First Union Baptist Church on Derwent Road is preparing to bid farewell to Pastor Tommy Fleming, who will retire Aug. 31 after four years of service.

Fleming described his time at the church as “one of the greatest honors” of his life, noting that First Union has long been a spiritual home for him and his family. 

“My wife and I consider First Union Baptist Church as our ‘home,’” Fleming said. “We raised our children and grew in grace at First Union. To return and serve as pastor has been more than I could have ever imagined.” 

The congregation recently voted to elect the Rev. Roberta Young-Jackson as the church’s 18th pastor, effective Sept. 1. Details of her installation service and First Union’s 150th anniversary celebration will be announced soon. 

“I have full confidence that Reverend Jackson is the shepherding visionary whom God has called to guide this church into its next chapter.” Fleming said. 

Young-Jackson, who has served the church in multiple roles including Christian education director, earned degrees from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.