Here at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church its story is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s history. It began in 1866 after the Civil War. Imagine former slaves settling in Summerhill seeking spiritual grounding.
These families desired a branch of the African Methodist Church. They loved its principles. They approached an A.M.E. Church on Jenkins Street. They requested someone to organize a church in Summerhill. Elder J. A. Wood was chosen.
In the spring of 1866, Elder Wood led the construction of a Brush Arbor. It stood at the corner of Crumbley and Martin Streets. This served as their first place of worship. They also held prayer meetings in community homes. Later, they bought land at Hammock Place and Martin Street. They built their first church there. It was named Wood’s Chapel. This honored Reverend Wood who served as pastor until 1869.
Several reverends followed Wood. Then Wood returned for a second term. He felt Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church was destined to be a beacon for the community. He inspired members to purchase a lot higher up on a hill. They envisioned a grander church.
Reverend John Yeiser expanded on this vision. He sold the purchased site. He acquired a new one. This became the location where Allen Temple stood for 75 years. He led the congregation in building the first unit of a $50,000 edifice. The church was renamed Allen Temple. This was in memory of Bishop Richard Allen. He was the founder of the A.M.E. Church.
Reverend A. S. Jackson followed Yeiser. He added many members. Reverend Downs completed the main auditorium and installed the first organ. Expansion continued under Reverend E. P. Holmes. He bought the site of the former Clarke Street parsonage.
Reverend Albery A. Whitman organized the first Missionary Society. After his passing, Reverend W. H. Heard organized the Usher Association. Reverend William Alfred Fountain continued the expansion. He bought and beautified property. Over 300 young people were baptized during his time.
Reverend H. D. Canady organized the young women into an auxiliary to the Ushers Association. He called them the Usherettes. Reverend R. W. Branch redecorated the interior. He bought the pipe organ. Reverend C. M. Tanner built a new parsonage. Reverend J. A. Lindsay paid off the church mortgage.
Under Reverend R. H. Ward, property was purchased. He established a budget system. Reverend W. B. E. Clarke bought more property. He left a fund for building. A misunderstanding divided the congregation. Reverend A. W. McClendon organized the Junior Church. Reverend R. J. Jefferson brought peace and won the love of the members.
Reverend W. R. Wilkes served for 14 years. He purchased the Howard home. He renovated the church and built the Annex. Reverend R. H. Porter inherited a large debt. He encouraged religious and cultural activities. Reverend T. M. Green liquidated the mortgage.
Reverend John A. Middleton initiated Allen Temple Homes. Reverend A. D. Powell oversaw the completion of the Allen Temple Apartments. He liquidated the debt on the educational building. Reverend Daniel Jacobs air-conditioned and redecorated the church. Reverend A. R. Smith increased the building fund. He constructed the present sanctuary.
Reverend Benjamin Gay acquired a bus. He organized a gospel choir and a handbell choir. Reverend Dr. C. E. Wells, Sr., paid off the church mortgage early.
Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams, II, set up a website. He organized ministries. He renovated the apartment complex. In 2000, he became a Bishop. Reverend Claude Ray James completed the apartment renovation. He made capital improvements and instituted outreach programs.
Reverend Scottie Swinney renovated the parsonage. He opened the Cornerstone. Reverend Dr. John A. Foster installed Wi-Fi. Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Bess installed a new PA system and a computer lab. Community Outreach became the focus. In June 2019, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson appointed Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson. She was welcomed as its first female pastor. Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows community and progress.