Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 79th Anniversary

1875 79th Anniversary 1954 OF ALLEN TEMPLE A.M.E. CHURCH June, 1954

BISHOP FRANK MADISON REED, M.A., D.D., L.L.D: REVEREND F.D. FREHER, D.D., Pastor DR. T. E. ROBINSON, D.D., Presiding Elder Greenville District

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[white sticker to the bottom left side of page] S.C. 287.83 79th

[title is centered and in bold] PROGRAMME

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SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 1954--3:30 P.M. MACEDONIA HOUR Master of Ceremonies____________________________ Reverend Willie Nelson Music _______________________ Macedonia Baptist Church Choir Invocation Music ___________________________________ St. Mary A.M.E. Church Choir Introduction of Speaker Music _________________________________ Macedonia Baptist Church Choir Sermon _______________________________________ Reverend A. M. McNeil Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church Music ___________________________________ St. Mary A.M.E. Church Choir Offering Remarks ______________________________ By Pastor, Reverend F. D. Dreher Announcements - Benediction

MONDAY NIGHT, JUNE 7, 1954--8:00 P.M. SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH Music _________________________________ Springfield Baptist Church Choir Invocation Music _________________________________________________ Church Choir Introduction of Speaker Music _________________________________ Springfield Baptist Church Choir Sermon ______________________________________________ Dr. C. F. Gandy Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church Music _________________________________________________ Church Choir Offering Report of Auxiliaries Remarks _________________________________ Reverend F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

TUESDAY NIGHT, JUNE 8, 1954 - 8 P.M. ST. ANDREWS METHODIST CHURCH Music ______________________________________ St. Andrews Church Choir Invocation Music _________________________________________________ Church Choir Introduction of Speaker Music ______________________________________ St. Andrews Church Choir Sermon ________________________________________ Reverend F. L. Lawton Pastor of St. Andrews Methodist Church Music __________________________________________ By The Church Choir Offering Reports of Auxiliaries Remarks _________________________________Reverend F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

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WEDNESDAY NIGHT, JUNE 9, 1954--8 P.M. JOHN WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Music _____________________________________ John Wesley Church Choir Invocation Music ___________________________________________ By The Church Choir Introduction of Speaker Music ______________________________________ John Wesley Church Choir Sermon _______________________________________ Reverend T. B. Thomas Pastor of John Wesley Methodist Church Music ___________________________________________ By The Church Choir Offering Reports of Auxilaries Remarks ___________________________________ Revered F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

THURSDAY NIGHT, JUNE 10, 1954 - 8 P. M. ST. MATTHEW METHODIST CHURCH Music ______________________________________ St. Matthew Church Choir Invocation Music ______________________________________ St. Matthew Church Choir Introduction of Speaker Music ______________________________________ St. Matthew Church Choir Sermon _________________________________________ Reverend H. O. Mims Music ______________________________________ St. Matthew Church Choir Offereing Reports of Auxiliaries Remarks ___________________________________ Revered F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 11, 1954 - 8 P. M. A.M.E. BETHE L [Bethel] CHURCH, WARE SHOALS Reverend W. P. Gambrell Music ________________________________________ St. Peters Holiness Church Inovation Music ________________________________________ St. Peters Holiness Church Introduction of Speaker Music ________________________________________ St. Peters Holiness Church Sermon _________________________________________ Reverend W. A. Barbour Music _______________________________________ Macedonia Holiness Church Offering Reports of Auxiliaries Remarks ___________________________________ Revered F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

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SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 13, 1954 - 3:30 PILGRIM REST BAPTIST CHURCH Music ________________________________________ Pilgrim Rest Church Choir Invocation Music Introduction of Speaker Music ________________________________________ Pilgrim Rest Church Choir Sermon __________________________________________________ Reverend Dye Music Offering Reports of Auxiliaries Remarks ___________________________________ Revered F. D. Dreher, Pastor Announcements - Benediction

[text is stamped in faint gray ink along top border] GREENVILLE (S.C.) CO. LIBRARY

[text is centered and bold in script style] History of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church

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The history of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church has its roots deeply embedded in the soil of the Reconstruction period. It is reflected in the heterogenous concept of that period, as evidenced by the opposition encountered by the founders of this church in their efforts to establish it in the Greenville community. The early history of this church is handed down to us in a two-fold nature: (1) the first and second attempts to organize this church is recorded by Mrs. Carolina Brown, one of the founders; and (2) the growth and development of its beginning is given by Mrs. Hattie E. Williams, daughter of Mrs. Brown, and the first Sunday School Teacher.

Therefore, according to Mrs. Carolina Brown, the first attempt to organize the A. M. E. Church in this city took place in 1871, in an old building known as the Methodist Church, which was located on the corner of Coffee & Church Sts., in the vicinity of Christ Episcopal Church, with the Rev. William Beckett as pastor. The necessary negotiation had been made for the purchase of this property, and two payments had been made. But, in spite of the previous business agreement, the white trustees of this property decided that this was not the ideal location for a Colored Church. Consequently, they demanded the deeds and returned the payments. This marked the first opposition experienced by this little handful of pioneers in their efforts to bring a religious institution to this city. Rev. Beckett was sent elsewhere, but, the little group left behind never lost sight of its goal.

