Oldest Methodist bishop in the world, South Carolina native dies at 102

SOUTH CAROLINA (WCIV) — South Carolina native Frederick Calhoun James, the oldest Methodist bishop in the world, has passed away at the age of 102.

James' death was announced by the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church on April 24.

According to the district, James was born on April 7, 1922, in Prosperity. He was elected director of Social Action of the AME Church in 1960 and had a close bond with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1972, according to the district, James was elected the 93rd bishop in the AME Church and was assigned to Southern Africa, where he established schools, a publishing house, churches, and centers for economic empowerment. James was assigned to Arkansas and Oklahoma in 1976 and is credited with championing youth development, restoring accreditation for Shorter College, and spearheading urban housing initiatives. He also developed a close relationship with former president Bill Clinton.

James returned to South Carolina in 1984 and served as the presiding bishop and chair of the board of trustees of Allen University, his alma mater. He is credited with helping Allen attain accreditation and facilitating the acquisition of the James Shopping Center, according to the district.

The district says James was appointed ecumenical officer, representing the AME Church globally, and oversaw the Second Episcopal District, which encompasses North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. He also represented the United States as an official member of the delegation that attended the 1994 inauguration of Nelson Mandela as the president of South Africa.

"Bishop Frederick C. James has left an indelible mark on the AME Church in South Carolina and beyond," Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr. said in a statement. "As a committed prophetic voice, community builder, and advocate for education, Bishop James embodied true servant leadership that will serve as a model for generations to come."

A celebration of life for James will be held on April 27 at 12:01 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 819 Woodrow St. in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bishop Frederick C. James Scholarship Fund at Allen University at: https://allen-university.snwbll.com/bishop-frederick-c-james-scholarship-fund