The Turn of the Century: Years of Struggle, Years of Growth
1901
In June 1901, a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted for the construction of a new church building. The pastor and members of this congregation gave many hours of time and talent, unselfishly and diligently, in assisting the building of this edifice. The church was completed at a cost of $5,574.11. In November, 1901, the Rev. Davis was ordained in the church. Rev. Davis remained at the church until May 31, 1904. Upon his departure, the membership was eighty five members.
1904
Reverend Davis was succeeded by rev. T. M. Davis (no relation to Rev. George Davis). He assumed the role of pastor on June 2, 1904. Under his leadership, the lot with a house adjoining the church was purchased for the tidy sum two hundred dollars. Rev. Davis left the church after serving for two years.
1907
Rev. A. C. Skinner assumed the pastorate on June 30, 1907. The church did not prosper under his leadership. After a turbulent season the church was about to be put under a sheriff’s sale, but Brother and Sister Williams came to the rescue and that misfortune was averted. Rev. Skinner resigned from the church on August 31, 1910.
1911
In January, 1911, there was a fire that caused extensive damage to the church and destroyed the parsonage. There is no record of whether the parsonage was rebuilt.
On May 1, 1911, Rev. Allen Newman became the first pastor to be selected by the congregation. He was effective in reuniting the church and when he resigned on August 23, 1912, the church was debt free and the membership strong.
1912-1924
Rev. J. L. Lewis came to the church as an interim pastor on October 19, 1912. He was elected pastor on April 28, 1913. In 1914, the ceiling and walls of the church had to be repaired at a cost of three hundred dollars. In 1920, the mortgage was burned. Rev Lewis left the church in 1920.
Rev. William H. Lemon became pastor in 1920. Two deacons were ordained in 1924: Brother Thomas Lee and Brother Elzsey.
1930s
The musical life of the church was very strong throughout its growth. We have long been known for our “good singing”. Sister Rachel walker was an early organist.. Professor Langston, director or chorister for the Senior Choir and William Daniels and Alphonso Randolph, Sr. were two of the organ-pumpers. In 1933, Rev. Ramsey installed a Junior Choir, started by Sister Vivian Gorham and directed by Sister Magnolia I. Butler. Several years later they became the Young Adult Choir. Some of the members who later joined the Senior Choir were Brother David and Sister Marie Lockwood and Sister Jessie Randolph.
Rev. J. K. Ramsey served as pastor from 1930 to 1934. Rev. Clarence E. Richardson performed ministerial duties from 1922 to 1937. In 1937 Sister Corrine Handy started a Junior Choir, They often sang for evening services. As they grew some went to the Young Adult Choir, while others waited and the finally joined the Senor Choir. Some of these were Sister Josephine Rice and Florence Hawkins who were among the original members.
1938-1951
Rev. Dr. Henry Clay Lee was called to the pastorate in 1938. During his leadership, the church prospered financially as well as in the growth of the membership. To meet the needs of this growing congregation a new choir loft was built, a baptismal pool installed, a pipe organ was acquired, new pulpit and pew furniture was purchased and the basement was extended and finished. The renovations were completed in 1967. In addition to these accomplishment, many auxiliaries were organized under Rev. Dr. Lee’s pastorate including the Willing workers. Sister Rosa Jenkins, president; Trustee aide Sister Minnie Lee, President; Pastor’s Aide, Sister Elise Crobes, President. In 1951 the Lee’s Gospel Chorus was formed and it is still making sweet music today.
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