Mount Vernon pastor gives last sermon before taking on role of bishop

After almost two decades, a Mount Vernon pastor gave his final sermon Sunday at the Greater Centennial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on South Eighth Avenue before moving to California and beginning his new role as a bishop.

Bishop W. Darin Moore will be moving to Pasadena, Calif., to oversee churches in a territory stretching from Alaska to Arizona. The Mount Vernon native, whose mother reared him and three brothers, said great things can come from humble beginnings.

"There's another Darin Moore who's 8 or 9 that has a bright future if the community gives back," he said.

Moore led the Mount Vernon church for 19 years. He was elevated to bishop -- one of 12 in the AME Zion Church worldwide -- by a delegation last summer.

Parishioner Barbara Smith said Moore never failed to deliver inspiration.

"We learn something every time we come, whether it's Bible study or speaking to him," she said. "He's a pastor who preaches and teaches -- so important."