Reverend Fred W. Coit is a man of God who is committed to winning souls for Christ. He accepted God’s call into the ministry in 1982 and has been licensed to preach since 1986.

Reverend Coit was born in Latta, South Carolina to the late Mr. Robert W. Coit, Sr. and Mrs. Mary O. Coit. He is the youngest of 7 children. He moved to Columbia with his family at an early age.

Reverend Coit received his formal education in Richland County where he graduated from Eau Claire High School. After his call into the ministry the Lord impressed upon his heart the need for biblical training. He responded by attending Carver Bible College in Atlanta, Georgia where he received his Bachelor of Biblical Education. He earned his Masters of Christian Counseling Degree at the Newburgh Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.

Reverend Coit has served Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years in several leadership capacities prior to being called as Senior Pastor. He has served as Associate Minister, Youth Minister and Assistant Pastor under the direction of the late Reverend Dr. Levi C. Chavous. Reverend Coit also served as Interim Pastor of Ridgewood after Pastor Chavous’ retirement.

He was married to the late Cynthia J. Coit and they have two children, Shamael and Korey and three grandchildren, Amiya, Makaila and Korey Rashad, II. Reverend Coit regularly admonishes the congregation at Ridgewood with the following Scripture: Psalm 118:1 – “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good because His mercy endures forever.”​