Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

“A land flowing with milk and honey.” These words perfectly capture the spirit of Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Right here on South Lowe Avenue, a beacon of faith and community was ignited in 1972. Rev. Walter A. Miller, along with 120 devoted members from Jubilee Temple C.M.E. Church, established Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was named in honor of the late Bishop J. Claude Allen. In just a decade, Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church blossomed. It grew to over 500 members with numerous auxiliaries, annual events, fundraisers, and even a credit union. A testament to their faith and hard work, the church paid off its mortgage in full in a mere six years. A joyous mortgage burning ceremony was held in September 1978. Rev. Miller and his wife, Theresa, led the church through this remarkable period of growth. Mrs. Miller remained a devoted member for over forty years. After Rev. Miller’s passing in 1982, Rev. Grover Mitchell became the second pastor. He and his wife Janice further expanded the church’s community outreach and ministry. Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Douglas, Sr. was appointed pastor in 1990. A Civil Rights activist who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis, Rev. Douglas brought a powerful connection to the past and a vision for the future. He oversaw Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s 25th anniversary and strengthened its youth and arts programs. Then, at the turn of the century, a native son returned. Rev. Roland Brown, a protégé of Rev. Miller, became pastor, bringing a deep understanding of the church’s history and its members. Rev. Kenneth D. Thomas took the helm in 2003, bringing a fresh perspective and expanding the young adult ministry. He also led the church through recovery from significant structural damage. In 2009, Rev. Dr. David L. Bryant, Jr., known as “the pastor with a shepherd’s heart,” became the leader of Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Under his guidance, Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated another mortgage burning and rededication in 2019. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev. Bryant kept the church open, adapting to safety guidelines and providing essential services. Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church also stepped up to feed patients and staff at New Roseland Community Hospital when their kitchen was shut down due to the virus. It became a free COVID-19 testing site and expanded its assistance programs for those in need. The church remained actively involved in social justice issues, participating in Black Lives Matter demonstrations and serving as a polling place. Through it all, Allen Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has lived up to its name, a true land of milk and honey, nourishing both the spirit and the community.