Watch: New Emanuel AME Pastor Honored in Sumter

Sumter, S.C. (WOLO) — Its been nine months since a mass shooting claimed the lives of nine churchgoers at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

One of the slain individuals was the church’s pastor Clementa Pinckney.

As congregation members cope, they welcome a new pastor, Dr.Betty Clark who is still in disbelief at the incident.

She says, “I just couldn’t believe that people were in church and they were worshipping and someone would do what this man did. It was just unbelievable in some ways I’m still in shock because it’s unbelievable.”

Prior to moving Emanuel AME, Clark presided over Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Sumter.

During her time in Sumter she became an integral part of the community.

Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark says, “I think that from tragedy comes good things and I think she is a leader. She’s demonstrated leadership in everything she did everyday”

Members of Emanuel AME are confident that her leadership will greatly aid in restoring the congregation’s spirit.

Willi Glee, a member at the church says, “She’s and interesting kind of nurturing person she has a way of making people feel good and able to talk to her”

Healing for a place that holds a special place in her heart.

Dr.Clark says, “Going to Emanuel AME is like going home, it’s going home.”

She will serve as Emanuel AME’s 33rd pastor and will make history as the first female pastor in the church’s 197 year history.