Lena A Hamlett Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Born amidst a wave of faith, the Lena A Hamlett Christian Methodist Episcopal Church first opened its doors on November 6, 1955. Picture the scene: a crisp autumn day, the air alive with anticipation. At 3757 West Douglas Boulevard, fifty determined souls, the church’s charter members, gathered to witness the birth of their spiritual home. Bishop J. Arthur Hamlett himself, a figure of immense reverence, delivered the very first sermon, his words echoing the hopes and dreams of a nascent congregation. The church, initially known as both Lena A. Hamlett C.M.E. Church and Dotcy I. Isom C.M.E. Church, found its footing under the guidance of their first pastor, Rev. Walter A. Miller. Years later, this building, steeped in memories and prayers, was sold on September 21, 1987. But the spirit of the Lena A Hamlett Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, much like the faith it embodied, could not be contained within walls. On May 5, 1990, the congregation, now seventy strong, marched with unwavering belief into a new era. Led by Elder Rev. Charles H. Shyne, they inaugurated their new sanctuary at 5446 W. Division Street. This marked a testament to their resilience, their commitment to keeping the flame of faith burning bright. And the story doesn’t end there. In July 2008, under the leadership of Rev. Silas James, the church achieved a momentous milestone: the mortgage was paid off. It was a day of jubilation, a celebration of their collective dedication and a testament to the enduring power of faith. The Lena A Hamlett Christian Methodist Episcopal Church stands today as a beacon of hope, its history a tapestry woven with the threads of unwavering faith, unwavering community, and unwavering love.