The historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia has made history, naming a woman as its new pastor for the first time in its 237-year history, writes Nate File for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The church has appointed Rev. Carolyn Cavaness to serve as the church’s 53rd pastor.

“Rev. Cavaness brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to social justice, and a dynamic vision for the future of the church,” Mother Bethel A.M.E. said in a news release. “Under Rev. Cavaness’ leadership, the church aims to strengthen its commitment to its mission of faith, service, and justice.”

The news comes just over a week after long-time Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler stepped down from the pastor role after 16 years.

Cavaness is a fourth-generation preacher who had served as Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ardmore since 2014. She was also the first female pastor of that church.

She was officially announced as the new pastor at Mother Bethel A.M.E. at the First Episcopal District Fall Convocation.

After the announcement, she expressed her gratitude and recognition to A.M.E. leadership, her family, and Ardmore congregation.

Cavaness also sent a message for other preachers and churchgoers who are anxious about the presidential election results.

“We’ve got power to overcome. Power to prevail, power to preach, power to bring down strongholds, power to get our children back, power to say and believe and know that God did it then, and God will do it right now,” she said.

Read more about Rev. Carolyn Cavaness’ historic appointment in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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