Youngs Chapel AME to celebrate 129th church anniversary

Youngs Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate its 129th anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the 7336 Carlisle St. church in Irmo.

This year’s anniversary theme is “A Legacy of Faith: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Inspiring Our Future,” based on Joel 1:3 and Hebrews 13:7.

The anniversary celebration will welcome the Rev. Donnie C. Chambers, pastor of Red Hill Baptist Church in Gadsden, as guest preacher. The afternoon service will also feature local choirs and musical guests, bringing together voices from the community for an uplifting celebration of worship, music, faith and fellowship.

For nearly 13 decades, Youngs Chapel AME Church has been a place of worship, Christian formation, service and community, the church said in a news release. The 129th anniversary will provide an opportunity to remember the generations that helped build and sustain the congregation, celebrate the ministry taking place today and renew the church’s commitment to serving future generations.

“Our 129th anniversary is more than a celebration of how long Youngs Chapel has existed — it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness through generations,” said the Rev. Fedrick A. Wilson, pastor of Youngs Chapel AME Church. “We honor those whose prayers, sacrifices, service and faith prepared the way for us. We celebrate what God is doing in our church and community today, and we look toward the future with faith, hope and expectation. We invite the entire community to come and celebrate with us.”

The congregation is extending a special invitation to former members, neighboring churches, community leaders, families, friends and residents throughout Irmo and the Midlands to participate in the celebration.

“The anniversary reflects Youngs Chapel’s continuing commitment to being a church family for today and a hope for tomorrow, where people are encouraged to worship, grow, serve and belong,” the news release says.