“What vision sparked the creation of Metropolitan Baptist Church?” I ask you. In the spring of 1943 a group of dedicated laborers envisioned a new church. They planned to organize a Colored Methodist Episcopal Mission. The name changed in 1956 to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend L. S. White of Beebe Tabernacle CME Church led this effort. He recognized the need for a CME Church in southeastern Houston. Thus Metropolitan C.M.E. Church was born.
Reverend White and pioneer members gathered at “Mother” Smiley’s home. This was at 3260 Simmons St. They prayed and planned fervently. The founding members included M. Beasley and Orgetta Jackson. Professor J. B. Ranson and Minnie V. Smiley also joined. Eliza Smiley and Reverend Alberta Venerable were present. Mrs. Lula Clark and Mrs. Ethel Barcus contributed. Anna Mae Thomas and Nealure B. Kellog helped. Susie Coleman and Esther Payne participated. Mr. Jessie and Mrs. Johnnie Mae Session were involved. Mrs. Willie Mae Adams and Mrs. Mildred Behn completed the group. Their combined faith transformed a dream into reality.
The group secured property at 3335 Holman St. Bishop R. A. Carter administered the purchase. Services began on June 10 1943. Reverend Robert Venerable served the Mission temporarily. Then Reverend H. J. Gilland became the first appointed pastor.
Metropolitan achieved full church status in 1951. This happened under Reverend Paul Young’s leadership. Physical changes improved the building. The cornerstone was laid.
In October 1969 Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church moved. The new location was 6424 Cullen. Dr. R. L. Finney led the church then. Bishop Norris S. Curry presided and Robert R. Northcutt was the presiding elder. Ironically Reverend R. Theo Cunningham supported the move. He was pastor of BeBee Tabernacle in 1969.
Disaster struck on Christmas Day 2005. A fire destroyed the church at 6424 Cullen Boulevard. This building housed the sanctuary and offices. The administrative office moved temporarily. It relocated to 7553 South Freeway in early 2006. Sunday services took place at Frost Elementary School for two weeks. Later in January 2006 services moved again. They were held at St. Agnes Baptist Church. The location was the Small Dome Building at 10800 Scott Street. Bishop Gene Moore served as pastor there.
On June 7 2009 Metropolitan Baptist Church celebrated a new beginning. Services were held in a newly built facility. The address was 8955 South Freeway at Reed Road. Reverend W. Edward Lockett oversaw the design and construction. He was instrumental in creating this state-of-the-art facility. Reverend Lockett became Bishop Lockett in 2010.
Since its beginning Metropolitan has had many leaders. Each one tried to uphold Christian values. The church family still sings with pride. “We’ve come this far by faith leaning on the Lord”.
Pastors who have served Metropolitan include Allen Page III from 2014 to present. Bobby R. Best served from 2010 to 2014. W. Edward Lockett was pastor from 1984 to 2010. Henry Q. Dickerson served from 1981 to 1984. R. Theo Cunningham served twice first in 1978-1979 and again in 1980-1981. Robert Marshall was pastor from 1979 to 1980. Ruben Sheeler served from 1975 to 1978. R. L. Finney led from 1969 to 1975. Oran A. Rowe served from 1963 to 1966. Other pastors include L. D. Jackson E. A. Strong and Curtis Brown. L.P. Gray L.R. Proctor and Paul Young also served. Mrs. L. H. Hart T. H. McCoy and A. H. Johnson each contributed. Pastors Willie McLemore L. R. Johnson F. W. Haynes and H. J. Gillard also led.