Reverend Judith Moore didn’t know she was blazing a trail when she became the first African-American woman to pastor three churches; including her newest, First AME Church of God In Christ in Clairton.

REV. JUDITH MOORE

“I knew wherever I was, I had the opportunity to pass the baton. I look at myself as the one who’s holding the door open. I’m blessed that First AME gave me the chance to be the first,” said Moore, a Mims, Fla., native and New Kensington resident.

Located at 177 Mitchell Ave. in the City of Prayer, First AME has a congregation of 100 members. It is the largest church Moore has ever pastored in her 15-year ministry. Moore was appointed First AME’s shepherd in October of 2006 by Bishop Robert V. Vaughn

Prior to her First AME appointment, Moore served three smaller churches: St. Paul in West Newton, Christian Chapel in Penn Hills both for two years and Braddock-based Calvary AME for five years. She earned her master’s of divinity and doctorate of ministry about six years ago from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

“I didn’t see my gender as hindrance,” said Moore who has been married to her supportive husband, Leo for 21 years. “I believe that God called me as a shepherd and the challenge was an easy one. It was to love the people and equip the saints and work in any capacity, whether it be moping the floors or singing in the choir.

“My gender gives me the ability to nurture and to multi-task,” said the soft-spoken Moore. “When people saw that I had the ability to work, it was good for them. I came in talking and working and people began to understand that I was there for one purpose, which was to stay focused on the ministry and keep moving and edifying the Body of Christ.”

Lifelong First AME parishioner Wanda Allen has noticed a positive change in members and the church in general.

“Our theme this year is ‘Pump Up The Volume’ and she has definitely done that. She is a wonderful pastor for our church and it’s been a joy having her there,” Allen said.

Fellow church member, Elizabeth Gissendanner agrees.

“She tries to get along with everyone in the church and works very well with children and she’s not afraid to work herself,” Gissendanner said. “If you needed her to help scrub a floor she would do it. She’s everything we want in a minister and more.”

Before answering God’s call to minister, Moore worked at Westinghouse’s Monroeville office for 15 years as a purchasing agent. Before that she taught elementary school in Texas for three years.

“I was always in love with God. I always felt that I had a relationship with him and I thought I could serve from the pew,” Moore said. “We grew up knowing that we had to give back to the community and the youth is what hooked me.”

Since taking over at First AME, Moore has worked tirelessly to bring the church closer to the greatness she believes it can achieve.

“My goal is that we are a praying church who believes that when we pray to God, God believes us and servitude is the way we’ll get to Heaven. We have to learn to put God first, love God, ourselves and our neighbors. Then we’re equipped to go out and deal with things in our community.” Moore said.

Moore has big plans for the church.

She plans to create a leadership academy complete with day programs for seniors and youths. Moore also wants to help single and pregnant women “because we want them to know that we love them and care for them,” she said with a smile.

“I want to see AME transformed. My hope is that people are drawn to the ministry and will get involved in the care of the community,” she concluded.