The Reverend Dr. A. Qismat Alim is a native of Hartford, Connecticut where she attended public schools. Dr. Alim received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, her Master of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, a Master of Science Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

Under the pastorate of Reverend (now Bishop) John Richard Bryant at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland she entered the ministry in 1983. She was ordained an Itinerate Deacon in 1986 and an Itinerate Elder in 1988 in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1988, Dr. Alim was appointed as the first woman pastor to Union Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Maryland where she served as pastor for twelve years. In April 2000, she was appointed as the first woman pastor of Hemingway Temple African Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland where she served for five years and in May 2005, Dr. Alim was appointed to serve at the Historic Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland which she served for eighteen years.

Involved in many community organizations and conference committees, Dr. Alim has served as a member of the Board of Examiners of the Baltimore Conference, conference trustee, finance committee, the MEC, the General Board of the AME Church, along with appointed as a commissioner for Baltimore City HIV council, and any area where an opportunity has been opened by God.

On July 13, 2023, Dr. Alim was appointed to serve as Presiding Elder of the Eastern District of the Western North Carolina Conference under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis, Servant Leader of the Second Episcopal District. She is very humbled and thankful for this opportunity to serve God together with such a community of believers.

Rev. Dr. Alim is the grateful mother of a son, a physician, a daughter, an Eastman graduate classical vocalist and Nana to her grandchildren, Morgan, Jordan, Justice, Destiny, Cogent, and Legacy. 

Rev. Dr. Alim desires to live a life that will Glorify God!