COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Several years prior to the conception of Community CME Church, the Presiding Elder of the Charleston-Columbia District, Carolina Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Seventh Episcopal District, received a recommendation from Reverend Warren R. Foushee, that Trinity CME Church located on House Street in Columbia, South Carolina should be relocated. A few years later, the conference purchased four lots and a small dwelling on Jackson and Palmetto Streets where the congregation worshipped for almost 2 years.
In June of 1980, Elder Foushee received information that the Pentecostal Holiness Church located at 4317 Ridgewood Avenue was for sale. Elder Foushee interceded and ascertained the details and then contacted the Carolina Conference, under the leader of Bishop Nathaniel Lindsey. Sidney Park CME Church, Columbia, assisted Elder Foushee with the purchasing details.
The doors of Community CME Church were officially opened on Sunday August 3, 1980, with Presiding Elder Warren R. Foushee delivering the sermon entitled, “The Touch of Jesus”. Services were conducted the following Sunday by Elder Foushee, at which time the Reverend Roderick D. Lewis was appointed pastor for the conference year 1980-1981. Reverend Lewis preached his first sermon at Community CME Church on Sunday August 17, 1980. During the service, the church received its first three members, Almeta Harper, Mary E. Justice, and Ethel Long. By December of 1980, the membership had grown and the following officers were appointed: Mr. William Veal, Chair of the Steward Board; Mrs. Ethel Long, Chair of the Stewardess Board; Mrs. Mary E. Justice, Recording Steward; Mr. Percy Norris, Chair of the Trustee Board; and Miss Brenda Johnson, Church Secretary. A short time later, Mr. George Montague joined and was appointed Chairman of the Trustee Board and Mr. Percy Norris was appointed church Treasurer. By this time, the membership had grown to 41 members, consisting of 24 adults and 17 youth and children.
Miss Victoria Justice was appointed the first Sunday School Superintendent and was assisted by Miss Carmel Veal. Miss Sabrina Odom was appointed the first President of the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF), and Mrs. Bobby Veal was elected President of the Choir. Mrs. Francine Samuels was the first elected Missionary President. Many of these members are still here today, through the grace of God. The officers were confirmed during the Quarterly Conference of 1980.
During the 1980-1981 Conference Year, the members, along with Reverend Lewis labored to build and enhance the visibility and growth of Community CME Church. “For we are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9) was the theme. The members contributed furniture and other needed items for the Educational Department. A public relations campaign was conducted through the media and families in the community began to visit. In addition, the church hosted various Carolina Conference meetings and fund-raising activities, seeking support to promote this newly formed church. The church opened its doors to other community organizations, such as the Governor’s Office of the Division of Energy Assistance and a Boy Scouts Troop. Elder Foushee, along with Mrs. Evelyn Petty and Mr. Joseph Wilson, who was the Annual Conference Lay Leader, were instrumental in bringing District and Annual Conference workshops and meetings to Community.
As laborers together with God, the Carolina Conference made an initial down payment on April 1, 1981. The property on Jackson and Palmetto Streets were sold and the funds were used as part of the down payment.
The 2nd Anniversary of the church was celebrated during the 1981-1982 Conference Year, under the leadership of Reverend E.C. Carroll. The membership increased to 73 persons and with a Sunday School attendance of an average of 25 per Sunday. Mrs. Joniece Carroll, wife of the pastor, organized the church Bible Study. Mrs. Carroll, assisted by Miss Victoria Justice, organized the first Vacation Bible School.
During this same Conference Year, we were blessed with 2 choirs, an Adult Choir and a Children’s Choir. In 1981, one member from Trinity CME Church united with the Community CME Church family, namely Mrs. Francena Harris. She presented to the Stewardess Board the Communion set from Trinity and six white hand towels, which are still used by Community today. Additional boards and auxiliaries were organized that included the Missionary Society (which included the active Mattie E. Coleman and Rossie T. Hollis Circles) and the Laity Council.
The greatest historical event of Community was the meeting of Bishop Lindsey, the Joint Board of Finance, former pastor Roderick Lewis, current pastor Reverend E. C. Carroll, officers of Community and Mr. Charles Ruff, when they received the purchase documents making the property a legal piece of the greater Carolina Conference.
There is not enough appreciation that can be given to Elder Foushee for a great discovery and for his sincere concern and interest shown to Community CME Church.
Over the years, Community was served by several ministers. Reverend Clifford Whitfield served as pastor for approximately 6 months during the 1983-1984 Conference Year. Elder David Reynolds and Reverend Lena Williams completed the year as visiting ministers. The Reverend William Burrell served as pastor from 1984-1986. Mr. Fred Grate became a member and went on to become a licensed minister. He preached his Trial Sermon at Community. He was licensed by Presiding Elder David Reynolds. Reverend Dr. Jimmy Gilbert, Jr. served as pastor from 1985-1988. Following Dr. Gilbert was Reverend Eric Shriller, he served as pastor from 1988-1989. Following Reverend Shriller, Reverend Samuel Stewart came and served. He accepted this challenge and even though it was his first charge, he stayed at Community for 9 years (1989-1998). In 1994, Mrs. Martha Brown and Ms. Michelle Williams (now Reverend Michelle Williams), became local preachers under Reverend Stewart’s leadership.
Mrs. Brown ministered to the sick and shut-in, while Reverend Williams worked with the youth of the church with her music ministry. Reverend Jerry Webb served as associate pastor, and also took a special interest in working with the youth.
In July of 1998, Reverend Juliana Hosey served as pastor. We were blessed to have her with us for 3 years. God used her to get us more equipped into the 21st Century. She served diligently and because of her leadership, we began to make many strides in the church. July 2001, Reverend Matthew Thomas was appointed as pastor. We enjoyed his spirit and the energy Reverend Thomas bought with him. He was a leader to us and the members of church looked up to him for his wisdom and knowledge.
In 2002, Community lost 3 members, namely: Mrs. Francina Harris, Mrs. Sadie Edwards, and Brother John Reese, who are all sadly missed. Community was fortunate to have Reverend Matthew Thomas guide us through these trying times. Under Reverend Thomas’ leadership, Community started the Parsonage Renovation Project. Community also began the Mary E. Justice Joyettes, a children’s choir that sings every 4th Sunday.
Community is now blessed with one of the youngest pastors in it’s history, Reverend Joiquim L. Barnes. Pastor Barnes was assigned as the 12th Pastor, during the 2003-2004 Conference Year. His first charge ever, Barnes hit the ground running! With dynamic energy, enthusiasm and a love for the word, Barnes has made many accomplishments. Some of these include: beautification of the parsonage; after-school tutorial program; men’s ministry and host of other ministries. He has had many influential individuals to visit Community, including former South Carolina Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (Orangeburg), Special Assistant to Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) Isaac Williams, and former Presidential Candidate Howard Dean. Membership has grown tremendously and continues under Reverend Barnes’ leadership.
Community continues to sail through stormy weather as well as calm seas. New carpet was laid in the sanctuary. The tutorial program serves students throughout the community. The Steward Board has an ongoing fundraising program in place. Community’s dynamic young pastor, Rev. Barnes, was blessed at the end of the 133rd Session of the Carolina Region Annual Conference to be in full connection as a minister. And while Community has lost its oldest member and mother of the church, Mrs. Annie Edwards, the church is blessed to have a new mother. Mrs. Mary Justice-Conners was named Mother of the Church in 2005.
Community has adopted a slogan: The Church in the Community, empowering the Community! We know that with God on our side, we are the church that is standing up for His people!