The History of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church!

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Heritage

Christian, in our beliefs... Methodist, in our approach... Episcopal, in our organization (Bishops assign pastors)

The concern of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for the social well-being of humankind springs from the act of God in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospel, and from the life and witness of John Wesley and other fathers of Methodism who ministered to the physical, intellectual, and social needs of the people to whom they preached the gospel of personal redemption.

The interest and activity of the C.M.E. Church in the improvement of the human condition parallels the very history of our Church. In the opening editorial of the Gospel Trumpet published in 1897, Bishop Lucius H. Holsey stated that its purpose would be to "discuss without hesitation, any phase of the civic, social, and those economic and political questions that may affect the well-being of the Church and race." This policy of active participation in the solution of social problems has not been restricted to literary and journalistic endeavor. It can be seen in the individual contributions of some of the leaders of our church during its history -- Lucius H. Holsey, Isaac Lane, C. H. Phillips, Randall A. Carter, J. A. Hamlett, J. A. Bray, J. A. Martin, and Channing H. Tobias. It can be seen in those official programs and practices on the local, regional and national levels that were designed to eradicate crime, disease, ignorance, poverty and racial injustice. It has been demonstrated by unknown thousands who are members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal church as they have resisted oppression, and pursued liberty and justice for all humankind.

This is the historical tradition that undergirds and challenges our accomplishments in this day.

This is our heritage. Read more about the "History of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church" and understand our beginnings as we seek to grow in God in the future.

The Book of Discipline of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 1998

History

"From Whence We've Come: 1866 - The Present"
Compiled by Willie Walker - April, 1999

Religion has always been an important force in the lives of human beings. It has always guided mankind to equate his life with the noblest force in the universe -- GOD.

This force was evidenced in the lives of the pioneers in Methodism in Fort Valley without regard for racial restrictions.

In order to appreciate our great Christian heritage we will take a brief look at Methodism in the South, prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. This backward glance will help us appreciate the great effort of both blacks and whites to minister to the needs of our forefathers, many of whom attended the church of their masters. Then we will follow this church's growth and progression through the years.

In 1847, when Fort Valley had developed into a good-sized village and its further growth was assured by the coming of the Southwestern Railroad, members of the Old Pond Church -- a white church affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, located on Knoxville Road about one mile from Fort Valley, north of the old golf course -- erected a new building on land donated by James A. Everett (founder of Fort Valley) and Mathew Dorsey - the present site of Everett Square. Worship began here in 1848. The floor plan of the new building provided a balcony to be used for seating colored people who wished to worship in the Methodist faith. All over the South slaves were allowed to belong to various missions of the Methodist Church. At least 225,000 Negroes belonged to these missions. Georgia and South Carolina had about 60 ministers who served as missionaries to these communicants.

Old Pond Church Given to Negroes

After emancipation, in 1866, the Old Pond Church was given to the colored worshipers for whom the white ministers served as preacher, counselor and friend. It took the colored worshipers about a year to move the church to the site on O'Neal Street because they used the white farmers mules to move the church after working in the fields each day.

(Click for larger image)

The first free black church, Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church, spawned several others in the community and the Usher's Temple members helped create the first free black school - Fort Valley High and Industrial School.

Fort Valley Methodist Church Preacher Trains Negro Preachers

Also in 1866, the Negro preachers who had been licensed by the Fort Valley Quarterly Conference became leaders in the new Colored Methodist Episcopal Church formed that year. These men felt their lack of "formal education" needed guidance, so they asked Rev. J.C. Cotter (preacher of the Fort Valley Methodist Church), to help prepare them for their mission. These men learned to read the Bible at the Everett Mission, but they could not write. Rev. Cotter began a "Literacy and Theological Institute for Negroes" meeting at his home two or three times each week. The first order of business was instruction using the old "blue back speller". Next Rev. Cotter would hear the men preach, analyze their sermons and give them a text to develop for their next sermon.

