Denominational leadership
Our Bishop &
Presiding Elder
Meet the leaders whose ministry and service help guide Hudson Grove within the A.M.E. Zion Church.
Our bishop
Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.
Bishop · A.M.E. Zion ChurchBorn in Hampton, Virginia, and raised primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bishop Starnes was shaped by his grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. J. A. Babington-Johnson, and the First A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville. He dedicated his life to Christ at age 15.
He earned a B.A. in History from Livingstone College in 1979, a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary in 1982, and a Doctor of Ministry from Beeson Divinity School in 1998.
Ordained a deacon in 1977 and an elder in 1979, he was consecrated as a bishop in 2008. His ministry spans pastoring, evangelism, teaching, community outreach, episcopal leadership, and writing.
Our presiding elder
Rev. Dr. Laticia Hill Godette
Presiding Elder · Wadesboro-Monroe DistrictRev. Dr. Godette is an elder, entrepreneur, and social justice advocate. She serves as Executive Director of the A.M.E. Zion Church’s Rapid Response Team and was the first woman appointed Presiding Elder in both the Camden and Wadesboro-Monroe Districts.
A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and Hood Theological Seminary, she founded EpiMorpheus Consulting Group and serves on the board of Trillium Health Resources.
Her work includes education, reentry support, and global outreach. She serves alongside her husband and is the mother of three daughters.
Faithful leadership · Strong community
Get to Know Hudson Grove
Learn about the local church, its history, and the people serving the congregation today.
Our Church History