The History of the SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

Our AME Connection

Mount Calvary AME Church is a proud member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Seventh Episcopal District, which serves the state of South Carolina.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was born from the determination of people of African descent to worship God freely, experience Christian fellowship, and serve their communities with dignity. Established under the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen, the AME Church became the first independent Protestant denomination founded by Black people in the United States.

African Methodism has deep roots in South Carolina. For generations, AME congregations throughout the state have served as places of worship, education, leadership, community service, and hope. These churches have faithfully ministered through changing times while preserving the denomination’s commitment to spiritual growth, social justice, Christian education, and service to others.

The Seventh Episcopal District is the governing region of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that encompasses South Carolina. It unites congregations across the state through six annual conferences:

• Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference

• South Carolina Annual Conference

• Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference

• Northeast South Carolina Annual Conference

• Columbia South Carolina Annual Conference

• Central South Carolina Annual Conference

Through these annual conferences, local districts, pastors, lay members, missionaries, young people, and congregations work together to strengthen he church and serve communities throughout South Carolina.

The Seventh Episcopal District supports worship, evangelism, Christian education, church growth, missions, youth development, leadership training, and community outreach. Its ministries encourage congregations to remain connected to the larger AME Church while responding faithfully to the needs of their local communities.

Mount Calvary AME Church shares in this rich connectional tradition. We are part of something larger than one congregation: a worldwide family of believers joined together by a common faith, history, mission, and commitment to serving God’s people.

Through our connection with the Seventh Episcopal District, Mount Calvary receives spiritual guidance, participates in district and annual-conference ministries, supports the work of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and joins other congregations in carrying the Gospel throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Guided by the district’s call to put “God First,” inspired by Matthew 6:33, we remain committed to seeking God’s kingdom, strengthening our church, serving our community, and continuing the faithful legacy of African Methodism.

We honor those who came before us, faithfully serve in the present, and move toward the future with hope—trusting God to guide the Seventh Episcopal District, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mount Calvary AME Church for generations to come.