According to the history of the First Methodist Church of Fort Valley, Rev. Cotter's pupils were Caesar Taylor, Isaac Anderson, Paul Barnette and Jim Staley. In 1859 Caesar Taylor had been the first Negro licensed to preach by the Fort Valley Quarterly Conference. Until that time the law required a white preacher to be present at all meetings.

Odd Fellows Lodge Hall Used As Church And School

Temporarily, the colored Methodists, with no particular pastor, were housed in a two-story building on O'Neal Street known as "The Blind Academy" (Odd Fellows Lodge Hall, then Edwards Funeral Home). Trustees included Isaac Anderson, Paul Barnette, David Hunter, Peter Walker and Newton Everett.

Odd Fellows Lodge Hall, birthplace of Fort Valley High and Industrial School, is the forerunner of Fort Valley State University (College)

The upper floor was used for worship services. All colored citizens were invited to worship here. As a result, the colored Methodists received the distinction of mothering the growth of the A.M.E.'s who built Saint Peter A.M.E. Church on Griffin Line (East Church Street) and Shiloh Baptist who also built their church on Griffin Line.

The ground floor was used for school purposes, thus starting the first school for colored children in Houston County (the division of Houston & Peach Counties came in 1924). From this humble beginning, early October, 1895, Professor John W. Davidson, leader and founder; Gideon V. Barnette, Chairman; Curtis V. Nixon, Secretary and others held planning conferences at Usher's Temple's parsonage to plan for a larger school, which gave rise and development of the Fort Valley High & Industrial School, presently Fort Valley State University. On November 6, 1895, eighteen men (fifteen colored and three whites) petitioned the Superior Court Of Houston County located in Perry for a charter to legalize the school.

According to the application, the purpose of the institution was:

...the furthering and promoting of the cause of mental and manual education in the State of Georgia and the special purpose is to have, acquire, hold, manage and control grounds, buildings, machinery and outfit for the successful conducting of a school for the higher mental and manual education of the youths and children of Georgia, also to elect teachers and have control of all matters connected with the carrying out of the said school.

Negro Church Named For Rev. J.H. Usher

The first ordained elder and pastor to this charge was Rev. J.H. Usher. On December 31, 1868, the C.M.E. Church bought from W.E. Sloan land on the South West side of the Southwestern Railroad, 2089 feet square or one square acre, previously known as The Baptist College lot. With Rev. Usher's keen foresight and guidance, the erection of the first real church building was begun across the street from The Blind Academy, which bore his name, Usher's Chapel. The first cornerstone gives the date, 1880.

Usher's Chapel was more than just a church. It was an inspiration giving rise and nurture to fraternal, civic, educational, as well as religious ventures for all its people, both near and far. In 1866, Rev. Usher went as a delegate to the General Conference held in Washington, D.C. Here, he introduced a set of resolutions which resulted in the recognition for women of the C.M.E. Church as Stewardesses for the whole connection. This great body, The Stewardess Board, was the forerunner of the spirit of the missionary women in the church, with Fort Valley's Usher's Temple as the founding mother. The first President of Stewardess Board #I (1) was Ella Slappy Jones and Carrie Nixon was the first President of Stewardess Board #II (2). Rev. D.L. Miller was minister in charge at the time.

Fire Destroys Church

Worship continued there from 1880 - 1890, which, in time the structure was consumed by fire. In 1891, the next historical stride came when Alonzo Nixon returned from a General Conference, held in a western state. He suggested that the new church be veneered in brick for protection against fire. It is said that Rev. H. Bass, a local elder, bought a brick for ten cents, placed a $5.00 bill thereon, and said, "let's build a brick church!" So instead of constructing a 4 inch wall (required for veneering), an 8 inch wall was constructed, thus giving Fort Valley its first brick church (it was referred to throughout the area as "the brick church"). This was a beautiful structure with velvet inner doors to the main entrance and store bought pews. This church grew in structure as it grew in grace and became known as Usher's Temple. The completion of the work was during the pasturage of Rev. Lee O'Neal who, many years later, returned as pastor and died while in the parsonage next door.

