METUCHEN – Second Baptist Church of Metuchen will hold the installation of its new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Carla Thomas Royster, during a series of events.
Royster was born in Camden and was raised in Pennsauken. Upon high school graduation, she matriculated into undergraduate studies at Morgan State University (MSU) and HBCU in Baltimore. She graduated from MSU in 1988. After graduation, she began her 31-year career in public education, where she has served as a teacher, mentor, supervisor and principal, according to a statement provided by the church.
Royster answered her call to the ministry in 1990. She received her Master of Art in Theology from New Brunswick Theological Seminary at Rutgers, followed by a Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological Seminary, a Master in Educational Leadership from Rider University, A Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern University, and a Doctor of Theology from Masters International University of Divinity, summa cum laude, with highest distinction, according to the statement.
Royster married Mark A. Royster Sr. in 1993. They share two children, Mark and Samuel.
Royster was licensed to preach in 1991 and ordained in 1995 by Ujima Christian Church of Ewing. She was later ordained by the American Baptist Churches of NJ, Watchung Association and Cherryville Baptist Church of Flemington. She was the first African American and first female clergy member ordained in the 150-year history of Cherryville, according to the statement.
Royster pastored 13 years at Blessed Redeemer Ministries, New Church Plant in Burlington, presided over by American Baptist Churches of NJ/USA. During her pastorate, she concurrently assisted in the planting of four Christian churches that are still in existence today.
In 2010, Royster left pastoring to serve her family as her first ministry. During that time, she sat as a pulpit associate of Union Baptist Church of Trenton. She was later the assistant pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church of Newtown, Pennsylvania.
In March, Royster was chosen to serve Second Baptist Church of Metuchen, where she is the first-female pastor-elect.
To celebrate her installation, an open reception will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 27. Installation worship will be from 7-8 p.m. Guests will be Pastor Thomas Roberts of Cherryville Baptist Church and The CBC Bell & Chime Chorus.
An installation BBQ and block party will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 28.
An installation worship celebration, with dinner served in between services, will be held on Sept. 29. At 10 a.m., the guest will be the Rev. Lillian Gail Moore, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church; and at 4 p.m. the guest will be the Rev. Dr. Gregory Wallace, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in New Brunswick.
All events take place at the church, 100 Durham Ave., Metuchen.