Hopkins Chapel AME Zion Church Welcomes New Spiritual Leader
The Rev. Sherman G. Dunmore, Sr., who was born in Andrews, SC, is now serving as minister.
By Sarah Williams –
Hopkins Chapel AME Zion Church has welcomed its new spiritual leader, the Rev. Sherman G. Dunmore, Sr., and his wife Dr. Sharon Vinson Dunmore, to its pastorate.
Rev. Dunmore was born in Andrews, SC, and, after finishing high school in Montclair, New Jersey, earned his BA from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, NJ. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC and an M.Ed. from University of San Diego. More recently, having received a Fellowship in the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University, he is now completing his Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations in Education at Syracuse.
Since his first pastorate with the Mainville Circuit, WNC Conference, from 1978 to 1981, Rev. Dunsmore has led the historic People’s AME Zion Church in Syracuse, NY; Columbus Avenue AME Zion Church in Boston, MA; and Spottswood AME Zion Church in New Britain, CT. Most recently he served as Coordinating Chaplain of the NY Department of Corrections and Community Services.
As natives of the area—Dr. Dunsmore was born in Catawba, NC—the couple were glad of the opportunity to transfer to the Piedmont District of the A.M.E. Zion Church on Rev. Dunsmore’s retirement, and he feels blessed to have received the appointment to pastor Hopkins Chapel.
“The pandemic has given all of us a New Beginning to show our faithfulness and strength, as we have been spared to live and serve in the present age. There are certain attributes and values that do not change, such as family, community, love, and compassion. No man walks alone. We need each other. We are thankful to our forefathers who laid a foundation for us to stand on their shoulders so that we can lift the banner higher for the next generation.”
Both Rev. Dunsmore and his wife are also trained community organizers, trained by César Chavez through the Industrial Area Foundation, founded by the legendary labor activist Saul Alinsky. They also bring with them strong psychosocial counseling skills. Through collaborative efforts with Syracuse University Engineering School, the Dunmores cofounded Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, now comprising six schools.
One Hopkins Chapel member, Jennifer Cady, spoke about her pleasure with her new pastor’s preaching and teaching: “I enjoy his sermons … the way he relates things to everyday life and those things help you to cope in today’s world. He reaches out religiously to youth in the church and allows them to talk about ideas they have for increasing youth participation. He wants to incorporate their ideas and interests.”
In addition to leading Asheville’s historic Hopkins Chapel church, preaching to his congregation, and ministering to the church’s youth, Rev. Dunsmore considers himself “a pastor of the community.
“I enjoy teaching, fishing, singing, jazz, going to concerts, and eating good food. I love German chocolate cake, Juicy Fruit cake, moist pound cake, traveling, restoring picture frames, and empowering youth. I also enjoy helping people to transform their lives and hanging out with my members on Sunday after church service.”
Rev. Dunsmore and Dr. Dunsmore have been blessed with four amazing sons of whom they are immensely proud: Sherman Dunmore Jr., Robert L. Dunmore, John Wesley Stormy Dunmore, and Immanuel H. Dunmore.
