Historic Zion Baptist Church in Columbia installed Rev. Dr. James Palmer, Jr. as its 13th pastor on Sunday, October 11, 2026, marking a new chapter for the congregation founded in 1865.
The installation celebration was held under the theme “One Body and One Spirit in Christ,” drawn from Ephesians 4:4–6.
The weekend’s observances began Wednesday, October 7, with a dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and an evening prayer service at 6:30 p.m. On installation Sunday, morning worship began at 11 a.m., followed by the Pastoral Installation Service at 3 p.m. and a reception in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Rev. Dr. Peter M. Wherry, pastor of Mayfield Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, preached during morning worship. Rev. Dr. Blakely N. Scott, pastor of Columbia’s First Nazareth Baptist Church, served as the installation preacher.
Palmer was elected by the congregation in June 2026 to become Zion’s 13th pastor. A Petersburg, Virginia, native, he brings more than three decades of experience in ministry, education, counseling, and leadership…