Former Western Mass Journalist Appointed Pastor of Historic Black Church
Rev. Janet Davenport
Source: Goodwin Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church
Rev. Janet Davenport, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E. Zion) Church and a former newspaper editor in Springfield, has been appointed pastor of one of Amherst’s oldest Black congregations.
Rev. Davenport initially took the helm of Goodwin Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in April following a period of interim leadership as a result of the death of the church’s previous pastor in November 2025. Her appointment was recently affirmed by Bishop George D. Crenshaw during the New England Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church. Sixty local congregations across New England, including Maine and New Hampshire, comprise the conference.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this congregation and build upon its longstanding legacy of faith, service, and community engagement,” Davenport said. “I look forward to collaborating with the members of Goodwin Memorial as we continue to strengthen Goodwin’s ministry and service in Amherst and surrounding communities.”
Prior to her appointment, Davenport was an associate minister at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Hartford, Conn. She also served as associate minister and director of spiritual formation at Redeemer’s A.M.E. Zion Church in Plainville, Conn.. Before entering public ministry, Davenport earned a reputation as a trailblazer, building a career spanning over 30 years in media, nonprofit leadership, and community service.
She was a reporter and later an editorial page editor for the Springfield Newspapers now (MassLive) in Springfield, and served on the editorial board of The Hartford Courant for many years. She was also the vice president for communications of Universal Health Care Foundation in Connecticut, which led a nationally recognized healthcare reform campaign and health equity initiatives throughout the state. Among the other positions she held was chief marketing officer at Becker College in Worcester.
Davenport, who grew up in Springfield, has long standing connections to Western Mass., including Amherst through family, friends, and educational ties.
Church leaders said Davenport’s background in ministry, communications, and nonprofit leadership positions her well to guide the congregation into its next chapter of ministry, service, and growth.
“We are pleased to welcome Rev. Davenport as our pastor,” said Cyrus Cox, a trustee and the treasurer of the church. “Her pastoral leadership, commitment to service, and vision for ministry will help strengthen our congregation and expand our outreach in the community.”
The church plans to announce details of a pastoral installation service and community reception later this year.
Founded in the 19th century, Goodwin Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church has served for generations as a center of worship, fellowship, and community life for Amherst residents, students, and families throughout the region.
The church is pursuing funding, including grants and private gifts, for structural repairs and restoration of its building located at 42 Woodside Avenue. Among the few buildings representing the town’s early African American history and heritage, Goodwin Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.