregation’s response has been overwhelmingly positive—expressing heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Sumpter’s nine years of transformative leadership and joyful excitement in welcoming Pastor Wilson and his family.
Pastor Wilson has affirmed Dr. Sumpter as a continuing mentor, friend, and ministry advisor, and she will remain connected to Youngs Chapel as a valued community partner.
As Youngs Chapel enters this exciting new chapter, the congregation remains committed to its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ, serving the community, and transforming lives through love, faith, and action.
About Youngs Chapel AME Church
Founded in 1897, Youngs Chapel AME Church has been a beacon of faith, service, and resilience for over a century. Rooted in a vibrant legacy of dedicated pastors and community impact—including leaders who have become bishops, presiding elders, and civic trailblazers—the church continues to grow spiritually, numerically, and missionally.
