Rev. Julius C. Carter, born in Lathan, Alabama, was converted at the age of seven and licensed to preach at the age of 10. Rev. Carter, known as the “Boy Wonder”, left home at the age of 12 to begin evangelistic work to the glory of God. The Lord used him in a mighty way as he traveled throughout the United States and parts of Canada, Cuba and Mexico bringing thousands of souls to Christ. At the age of 15, Rev. Carter began to pastor and built churches in Alabama, Colorado, California, Arizona and New York. He was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant and Chaplain in the United States Air Corps in 1940. Additionally, Rev. Carter earned an A.B. degree from Daniel Payne College, B.D. degree from Payne Seminary, B.S. degree from Alabama State University, M.A. degree from Harvard University, S.T.M. degree from Union Theological Seminary and completed residence requirements toward a PhD degree at Columbia University.

 

Rev. Carter married a talented artist, who remains the Mother of Carter Community, Mrs. Coreania (Hayman) Carter. Mother Carter starred on Broadway in Carmen Jones. She was a member of the cast of Porgy and Bess that toured internationally. As a result of her wonderful musical gifts, Mother Carter has appeared in concerts all over the world.​

 

The Carter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by our great leader and late Pastor, Rev. Julius C. Carter in Crowe’s Funeral Home in 1947. After worshiping there for several months, the old structure was begun and completed in 1948. Because of the mastery and timely sermons delivered by Rev. Carter each Sunday with the imagination of Milton, the logic of Bacon, the diction of Chaucer, the oratory of a Demosthenes and the mind of Christ, Carter Community saw tremendous growth.​

 

It was in September of 1950 that Rev. Carter was recalled to active duty involuntarily as Chaplain (Captain) in the United States Air Force. He retired as a Chaplain at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Guest ministers from around the country filled Rev. Carter’s pulpit until his return in 1958.​

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The decade of the 60’s proved to be the metamorphosis of Carter Community, for that is when visions of the erection of a Senior Citizens Housing Complex appeared. Plans for the Senior Citizens Housing Complex commenced and finally, in 1965, the vision and dream became a reality. Carter Community moved into its new facility which not only provided housing for 72 families, but also accommodated worshipers in a convenient chapel located within the building. It was a unique structure and a first for the State of New York.​

 

Both Rev. and Mrs. Carter recognized the appreciation of fine music in the church and made a strong commitment to fill the church with talented and gifted people to provide quality music. Rev. Carter contracted with more than 50 persons to provide a sense of worship to God through the ministry of music. In 1968, the music ministry of Carter Community was revolutionized by the contemporary sound of Gospel music. It inspired many to join the church and compelled a few who had left the church to return and serve on various choirs, as well as in other organizations.​

 

From 1968, eleven years of continuous and unrelenting praise followed. As a result, in 1979, Carter Community launched its first half hour live radio broadcast, which aired directly from the sanctuary. Sunday after Sunday until 1983, “The Good News” could be heard by countless thousands who were looking forward to hearing a word from the Lord.​

 

On July 31, 1983, the Lord called home the Founder and Pastor of Carter Community AME Church, Rev. Julius C. Carter after extraordinary years of service to God’s glory. Over the years, Carter Community has had a number of Pastors appointed to serve: Rev. Dr. Larry Dixon, Rev. Robert O. Bailey, Rev. Carrie Nobles, Rev. Terry Haskell, Rev. Robert Reynolds, Rev. B. Leslie James, Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller (2010 - 2023).​

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Rev. Maerena Poole, our current pastor, was appointed to Carter Community on April 30, 2023 at the 201st Session of the New York Annual Conference by Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr. Carter Community. Rev. Poole, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is Founding Member of New Liberation AME Church in Maryland. Prior to accepting her appointment to Carter Community, Rev. Poole has served three churches as Pastor; the most recent church being Allen AME Church in White Plains, New York.