Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the WNCC: Rev. Dr. Abraham Kim

By: Jim Pyatt, WNCC Archivist & Historian

The Rev. Dr. Abraham Kim

Rev. Dr. Abraham Kim became the first Asian-American to be elected as a clergy delegate to Jurisdictional Conference from the WNC Conference.  He served in our conference’s delegation in both 2004 and 2008. Rev. Dr. Kim transferred into the WNC Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1989, having served in the Korean Methodist Church from 1968-1989, including serving as a District Superintendent from 1985-1989. He has served as pastor of Korean UMC in Asheville, NC from 1989-1992; Fairview Charge (Bethany, Fairview-Sharon, Tweeds Chapel, Korean-Asheville) from 1992-1996; Elkwood-Fairview/Sharon-Asheville: Korean 1996-1998; Ward Street UMC in High Point, NC 1998-2003; Oakview UMC in High Point, NC from 2003-2006; Mount Mitchell UMC in Kannapolis, NC from 2006-2009; Proximity UMC in Greensboro, NC from 2009-2011. While he retired in 2011, Rev. Dr. Kim continues to serve as pastor at Worthville UMC in Randleman.

Born in Kyunngi, Korea, Rev. Dr. Kim received his bachelor’s degree from Mokwon Methodist University, his Master of Divinity Degree from Erskine University, and his Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. He is married to Sarah, a public school teacher.

 

Be sure to read the other biographies written by WNCC Archivist & Historian Jim Pyatt:

Rev. Karen Miyoshi Kagiyama, the first Asian-American women to be ordained an Elder in the WNCC.

In Muk Kim, the first Asian-American to be elected as a delegate (clergy or lay) to Jurisdictional Conference from the WNC Conference.

Rev. M. B. Lee McCrary, the first woman to become a full clergy member of the Western North Carolina Conference. 

Rev. Dolores Barus Queen, the first woman to serve as District Superintendent in the Western NC Conference.

Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, the first (and to date, the only) woman to serve as Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference.

Mrs. Jettie Morrison, a key figure in the Women's Society of Christian Service and the integration of The United Methodist Church in 1968.

Bishop L. Scott Allen (May 4, 1918-September 18, 2004), the first (and to date, the only) African-American to serve as Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference.

Mrs. Effie Miller (September 17, 1930-September 1, 2008), a leader in the Western North Carolina Conference and the United Methodist Church, especially with regard to the United Methodist Women.

The Rev. Dr. J. C. Peters (July 10, 1925- July 2, 1998), the first African-American to serve as a District Superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference.

Mr. Clarence Winchester,  a leader in the North Carolina Conference (Central Jurisdiction) and in the WNC Conference.

Dr. Isaac Miller (September 26, 1920-November 1, 2008), a leader in Higher Education and in the United Methodist Church.