Five decades after he first founded the storefront church Christ is the Answer Church in Northeast D.C., Archbishop Alfred Owens Jr. passed the baton to a 33-year-old preacher to serve as lead pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, one of the District’s largest congregations.
On Saturday, pastors from many denominations packed Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church to witness the installation of the Rev. Rodney L. Carter Jr. as pastor and his wife Cherese as the church’s new co-pastor and first lady.
In a four-hour celebration, the installation recognized the rich legacy of Bishop Owens and Co-Pastor Susie Owens, and served as a welcome program for the Carters.
“We honor God for this opportunity,” said the Rev. Matthew Watley, pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, who officiated over the program. “We are here to celebrate the birthing of a pastor and a people.”
During the service, leaders of Calvary’s ministries joined deacons, trustees and family to encourage Pastor Carter, who was named lead pastor-elect of the Northeast church in May 2023. Carter Jr. is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College and former co-lead pastor of Grace Church in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The new leader of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church comes from three generations of pastors. “I am reminded of sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother Lois, and in your mother Eunice and I am persuaded now lives in you,” said Dr. Peter Teague, founder and president of Lancaster Bible College.
Terry Carter, first lady of Revival Temple Church and Carter Jr.’s mother, said her son really started preaching at age 3, when he recited Psalm 23. “He is anointed for the task. He definitely has a pastor’s heart,” she said.
His father, Revival Temple Church Overseer Rodney L. Carter Sr., said Phillipians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” — should be his son’s guide.
Bishop B. Courtney McBath, pastor of Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia, delivered the sermon. McBath compared Bishop Owens, who founded the Northeast church at the age of 19, to David who killed Goliath in the Old Testament.
“There was a giant-killer walking around D.C.,” McBath said. “We are standing at a turning point, standing on the shoulder of a giant killer. Stuff happens when a giant killer comes to town.”
He continued using the story of David as inspiration.
“David was the last choice of Samuel and Jesse but he was the first choice of Jehovah,” said McBath. He added that Owens selecting Carter as successor proves that he is a fellow giant-killer saying “it takes one to know one.”
The bishop’s wife and longtime church leader expressed gratitude to the Greater Mount Calvary community and offered First Lady Carter a call-to-action.
“I thank you for all you mean to Bishop and I… I want to thank the church for allowing me to serve for 52 years,” she said, before addressing First Lady Carter.
“Always remember that you are a servant,” Owens told Carter “I want to charge you to be faithful, be forgiving, be fearless. The battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s…Silence is a weapon. Watch your words.”
Bishop Owens has formed a relationship with the new pastor and knows he is ready to lead the large flock.
“I don’t expect you to be me…. Work with that smile. You have a contagious smile,” he said.
He also offered the new pastor a warning.
“Be prepared. You are up against more than you can handle on your own,” the bishop said. “Work as Jesus Christ’s servant.”
John K Jenkins Sr,, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, presented Carter Jr. with a Bible and said, “I am so grateful for your life. Teach and preach the word of God.”
Greater Mount Calvary’s new first lady also spoke to the crowd.
“How do I describe a moment like this,” she questioned, before looking at her husband to address him.“Thank you for taking care of our family.” She then looked at the audience and said, “Thank you Calvary. I get the privilege to serve as your First Lady.”
After his installation, Carter Jr.’s comments were inspired by the lyrics of a song. “To God Be the glory for the great things He has done. In all that I do I want to give God the glory.”
Thank you Archbishop Owen for all of the wonderful sermons throughout the years. May God continues to bless you and Co-Pastor Susie.
Great man. Started out with bishop Owens in my formative years. He has been great inspiration in and out of church
I am so grateful for Bishop Owens and Co Pastor Susie Owens. You have passed the baton – Now you can see your work in the vineyard and continue to mentor Pastor Carter and also see forth coming changes as Pastor Carter continues the work in the vineyard. So many leaders have passed away and never saw anyone in the church or anyone that they would pass the baton to. All that wisdom and knowledge went into the grave (hypothetically speaking). May God continue to bless you and your family.