Here stands Magwood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. What stories could these walls tell if they could talk? Let’s step back in time and explore the rich history of this church.
Magwood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It also shows the resilience of the Christian Methodist Episcopal community. The church is located at 4202 Rockdale Street in Savannah. It is in the Liberty City sub-division.
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has a deep history. It began on December 16 1870 in Jackson Tennessee. Forty-one former slave members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South organized it. These individuals sought a place to worship. They wanted to express their faith freely.
The CME Church is a branch of Wesleyan Methodism. John Wesley founded it in England in 1844. It was established in America as the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784. The CME Church welcomes all who desire to flee from wrath. They also welcome those who want to be saved from their sins.
In 1866, the Methodist Episcopal Church South asked a question. It asked what should be done to promote the religious interests of its colored members. Isaac Lane of Tennessee wanted a separate organization. It would be established after their own ideas. Lucius Holsey of Georgia also desired a separate and independent organization.
The General Conference authorized bishops to organize colored members. They would be in their own separate ecclesiastical jurisdiction. By 1870, all steps were taken to organize a separate church. The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. In 1954, the name changed to Christian Methodist. William Henry Miles and Richard H. Vanderhorst were elected as the first bishops.
The CME Church is organized into eleven Episcopal Districts. Nine are in the Continental United States. Two are on the continent of Africa. Each district is presided over by a bishop. The General Conference elects them.
The church has several connectional departments. These departments carry out ministries. Christian Education is one of these. Discipleship, evangelism, and missions are others. Phillips School of Theology is its theological school. It is part of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta Georgia. The CME Church sponsors four liberal arts colleges. Lane College Paine College Miles College and Texas College.
Magwood Memorial CME Church celebrated its sixth anniversary in 2010. The church also celebrated the pastor’s anniversary. Rev Bernard Clark was the guest speaker. He is the pastor of Greater Gaines Chapel AME Church in Savannah.
In 2019, Magwood Memorial CME Church held its Annual Family and Friends Day. Pastor John Osborne extended the invitation. Reverend Da’Henri R. Thurmond Sr. was the speaker. He is the Pastor of St Paul CME Church. The theme was When Family and Friends Praise God together the Kingdom of God Comes In.
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church continues to thrive. It serves its community with unwavering dedication. Magwood Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church remains a beacon of hope. It embodies the spirit and faith of its founders. It also embraces the future with open arms. As you leave may the spirit of Magwood Memorial CME Church inspire you. It should inspire you to carry forward its legacy of faith community and service.