Rev. Gaylen Dion Richmond was born to Ms. Brenda Richmond and Mr. Gaylen Harris on January 28, 1984 in the town of Waukegan, IL. He accepted his call into ministry as a senior in high school (April 2003) while worshipping at St. James A.M.E. Church in Abbeville, SC under the leadership of Rev. James E. Thompson. Rev. Richmond is a fifth-generation preacher and has joyfully served the ministry for more than 12 years.
After graduating from Abbeville High School in 2003, he attended and graduated from Allen University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 2007. He recently graduated from Columbia International University with a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry.
Rev. Richmond was ordained in 2008 as an Itinerant Deacon in the Seventh Episcopal District Piedmont Conference. In 2013, he was appointed the pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church in Columbia, SC. He worked diligently towards the growth and spiritual health of Mt. Olive and enjoyed serving parishioners and the community.
His associate pastoral ministry experience includes serving with Chappelle Memorial A.M.E. Church in Columbia, SC, Williams A.M.E. Church in Lexington, SC, and Pleasant Springs A.M.E. Church in Columbia, SC. At Pleasant Springs, under the direction of Rev. Marion Reeves, he helped in various roles including working with youth.
He is the founder of the Manna from Heaven Ministry, a community-based outreach mission that provides clothing, food and resources for those in need.
A former Juvenile Specialist at the Department of Juvenile Justice in the area of restorative rehabilitation and security, Rev. Richmond is currently employed as a Probation Officer for the Richland County Department of Juvenile Justice, specializing in making criteria-specific recommendations for juveniles who are re-entering their respective communities.
Rev. Richmond has a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor. He is Christ-centered and dedicated to the Great Commission. Rev. Richmond lives his life according to his favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NIV).
Mill Creek A.M.E. Church 