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The history of Phillips
CME began in 1916 when Rev. Melvin Hunt and 16 members
organized a Colored Methodist Church in the home of Willie
Mays in Rossford, OH. In 1917 Hunt started another church in
Toledo known as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Mission,
again in a family home – that of Annie Weaver on Moore
Street.
In the early 1920’s the
church moved numerous times, from Stickney Avenue, to
Nebraska Avenue to N. St. Clair. The move to St. Clair
church prompted a new name – Phillips Chapel Colored
Methodist Episcopal Church – in honor of Bishop Charles
Henry Phillips, the eighth minister to be elevated to the
office of bishop in the Colored Episcopal Church.
In 1923, a building was
finally purchased at 345 Wabash. Another site was purchased
in 1932 at 1406 Lawrence and for over 38 years, the building
remained the home of the Phillips Temple CME Church until a
fire in 1971 destroyed the church’s home.
A building fund was
started and plans were drawn for the construction of the new
building at 565 Palmwood and the consecration celebration
was held on December 21, 1975. The second mortgage for that
building was burned on October 28, 1980.
The current pastor, Rev.
Nicholas Betts, is the 27th shepherd during the
church’s first century.
The Sunday celebration was
opened by worship leader, Rev. Ireatha Hollie. Rev. Carolyn
Coleman offered the morning prayer and the Phillips Temple
Youth Choir, the Higher Dimension Mass Choir presented
musical selections.
Remarks were offered by
guests, including former pastor, Rev. Charles Henry
(1995-97). Pastor Betts gave the pastoral statement and
introduced Presiding Elder Bruce Gibson.
First Lady Betts and Rev.
Hollie served as co-chairmen of the 100th
Anniversary Committee |
