Historic Zion Baptist Church will celebrate a new chapter in its history on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the installation of Rev. Dr. James Palmer, Jr. as the church’s 13th pastor.
Rev. Dr. James Palmer, Jr.
The congregation is grateful and excited to enter a new season of Kingdom-building, faith, fellowship, and service. The installation celebration will be held under the theme, “One Body and One Spirit in Christ,” based on Ephesians 4:4–6. Burgundy has been designated as the color of the day.
The celebration will begin on Wednesday, October 7, with dinner served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening Prayer service at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, October 11, Morning Worship will begin at 11 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Peter M. Wherry, pastor of Mayfield Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving as guest preacher.
The Pastoral Installation Service will be held at 3 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Blakely N. Scott, pastor of First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, serving as the installation preacher. A celebratory reception will follow immediately in the Fellowship Hall.
A Distinguished Life of Ministry and Service
Rev. Dr. James Palmer, Jr., a Retired U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel, is a seasoned Christian minister, educator, counselor, and servant leader. Ordained through the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., Dr. Palmer is a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and has devoted more than three decades to Christian ministry, spiritual care, leadership, and service to others.
Dr. Palmer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, in 1988. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 1991.
While pursuing his Master of Arts degree in American Studies at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Dr. Palmer served as interim pastor of Historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, gaining valuable experience in congregational leadership and pastoral ministry.
He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University in 2003. His doctoral project, Preventive Maintenance for Couple Success Training: Ministering to Military Families, reflected his commitment to strengthening marriages and providing effective ministry to military families. In 2004, he earned a Master of Arts degree in American Studies from The College of William & Mary.
Three Decades of Military Ministry
In December 1992, Dr. Palmer entered the United States Army as a Chaplain, beginning a distinguished 31-year career in military ministry and leadership. Throughout his service, he provided spiritual care, religious education, counseling, and leadership to Soldiers, Families, and communities around the world.
His exemplary service led to his selection for the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship Program at George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
One of the most significant milestones of his military career came in July 2021, when the Army Chief of Chaplains selected him to serve as the 44th Commandant of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School, now known as the U.S. Army Institute for Religious Leadership, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
With that historic appointment, Chaplain Palmer became only the second African American chaplain to serve as commandant in the school’s 107-year history. In that position, he was responsible for the training and education of thousands of newly commissioned chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists serving in the Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.
His military service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including three Legion of Merit awards and the Bronze Star Medal.
After 31 years of faithful and distinguished service, Dr. Palmer retired from the United States Army, concluding a remarkable chapter of military ministry while continuing his lifelong commitment to serving God and His people.
Continued Commitment to Faith and Community
Following his military retirement, Dr. Palmer continued to invest his time and talents in faith and community service. He is a faithful member of First Nazareth Baptist Church and remains actively engaged with the Columbia Branch of the NAACP.
He serves as a board member of Gozo Health Corporation and is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. In July 2024, he was inducted into the Columbia Greek Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished military career and significant contributions to the community.
In June 2026, Dr. Palmer was elected to serve as the 13th Pastor of Historic Zion Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. His new pastoral assignment represents a continuation of a life dedicated to spiritual leadership, service, teaching, mentorship, and the care and development of people.
Dr. Palmer is married to the former Faith A. Turner of Richmond, Virginia. Together, they are the proud parents of three children: two sons, James III and Jeremiah, and a daughter, Jordan.
A New Chapter for Historic Zion
Historic Zion Baptist Church invites its members, family, friends, fellow congregations, clergy, and the Columbia community to join in this special celebration.
The installation of Rev. Dr. Palmer marks the beginning of a new pastoral chapter for the historic congregation—one centered on unity, spiritual growth, service, and Kingdom-building.
As the church gathers under the theme “One Body and One Spirit in Christ,” members and guests will come together in worship and fellowship to welcome their new pastor and celebrate the continued work of God through Historic Zion Baptist Church.