History of
Central Metropolitan
C.M.E. Church

1890-1921

Central Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1890. The first pastor was Rev. Henry Thomas Toy. The members worshipped faithfully in a house. In 1905, the church began worshipping in a framed building located on West Beaver Street. That same year, Rev. T.F. Gunn became pastor and sold some prime property that he owned on the corner of First and Davis Streets to the Central members.

1921-1939

In 1921, Rev. N.M. Means became pastor. A second edifice was erected. In April 1929, Rev. Allen T. Clark was appointed pastor. During the 1930s, Central witnessed dynamic leadership from Rev. W.C. Crawford, Rev. W.Y. Waites, and Rev. B.J. Jones.

1940-1959

In November 1940, Rev. George W. Washington, Sr. was assigned as pastor. He became the longest-serving pastor with his leadership spanning from 1940-1954. Rev. Washington purchased the first parsonage, located at 1929 Reiman Street. Rev. R.O. Langford and Rev. O.R. Jackson followed as pastors.

1960-1970

Rev. D.W. Bass was assigned as pastor and purchased another parsonage on 21st Street and Boulevard. During the 60’s and ’70s, Rev. Willie C. Flanagan, Rev. M.C. Merriweather, and Rev. E.D. McWoodson served as pastors and led the congregation in spiritual and dedicated worship.

1970-1994

In 1974, Rev. Raymond R. Sommerville was assigned as pastor. He led the congregation to the present location of 4611 North Pearl Street. This was a time of great jubilation, joy, and excitement! The members marched and some rode from the old church to the new church. Men, women, boys, and girls were as happy as could be! Rev. Sommerville also led the members into purchasing the present parsonage located in Turtle Creek.

Rev. Henry Williamson was appointed pastor in 1983. Under Rev. Williamson’s leadership, the educational building was renovated and renamed the D.I. Isom Educational Building. The membership experienced new growth and greatly increased. Williamson was elected as the 52nd Bishop of the CME Church in 2002.

Rev. John W. Honeysucker, Sr. was assigned as pastor in 1986. He led the congregation into a spiritual renewal! He organized the children’s church and it became a vital part of the church’s ministry every Sunday.

1994-2002

In 1994, Rev. Harlan K. Jones was appointed as pastor. He was a great teacher. The Youth/Young Adult ministry really flourished! Rev. Willie Lee McDaniel became the next pastor. He was a Holy Ghost filled preacher and singer. Under his leadership, the Nehemiah Project transpired in which many renovations were completed.

2002- 2014

Rev. John W. Walker, Jr. was assigned and participated in many community projects. He served as president of the “I CARE” organization.

Rev. Clarence Kelby Heath was appointed pastor by Bishop L.L. Reddick. Rev. Heath loved to sing the great hymns of Zion. Pastor Heath made major renovations to the present parsonage on Turtle Creek.

Rev. Marquise Hardrick was appointed pastor in 2011. He was a gifted and Holy Ghost filled preacher. Under his leadership, he presented the first blueprint for future plans of the church’s renovation and the property adjoining the church was purchased.

2014 - present

In July 2014, Rev. John D. Pasley was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation was led into a major church renovation project. God’s glory is seen, heard and felt in the beautifully appointed sanctuary.

Our current pastor, Rev. Roscoe C. McKinney, Jr., was appointed in October 2017.

Under his dynamic leadership, Central is experiencing joyous worship experiences, insightful bible teachings and being led into real-life encounters with Jesus! We invite you to join us on any given Sunday at Central on the Pearl.

We have a great history and we pray that with one mind, one spirit and one soul – we will forever glorify God, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit for the things He has done in the life of Central Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church!!!