First African Methodist Episcopal
The word African means that the church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. It does not mean that the church was founded in Africa or that it was for persons of African descent only.
The church's roots are of the family of Methodist churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.
Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination are the Bishops of the church.
History
First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME), in Seattle, Washington is the oldest church founded by African Americans in the City. In 1886, Seaborn J. Collins organized a small Sunday school band of people who had found their way to Seattle. From humble beginnings, these pioneers of faith laid a foundation that now boasts well over 1,000 members and ministries that serve the poor and the disenfranchised, as well as an emergent middle class of multi-ethnic, social conscious, politically active, and spiritually thriving intergenerational people of faith. In addition to the church’s spiritual foundation, FAME has given birth to a housing corporation (FAME Housing Corp), children’s educational programs (Education Enhancement and FAME Child Development Center), and its most recent acquisition the MLK Family Arts Mentoring Enrichment Community Center (MLK FAME Community Center).
Built on the foundation laid by Bishop Richard Allen and the early proponents of African Methodism, FAME Church is a welcoming “place of possibilities” to everyone regardless of color, gender, or economic background. Our church is proudly led by Pastor Carey G. Anderson, a true man of God, who is happily married to First Lady Phyllis Gearring-Anderson. Together, they have a son, two daughters and three grandchildren.
You will be blessed by the Word and by Song at FAME Church, Seattle, WA.
Vision & Mission
To be viewed as a Christ-centered, welcoming community of faith to everyone, that is heart-driven, mission oriented, evangelistic, and accountable to God first and to each other. To make disciples for Jesus Christ to transform our community and our world back to God.
PASTOR CAREY G. ANDERSON
Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson is the Senior Minister of First AME Church, Seattle, WA, where he
has served since November 2004. Prior to his appointment at FAME, Pastor Anderson was
Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Wichita, KS from 2000-2004, and had been the Pastor of
Bethel AME Church in Reno, Nevada from 1984 to 2000.
Pastor Anderson holds a B.A. Degree from California State University, Hayward; a Master of Divinity Degree from Pacific School of Religion Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA; and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO.
Pastor Anderson has a substance abuse counseling certification through the National Association for Addiction Professionals, his Program Administrator certification through the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, State of Nevada, and his teaching credential in the State of Nevada.