New Church Completed In 1895

Many persons were instrumental in completing this sanctuary. Electric lights were installed by "The King's Daughters' Club". A pipe organ was installed under the pastorate of Rev. J.H. Turner - Beaulah O'Neal was the organist. Some of the dedicated workers during this time were Mary and Minnie Gardner, Carrie Mack and many others.

The trustees active during the construction of the church, which was completed in 1895 were: A.L. Nixon, A.J. Hollinshed, G.V. Barnette, W. Crocker, A. Hardeson, Noal Bryant, C.T. Thomas, E. Miller, N. Hollinshed, Peter Davis, A. McKellar and A. Mitchell. The building committee consisted of: A.R. Pearson, C.H. Nixon, A. Harvey, A. Crocker, J.D. Jordan, L. Jefferson, J. Cleveland and R.R. Mitchell.

For sixty-seven years, this building stood. Under the pastorate of Rev. T.C. Black repairs and additions were made from time to time, such as: two front towers in which one housed a melodious bell that pealed on Sunday mornings and tolled joyfully for births and mournfully at the death of church members under the pastorate of Rev. T.C. Black. It was an inspiration and joy to hear it call to worshippers each Sunday. It is reported that many of the persons hearing it as they made their way to the church would shed their shoes and run to the worship services. The pipe organ that was secured, later was lost to the weather because of a deteriorating roof. The roof was repaired and lowered during the pastorate of Rev. George Evans. The tall columns which stood down the middle of the church were also removed in the 1930's under Rev. George Evans.

While this renovation was in progress the congregation worshipped in Toomer's Hall (tin shed) on South Macon Street (now State University Drive). Moving back into the church gave the members new interest, direction and commitment.

A Day Of Recognition For Women In Fort Valley

Heeding the enthusiastic desires of Rev. J.C. Ellis, Usher's Temple came through with another "first", the celebration of Women's Day in Fort Valley. The first tribute to the women was held February 17, 1952. Mrs. W.E. Clark served as Chairperson, her steering committee members were: Mamie J. Miller, Elizabeth Peyton, Annie Bond and Jessie E. Dobson. Mrs. Rosalie J. Gilbert of the Episcopal Church was the first "Woman Of The Year". Several years later the men of the church organized and held their first Men's Day. The steering committee members were: John Fambro, Arnold Pearson, Jonus Jordan and Marcellus Jones. Gas heat and a cooling system (which consisted of manually pumping airbags with the feet to cool the church) were installed along with hardwood floors under the pastorate of Rev. J.C. Ellis.

Fire Destroys Church Again

On the night of August 18, 1958, members and friends stood helplessly watching firemen at work. Brilliant flames leaped and lashed out at the darkness sending clouds of smoke and hordes of sparks high into the elements monumental of Usher's Temple through the ages. Fire again consumed Usher's Temple. It was believed that a wiring shortage caused the fire.

Worship Services Continues The Very Next Sunday After Church Is Destroyed By Fire

Immediately, contacts were made and worship services continued the very next Sunday at Toomer's Hall. Then arrangements were made to conduct services at The Hunt High School Gymnasium. This great "set back", causing much heartache and sorrow, soon propelled the congregation into a massive building effort. Planning conferences for rebuilding were in full swing under the leadership of Rev. John Henry Johnson, Pastor; Rev. E.L. Green, Presiding Elder; and Presiding Bishop P. Randolph Shy. A combination of Trustees and Stewards during the planning stages were: William Harvey, Fred Miller, T.B. Baldwin, James E. Gibson, Mathew Henry, Henry Wallace, Paul Pinkett, Will Glover, Dave Carter, Odis Humphries, Joseph Henry, Arnold Pearson, John Fambro, William Brown, Harold Miller, Eugene Fluellen, William Morgan, Roosevelt Grace, Mack Wortham, Julius Williams, Will Postell, Fred Amos and Theodore Emanuel.

