WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Frazer Memorial U.M.C. Names Interim Pastor

Frazer Memorial U.M.C. Names Interim Pastor

MONTGOMERY, AL - Montgomery's largest church has a new interim pastor. Bishop Paul Leeland has appointed Rev. James Carpenter Interim Pastor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church effective Dec. 1.

"Rev. Carpenter will provide leadership and guidance, together with existing clergy and lay leaders while the Bishop works toward identifying a new Senior Pastor," the church said in a news release. "The interim period is expected to last no longer than until July, 2010, the normal cycle in which clergy appointments are made in the United Methodist Church."

The Reverend James (Jim) Carpenter was born in Demopolis, Alabama. He graduated from Troy University and Emory University Candler School of Theology.  

The church says  Carpenter has served diverse churches throughout the Alabama West Florida Conference. "Early in his ministry, Jim served as associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Panama City, Florida under senior minister, the Rev. Si Matheson. Other appointments included Lynn Haven United Methodist Church, DeFuniak Springs United Methodist Church, Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Bonifay United Methodist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church of Andalusia, and Prattville United Methodist Church."  

Jim also served six years as the Council Director for the Alabama West Florida Conference and served seven years as the District Superintendent of the Greenville and Montgomery-Prattville Districts. He retired in June, 2009 but has agreed to temporarily return to work in response to the Bishop's call.

He is married to Laura Bowden Carpenter, who is a Professor of Special Education at Auburn Montgomery. Jim has two daughters and three granddaughters.

Rev. Carpenter is set to be introduced to the Frazer congregation on Sunday, Dec. 6.