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Centenary United Methodist Church – The Miracle on McLemore

For more than a century, Centenary United Methodist Church has been a place where faith, hope, and community come together in South Memphis. Located at 584 E. McLemore Avenue, this historic congregation has earned the nickname "The Miracle on McLemore"a testament to its enduring spirit, transformative ministry, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

Centenary's rich legacy is deeply connected to the ministry of James M. Lawson Jr., one of the chief architects of the American Civil Rights Movement. As pastor of Centenary during the 1960s, Dr. Lawson carried forward the principles of nonviolent social change that helped inspire the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike and brought Martin Luther King Jr. to Memphis in 1968. His leadership established Centenary as a beacon for justice, equality, and community empowerment.

Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Reverend Keith Caldwell whose vision and commitment to faith in action are helping to write the next chapter of Centenary's remarkable story. Through worship, outreach, education, and advocacy, Centenary continues to inspire lives, strengthen families, and bring people together through faith, service, and love. Ministries such as the Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Health Fair, and Freedom School Summer Reading Program along with partnerships with MICAH, NAACP, and various labor-relations organizations foster a culture of community service and continuous engagement. 

Centenary United Methodist Church: The Miracle on McLemore, where a historic legacy of faith and justice meets a future filled with hope, and where something good is always happening in South Memphis.