Pastors' Service Years

Rev. Elijah L. Green: 1958 - 1971

Rev. Nathaniel J. Smith: 1971 - 1973

Rev. James L. Hightower: 1974 - 1976

Rev. Curtis L. Jones: 1976 - 1980

Rev. Robert W. Green: 1980 - 1987

Rev. Henry E. Jones: 1987 - 1993

Rev. Etha P. Pitts: 1994 - 1998

Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.: 1998 - 2004

Rev. Cedric C. Allen: 2004 - 2009

Rev. William S. Banks: 2009 - 2012

Rev. John W. Jackson: 2012 - 2014

Rev. Brad Goss: 2014 - 2018

Rev. Raymond F. Hampton: 2018 - 2023

Rev. Anthony Davis: 2023 - 2024

Rev. Tawanna Harris: 2024 - Present

PASTORS OF USHER'S TEMPLE C.M.E (Since 1866)

Rev. J.H. Usher
Rev. L. H. Holaway
Rev. D.L. Miller
Rev. Xavier Lee O'Neal **
Rev. T.C. Black
Rev. George Evans
Rev. Gladden
Rev. C.L. Finch
Rev. Stallworth
Rev. Arthur Bell **
Rev. John Clifford Ellis
Rev. J. Lorenzo Key
Rev. E.R. Rowe
Rev. Nolley K. Kimble
Rev. G.L. Word
Rev. H.R. Ellis
Rev. J.H. Peyton
Rev. W.A. Dinkins
Rev. W.G. Hall
Rev. H. Miller
Rev. J.H.N. Turner
Rev. W.L. Farmer
Rev. J.W. Wilson
Rev. Williams
Rev. J.C. Colclough ***

Rev. H. Hall
Rev. S.S. Washington
Rev. Christopher C. Hunter
Rev. J.J. Thomas
Rev. C.W. Crawford
Rev. Robert A. Lark
Rev. John Henry Johnson
Rev. Elijah Leonard Green
Rev. Nathaniel J. Smith
Rev. James H. Hightower
Rev. Curtis L. Jones
Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green
Rev. Henry E. Jones
Rev. Etha P. Pitts
Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Cedric C. Allen
Rev. William S. Banks
Rev. John W. Jackson
Rev. Brad E. Goss
Rev. Raymond F. Hampton
Rev. Anthony Davis
Rev. Tawanna Harris

^**Pastored Twice
^***First Judge of the C.M.E. Church Judiciary Council

Members Of Usher's Temple Who Sought Ministry

Name	Their Minister
Evangelist Bessie M. Small	Rev. Robert W. Green
Rev. James Daniely	Rev. Curtis L. Jones
Rev. Marvin A. Crafter*	Rev. Nathaniel Smith
Rev. Robert McLaughlin	Rev. E.L. Green
Rev. Estella Green*	Rev. Henry E. Jones
Bro. Eddie Leroy Jones	Rev. Curtis L. Jones
Rev. Robert W. Green	Rev. James H. Hightower
Rev. Wallace McLaughlin	Rev. Robert W. Green
Rev. Retha Ezell	Rev. Henry E. Jones
Rev. Calvin Ezell	Rev. Henry E. Jones
Bro. Lorenzo Harris	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Cedric Allen	Rev. Henry E. Jones
Rev. Kenneth Hollingshed	Rev. Robert W. Green
Rev. Joyce Brown-Stone	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Carol Perry	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Marilyn Redding*	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Amarylis West	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Mark Goforth	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Laverne Goforth	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Alfred Wheeler	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Sean Jackson	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Teresa B. Mitchell	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Rev. Charles Maceo Holsey, Jr.	Rev. Charlene Boone
Rev. Ricky Ezell
Rev. Trent Allen	Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.
Minister Gloria McLaughlin-Smith	Rev. Dr. Creflo Dollar
Rev. Gail Jones-Kinder
* Deceased

