Our Rich History

In 1865, the Freedmen’s Aid Commission of the Methodist Episcopal Church established a school and church on Raburn Avenue (now Third Street). Since Methodism in America was one hundred years old at the time, the church, along with the school, was christened “Centenary”, as were all Methodist churches founded that year. From the beginning, Centenary Chapel, as it was commonly known, made a definite impact on the community and students of the school became some of Memphis’ first Black teachers.

In May of 1866, animosity between white and African Americans in Memphis erupted into one of the worst incidents of racial violence in the country. Centenary and most of the black churches and schools were burned to the ground by angry white mobs in the Memphis Massacre. Despite this, by January 1, 1867, Centenary Chapel had been rebuilt and was occupied. Since its founding, the church has continued to prosper and has served as a powerful force in the community. It is considered to be an epicenter for truth and justice.

Homecoming

The anniversary will be celebrated in a week of homecoming activities, November 12-19, 2023. A festival will be held on the lawn on Saturday, November 11, 2023, to launch the week. Heritage Recognition Sunday, on November 12, will honor 25-year members, 50-year members and generations. Please, complete the form below, if you were baptized at Centenary or joined the church in 1998 or before (25 years); in 1973 or before (50 years); or one or both of your parents were members. Celebration Sunday, on November 19, at 10:30 a.m. will feature former pastor, Dr. Herbert L. Lester, as guest speaker.

Join Us

The public is also invited to join the celebration, especially those who have been connected to Centenary in any way, or ever participated in any of the church’s programs. This includes worship services, Sunday School, Methodist Youth Fellowship, Boy Scouts, Headstart, kindergarten, afterschool activities, summer programs, vacation Bible school, jobs training, Civil Rights activities, food pantry, pizza factory, clothes closet, and many other programs.

Call the church office at 901-774-7604 or contact Mr. Thomas Milam, church historian, at tmilam817@aol.com if you need more information or if you wish to serve on an anniversary subcommittee.