Carter Temple C. M.E. Church
Church History
** Due to the passing of all the early founders of what use to be the Chapel Hill CME Church, now Carter Temple, a complete history cannot be given. However, this will brief you on Carter Temple to the best of our knowledge.
The little wooden church on the hill, was "officially" dedicated on June 16, 1929 @ 1404 Marshall Street, in the historic community of East Hill with Rev. V. W. McCrainey as the pastor. Through the years, repairs where made both inside and outside the church.
The first new building was erected November 2, 1947 under the leadership of the pastor, Rev. N. A. Acey and Bishop R. A. Carter. The heating was changed from wood to gas; the opened windows for air were closed and window fans were installed. There were five choirs singing God's praises. Every second Sunday night, all choirs would render special services and musicals, for the Lord.
Through commitment and much prayer, many accomplishments were attained: pianos, organs, choir chairs, and hymnals. A pulpit bible and chalice set was bought by the Senior Choir, Usher Board, and the Gene Williams Family.
The Pulpit and Lectern were donated by the Shirley Manufacturing Store as a memorial for a faithful usher, Sister Maudie Mae Johnson.
The Fellowship Hall was bought and named "Fellowship Hall" under the leadership of Rev. N. A. Acey. Years later, the same building was renovated, and the name was changed by Brother R. P. Fowler to the Eula F. Harris Fellowship Hall in memory of his late mother.
The first parsonage, located on Moulton Street, was purchsed. Later a former pastor, Rev. J. W. Whitmore bought it from the church. As the Lord continued to bless, a second parsonage, located on Mill Street was purchased by the church.
In 1987, with faith in God, and working together, the Carter Temple Family built a second edifice, under the direction and leadership of Rev. Floyd Ferguson. The first service was held on November 8, 1987, with guests, Rev. E. J. Turner and the Evening Chapel C.M.E. Church.
Dedication services were held on November 15, 1987, with guests Rev. Willie C. Champion and the North Park C.M.E. Church of Dallas, Bishop Ceasar D. Coleman, presiding.
A few months later the Corner Stone was installed by the Bee Hive Mason's Lodge Number 105, under the leadership of Rev. Floyd Ferguson.
On November 20, 1988, the first anniversary was celebrated for our new edifice. The Goodwill Baptist Church of Greenville and their pastor, Rev. Rector, were the special guests.
On November, 1989, the second anniversary was celebrated with guest, New Hope Baptist Church of Greenville and their pastor, Rev. Jerrion Smith.
Through the years, and even still today, Carter Temple has been a staple in the community and has been blessed to touch and affect many lives.
The first Senior Usher Board was organized by Mrs. Lula Shaw. The first Jr. Usher Board was by Mrs. Irene Duke. The late Sister's Harriet and Odessa Johnson were directors of children and youth.
Through the years we have had twenty or more musicians to have served at Carter Temple: Mrs. F. Hughes, Mrs. B. Smith, Mrs. J. Linson, Rev. Mrs. Ester Fay Lawson, Mrs. Barbara Jeffery, Mrs. F. Stephens, Ms. Sherloyn Young, Mr. Terry Moore, Rev. Mrs. J. Dunlap, Supt. Roy L. Price, Rev. James Allen, Mrs. Mary White, Mrs. L. Jennings, Mrs. C. Dickerson, Mrs. Geraldine Green, Mrs. Willie LaVern Washington Anderson, Mrs. Mary L. Daniels, Mrs. Jennifer Lemmsey, Mr. Julius Jordan, Ms. Elmer Criss Tennison, Mrs. Linda Lawson, Mrs. Jackie Anderson, and
Numerous Drummers: Mr. Barry W. Lee, Mr. Williams Wright, Mr. Tony Blaylock, Joe Lawson II, Marsais Lawson, Mr. Andrew Sweat (present drummer), and Jason Thomas (our alternate drummer).
And many ministers that are on the batle field and carrying God's message came out of, or pastored at, Carter Temple C.M.E. Church. They are: Rev. John L. Reed, the late Rev. A.J. Lawson, the late Rev. Emmit Pitts, Rev. Dr. Willie C. Champion (currently Presiding Elder of the Dallas District and a Connectional Officer in the C.M.E. Church), Rev. John Moore, Rev. James Byrd, Rev. Jerrion Smith (former Pastor), the late Rev. Claude J. Williams (a former Pastor), and Rev. Joseph Lawson. Also, Rev. V. W. McCrainey, Rev. Knox, Rev. Flannagan, Rev. N. A. Acey, Rev. I. W. Whitmore, Rev. Floyd Ferguson (former Pastor and Presiding Elder), Rev. Derrick Harris, and our present pastor, Rev. Brian Keith Thomas.
Past Presiding Elders: Rev. G. D. Smith, Rev. J. J. Thompson, Rev. J. C. Henry, Rev. Steward, Rev. E. J. Turner, Rev. Mitchell Patton, Rev. Floyd Ferguson, and presently we are blessed with an annointed leader of our great North Tyler District of the Central Texas Annual Conference, Rev. Dr. Donald R. Madlock, SR.
Past Bishops: Bishop R. A. Carter (whom the church was re-named after), Bishop Bertram W. Doyle, Bishop Norris S. Curry, Bishop Steward, Bishop Ceasar D. Coleman, Bishop Marshall Gilmore, and presently we are blessed to have come to us and to lead this great 8th Episcopal District from GOOD to GREAT, Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham.
We celebrate over 83 years of Christian Witness and Ministry, where we are dedicated to continue the legacy of worship, service, and love. Excited about the many accomplishments that the Lord has allowed us to experience we are most grateful to God that in 2004 the Lord allowed us to become debt-free under the leadership of Rev. Derrick Harris.
We are also grateful for the move of God that has overtaken, and taken us to another level in our walk with God with the many struggles, sorrows, and "miracles" that the Lord has shown to the Carter Temple Church Family under the present leadership of Rev. Brian Keith Thomas.
To God be the Glory, for the wonderful things He has not only done, but has allowed us to do, through Him!!!