Presiding Elders Of Usher's Temple C.M. E. Church

Rev. Nathan Kimble
Rev. E.R. Rowe
Rev. M.F. Brinson
Rev. Elijah L. Green
Rev. F.M. Hamilton
Rev. Raymond D. Ford
Rev. T.E. Sibley

Rev. R.F. White
Rev. N.J. Smith
Rev. A.G. Avery
Rev. J.L. Key
Rev. Robert Larke
Rev. Jerry Poole
Rev. H.L. Stallworth

Rev. J.M. McMath
Rev. Henry E. Jones, Jr.
Rev. J.W. Wilson
Rev. Donald R. Jordan
Rev. Jane E. Thomas

Trustees Of Usher's Temple

Fred Amos
W. Crocker
W. Maude Hollignshed
Alonzo L. Nixon
Isaac Anderson
Peter Davis
Mattie Holloway
Emory Proctor
George Anthony
Newton Everette
Mathew Henry
Fred Miller
Henry A. Wilson
Charles Holsey, Sr.
Alfred Preston
Wayne Tabor

Thelmon B. Baldwin
James Gibson
David Hunter
C.T. Thomas
Paul Barnette
Roosevelt Grace
Johnny Ruth Marshall
Gerald Walker (Ph.D.)
Gideon Virgil Barnnette
Mr. Byron
A.J. Hollingshed
Ulysses Miller
A. Hardeson
A. McKeller
Beverly Miller
Troy Jones

Leward Walker
Nathaniel Brown, Jr. (Ph.D.)
Delilah T. Harris
Cornelious Miller
Peter Walker
William Brown
William Harvey
E. Miller
Willie A. Walker
Dave Carter
N. Hollinshed
H. Mitchell
Noal Bryant
Otis Daniels
Raymond Wells
Leonard Ezell
Eugene Fluellen, Sr.

Stewards Of Usher's Temple

Fred Amos
Paul Fitzgerald
Odis Humphries
Emory Proctor
George Anthony
Eugene Fluellen
Delandy Johnson
Herman Rumph
Thelmon B. Baldwin
James Gibson
Clarence Miller
Betty Hill
Glenwood Hill
Leward Walker
Mack Wortham
Lonnie Dwight
Will Postell
Joseph Henry
Luther Sibley

Henry Toomer
Fredrena Brown
Freddy Glover
Fred Miller
Leroy Walker
William Brown
Willie Glover
Harold Miller
Henry Wallace
Dave Carter
Alfredia Walker
Elvin Fluellen
Roosevelt Grace, Jr.
Arnold Pearson
John Ezell
Mathew Henry
William Miller
Arthur McKenzie

Roosevelt Grace
Mark Miller
Julius Williams
Dan Clark
Dr. Jerry Hardee
Ulysses Miller
Charlene Wilson
Otis L. Daniel
C.H. Henderson
William Morgan
Ray Daniel
Wayne Robinson
Barbara Walker
Paul Pinkett
John Fambro
Charles Holsey, Sr.
Alfred Preston

