“Whosoever Will, Come” is not just a saying here at Saunders Memorial AME Church. It is a way of life. Saunders Memorial AME Church stands as a testament to faith community and perseverance. Its story began with a simple question. Why wasn’t there an AME Church in this community?
In 1948 Bishop George Wilber Baber initiated “The Expansion Drive”. This led to the founding of Saunders Memorial AME Church. In April 1950 a charter member wrote to Rev Carlyle F Stewart about the lack of an AME Church. Rev Stewart shared the letter with Presiding Elder David A Blake. He then contacted the letter writer.
Negotiations for the property at Mack and Pennsylvania Avenues started in the summer of 1950. Rev J A Aiken the founder and first pastor spearheaded these talks. Conference Attorney Mr H L Dudley handled the legal matters with Rev Aiken’s input. Bishop Baber closely supported the negotiations. The church was named to honor Rev John W Saunders. He was an esteemed pastor presiding elder and leader.
The first service was held at the home of charter members Mr and Mrs Henley C Smith at 4209 Pennsylvania Avenue. Saunders Memorial AME Church had 22 members on October 22 1950. The first officers included stewards Paul Perkins Charles L Warren Hugh E Smith John Kelly Mary E Webb Preston Davis and Charles Saxton. The first trustees were Theodore Van Buren O T Murray Elliott Rice Curtis Harden J B Montgomery Eugene Lester and Henry P Talbert. Clarence Bradley served as the first Church Treasurer.
On December 17 1950 the congregation marched to their new church at 3542 Pennsylvania Avenue. The first Sunday School session started at 930 am. A Holy Communion Worship Service followed at 1100 am. Bishop G W Baber gave the opening address at the General Fellowship Service at 330 pm. The Organized Lay of the Michigan Conference held their meeting at 730 pm. Rev J A Aiken and his wife Mrs Mamie L Aiken dedicated four years to the church’s growth. Rev Aiken became Presiding Elder and Rev Handley A Hickey took over as pastor.
Over the years Saunders Memorial AME Church saw many dedicated pastors. They include Dr Cecil W Cone Gerald Haden Carl Fuqua and Wesley Whorden. Edgar Vann Sr Albert Preston Lloyd Jenkins and Isaac Clarington also served. Andre Spivey Dwayne Gary Dr Cecelia Green Barr and Joelynn T Stokes also led the congregation.
Rev Joelynn T Stokes Esq was assigned to Saunders Memorial AME Church in March 2018. At that time the church faced many code violations. Within five months Rev Joelynn addressed these issues. She presented a full report and a certificate of occupancy at the Annual Conference in August 2018.
In 2019 the church’s bathrooms were renovated. Saunders Memorial AME Church and Allen Temple AME Church merged becoming Saunders Allen. Rev Renee Johnson from Allen Temple joined the ministry team. In 2020 the lower-level fellowship space was renovated. New furnaces and air conditioning systems were installed. In August 2023 the sanctuary entryway office and balcony were renovated. The sanctuary floor was leveled to allow for different configurations.
During the pandemic Rev Joelynn led the congregation to serve the community. Saunders Allen hosted community events providing Covid 19 testing vaccinations health screens and food. They also offered clothing. Saunders Allen hosted events like A Christmas Wonderland and Winter on Ice. They organized Yoga in the Yard and Back to School Rally’s. These events provided health resources eye exams and dental screens.
In August 2023 Rev Joelynn focused on community outreach. She aimed to repair the streets. Rev Joelynn T Stokes also serves as General Counsel for the 4th Episcopal District of the AME Church. She is the visionary founder of Isaiah 58 a non-profit focused on community health and housing.
Saunders Memorial AME Church remains committed to loving God and serving the community. All are welcome to join in experiencing God’s love through worship and outreach.