In his first publicly announced clergy appointment for 2025, the United Methodist bishop who oversees Alabama said that he’s moving a Tuscaloosa pastor to become a district superintendent.

Bishop Jonathan Holston said the Rev. Clinton Hubbard Jr., who became the first Black pastor of Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church in 2019, will be district superintendent of the East District in the North Alabama Conference, effective July 1.

“Serving as your pastor for the past six years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Hubbard wrote in a message sent to his Tuscaloosa congregation this week. “Gloria and I have been encouraged by the love and support you have given us.”

The current East District superintendent, the Rev. Vicki Cater, will retire in June.

Holston, who took over as United Methodist bishop for Alabama and the Florida Panhandle in September, will inform other North Alabama clergy of their assignments by March 20 and moves will be announced in churches by March 23.

It won’t be Hubbard’s first turn as a district superintendent. He was previously superintendent of the Cheaha District and executive director of ethnic ministries.

Hubbard graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He earned a Doctor of Ministry from Interdenominational Theological Center, Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

He was ordained an elder in 1983.

“I am humbled by the confidence Bishop Holston has in me to serve in this role,” Hubbard said. “I am appreciative for this opportunity, and I look forward to being in ministry with the fine people of the East District.”

Before Tuscaloosa First, Hubbard also served as pastor of several other United Methodist churches: New Beginnings, Brownsville, Imani, St. Paul in downtown Birmingham, Douglasville, Mason Chapel, Bethlehem and Holston Chapel.

See also: United Methodist leaders in Alabama address financial impact of church lawsuits