Stewardesses Of Usher's Temple

Evelyn Allen Alice Gilbert Mildred Lindsey* Elizabeth Richmond* Lilla Allen* Louise Goss* Louise Little Loretha Lindsey Redding* Mamie Allen* Gladys Grace* Thelma McKenzie Mattie Simmons Thelma Brown Maude Hollingshed	Clara Lockett* Ethel Robinson Laura Anderson Estella Green* Carrie Mack* Edna Rumph* Earnestine O. Barnette* Leoma Green* Hattie Mack Rachel Rumph Mary McLaughlin Fannie Stanley Ellen Brooks	Bonnie Braswell* Bessie Kate Griffin Bessie Manderville* Rosa Sibley* Annie Bond* Mattie Hampton* Hattie McKenzie Bernice Simmons Addie Brown* Cozette Hinton* Sina Hollingshed Willie Maude McSwain* Beulah Starks
Dora Byrd* Rosa Holsey Beverly Miller Martha Starks* Annie Clemons Emma Hudson* Gladys Miller* Bessie Small Fostine Childs Christine Humphries* Carrie Nixon* Recie Thomas Bessie Jones Dora Nixon	Lurene Miller* Nettie Stephens Esme Lee Daniely* Ruby Jackson * Mamie Miller* Beluah Sturn Lizzie Cliett* Ulree James* Thomasena Miller Lula Tabor Sandra McGowan Ida Ellis Ella Slappey Jones*	Nettie Maude Davis* Alice May Jefferson* Jessie Moore Dorothy Thomas* Dollie Davis* Carrie Mae Jefferson* Ada Nixon* Lottie Thomas Jessie E. Dobson* Vanessa Johnson Beaulah O'Neal Earnestine Towns Linda Randall
Annie L. Dupree Lillie M. Jones* Annie Parks* Charlie M. Troutman Rosa B. Engram* Lula Jones Alberta Peyton* Willie M. West* Alice Emanuel* Omega Jones* Sarah Young Alfredia Walker Evelyn Robinson Xaviour Tucker Natalie Jackson	Beulah Pinkett* Estella Williams Ida Fitzgerald* Roberta Jones Lucille Prater Julia M. Williams Ozie Ezell Yvonne L. Jones Mildred Preston* Gwendolyn W. Williams* Beverly Daniely Arlene Tabor Charlene Harkness Lucille West Tiffany Barnes	Martha Fluellen Mattie Lou Jordan* Elanor Proctor Charlene Wilson Surena Fluellen Alene Lawson* Sada Ragland Collis Wright* Darrell Fobbs Hattie Lewis* Tonya Preston Marie Henry Mary Wells Precious Barnett Geraldine Fitzgerald
* Deceased

The history of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church will be updated annually. Omissions/corrections may be reported to the history committee.

Acknowledgments

"A Brief Historical Sketch Of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church" -- Compiled by Elizabeth Peyton Dobson
"Our Multiple Roots" -- By Jessie E. Dobson
"A Cooperative History Of Usher's Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church" -- Compiled by Gladys Lowman Grace

J.W. Davis
Rev. J.C. Colclough
Rev. W.J. Johnson
Thomas Public Library
History Of Peach County
Weekly Church Programs Of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church
Old Church Records
Church Members

Profiles

Pastor:		Local Pastor:
Local Ministers:

Steward Board:
Elvin Fluellen, Chair
Members: John Ezell, Eugene Fluellen, Jr., Arthur McKenzie, Alfred Preston, Wayne Robinson, Willie "Tony" Rumph, Alfredia Walker (Recording Steward), Barbara Walker
Steward Emeritus: Lonnie Dwight

Trustee Board:
Otis Daniel, Chair
Members: Nathaniel Brown, Jr., Ray Daniel, Eugene Fluellen, Jr., Troy Jones, Gerald Walker, Willie Walker

Usher Board:
Natalie Jackson, President

Board of Christian Education:
TBD, Director
Members: Tiffany Barnes, Nathaniel Brown, Jr., Otis Daniel, Ray Daniel, John Ezell, Surena Fluellen, Maude Hollingshed, Rosa Holsey, Natalie Jackson, Wayne Robinson, Xaviour Tucker, Alfredia Walker, Gerald Walker

Commission on Evangelism and Membership:
Charlene Wilson, Chair
Members:Fredrena Brown, Rosa Holsey, Brenda Oates, Wayne Robinson, Alfredia Walker

Childrens' Ministry:
Surena Fluellen, Emma Plant, Vanessa Griggs (1-11), Advisors

Christian Youth Fellowship: Loranda Eason, Amy Oates (12-17), Advisors

Young Adult Council:
(President to be announced at a later date)

Young Adult Work:
Loranda Eason, Brenda Oates (18-35), Advisors

Seniors' Ministry:
Maude Hollinshead, Advisor

Stewardess Board:
Willie Maude Hollingshed, Chair
Members: Tiffany Barnes, Fostine Childs, Beverly Danielly, Laronda Eason, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Martha Fluellen, Surena Fluellen, Rosa Holsey, Natalie Jackson, Janet Lee, Sandra McGowan, Beverly Miller, Thomasina Miller, Brenda Oates, Tonya Preston, Evelyn Robinson, Charlie M. Troutman, Xavior Tucker, Alfredia Walker, Mary Wells
Stewardess Emeritus: Thelma McKenzie, Rachael Rumph, Bernice Simmons, Lula Tabor, Lottie Thomas

Women's Missionary Society:
Rosa Holsey, President

Board of Missions:
Fredrena Brown, Shonda Fobbs, Eugene Fluellen, Rosa Holsey, Evelyn Robinson, Henry A. Wilson

Department of Lay Ministry: Fredrena Brown, Lay Leader

Sunday Church School:
Gerald Walker, General Superintendent

Ministry to Men/Male Choir: Willie Walker, President

Baldwin Green Choir:
Louise Little, President

Pastor's Aide:
Evelyn Robinson

Board of Personnel Services:
Alfredia Walker, Gerald Walker, Willie Walker, Charlene Wilson

Social Media/Web Design/Graphics:
Henry "Al" Wilson, V. Clark Carter, Sean Miller, Beverly Miller, Willie Walker

Church Secretary:
(Until a new Secretary can be appointed)
Assistant Church Secretary:

Treasurer: Eugene Fluellen, Jr.
Recording Steward: Alfredia Walker

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The History of Usher's Temple C.M.E. Church!

Heritage

Christian, in our beliefs... Methodist, in our approach... Episcopal, in our organization (Bishops assign pastors)

History

Religion has always been an important force in the lives of human beings. It has always guided mankind to equate his life with the noblest force in the universe -- GOD. This force was evidenced in the lives of the pioneers in Methodism in Fort Valley without regard for racial restrictions.

Old Pond Church Given to Negroes

Fort Valley Methodist Church Preacher Trains Negro Preachers

Odd Fellows Lodge Hall Used As Church And School

According to the application, the purpose of the institution was:

Negro Church Named For Rev. J.H. Usher

Fire Destroys Church

New Church Completed In 1895

A Day Of Recognition For Women In Fort Valley

Fire Destroys Church Again

Worship Services Continues The Very Next Sunday After Church Is Destroyed By Fire

Pastors' Service Years

Rev. Elijah L. Green: 1958 - 1971

Rev. Nathaniel J. Smith: 1971 - 1973

Rev. James L. Hightower: 1974 - 1976

Rev. Curtis L. Jones: 1976 - 1980

Rev. Robert W. Green: 1980 - 1987

Rev. Henry E. Jones: 1987 - 1993

Rev. Etha P. Pitts: 1994 - 1998

Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.: 1998 - 2004

Rev. Cedric C. Allen: 2004 - 2009

Rev. William S. Banks: 2009 - 2012

Rev. John W. Jackson: 2012 - 2014

Rev. Brad Goss: 2014 - 2018

Rev. Raymond F. Hampton: 2018 - 2023

Rev. Anthony Davis: 2023 - 2024

Rev. Tawanna Harris: 2024 - Present

PASTORS OF USHER'S TEMPLE C.M.E (Since 1866)

Members Of Usher's Temple Who Sought Ministry

Presiding Elders Of Usher's Temple C.M. E. Church

Trustees Of Usher's Temple

Stewards Of Usher's Temple

Stewardesses Of Usher's Temple

Acknowledgments

Mission

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"

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Religion has always been an important force in the lives of human beings. It has always guided mankind to equate his life with the noblest force in the universe -- GOD.

This force was evidenced in the lives of the pioneers in Methodism in Fort Valley without regard for racial restrictions.