Despite of the first set-back, the members of this group, backed by an abiding faith in God; with an indomitable will to succeed in the face of opposition or hardship; and with an unusual amount of rugged individualism, these pioneers were determined to leave behind them footprints on the Greenville sand of time. Subsequently, four years later, in 1875, a second attempt was made to establish an A. M. E. Church, but, not without a struggle. Nevertheness, this time, the group was headed by the Rev. S. T. Sinclair, together with ten (10) adult members from Laurens, Newberry and Abbeville, South Carolina, along with three small children. They rented an old blacksmith shop on the present site of the C. & W. C. Railroad Station, near Lipscomb & Russel Wholesale Company, on Court Street. The blacksmith shop was cleaned, and the members of this little group started a little A. M. E. mission, which represented the foundation on which to build a super-structure by the unborn generations. It is interesting to note their simple beginning, which consisted of one glass pitcher, one tumbler or water glass, one Hymn book, one Bible, one chair, one new table, a rustic pulpit, and six low benches. This represented the beginning of this little group, as it dedicated that blacksmith shop for the service of God. This little mission had a membership of thirteen, which was without a name other than the African Methodist Church. However, just as this mission seemed to get settled, the cruel hand of fate tossed a huge monkey wrench into its already delicate network. Mrs. Brown gives an account of the incident, as she said, "I went to Sunday School one Sunday morning, and to my surprise! I found the door locked, and the little furniture on the side of the

[continues to column 2] street, I went home and told my mother." The members of this little mission were forced to move from the building. They went to an old building near the Air Line Depot (now the Southern Depot), where the pigeons roosted overhead. This mission remained there for a number of years, and one thing in particular, this mission was blessed with the good fortune of having a number of good ministers, men with vision, and above all, men who had an unshakable faith in God. Such were the qualities found in the eminent and distinguished James T. Baker. He came as pastor of this mission while it was still in the vicinity of the Air Line Depot. However, it was not long after his arrival, before the mission was moved to the corner of West Washington and Echols Streets, near the Mattoon Presbyterian Church, and with Rev. B. F. McDowell as its pastor. This Church, likewise was having a struggle, similar to that of the little A. M. E. mission. Therefore, being cognizant of this little mission's plight, Rev. McDowell shared the two-story building with this little struggling mission. He held his services every Sunday morning, and let the A. M. E. mission holds its every Sunday afternoon. The members of this church should never forget Rev. McDowell for his act of kindness. These two little missions held their services in the same building for a number of years, nevertheless, it was later learned that this property was to be sold for $2,000.00. Consequently, the Columbia, S. C. A. M. E. Conference sent the Revs. Paul and Silas Jefferson to Greenville to carry out the necessary business transactions for the purchase of this property. These two ministers made contact with the Presbyterian Board of Trustees, and as a result this property which contained the two-story narrow shaped building was purchased by the little A. M. E. Mission.

Therefore, on Sunday, February 2, 1881, this twostory building was dedicated and a corner-stone was laid, and Rev. James T. Baker named this little mission--Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church. The Sunday School was opened with three small children, with Mrs. Hattie Williams (then Miss Hattie Kinard), as the first Sunday School teacher. After placing this little mission on a sound basis, Rev. Baker, the great builder, organizer, inspirational and religious leader was sent to another charge. He was succeeded by the Rev. E. H. Wilson. This little mission remained on the corner of West Washington and Echols Streets until the end of Rev. Wilson's pastorate, then the Rev. J. F. Jackson was named as his successor. Later, Rev. Jackson, the officers and members decided to change the location of the mission. therefore, the property on the corner of West Washington and Echols Streets was sold, and they purchased the site on which Union (graded) High School had its beginning in 1880, and the same building which was formerly used as a Presbyterian College for Whites. This property is located between Markley and Vardry Streets, facing Greene Avenue, in the vicinity of the Oil Mill. This building was likewise dedicated for the service of God. This little mission grew by leaps and bounds under the capable and efficient leadership of Rev. Jackson. There was a steady increase in the membership of Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church; it had begun to get

SEVENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY ALLEN TEMPLE A. M. E. CHURCH

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its feet firmly established on solid ground. It seemed as if God's blessings fell as gentle rain from heaven on almost everything this group attempted. And, with God's help, this little mission was transformed into a real Church in the truest sense of the word.

We, the present members of this Church, are greatly indebted to the Rev. J. F. Jackson, for it was during his pastorate that the Church succeeded in paying off the mortgage on the property on which the present Allen Temple (the brick structure) now stands. After realizing his herculean task, this servant of God and dynamic religious leader was sent elsewhere to invade new horizons in the service of God. The church continued to make progress under the leadership of the various pastors of this church, however, a number of ministers were sent to Allen Chapel over a period of time, and among them was the Rev. E. H. Coit. He was immediately faced with the problem of a larger church, and, it was not long before the old building was dismantled, and a new church erected. However, while this new church was under construction, the congregation held its services in the County Court House (on the present site of the Liberty Building). Upon its completion, the new church was dedicated, and with the consent of the officers, and the members, Rev. Coit changed the name of the church from Allen Chapel to Allen Temple A. M. E. Church. But, even before Rev. Voit left this charge, the steady increase in the Church's membership placed the new edifice in jeopardy. The probelm of ample church space came drown through the years. The various ministers who were sent to Allen Temple were likewise confronted with the same problem.

In November of 1927, the Annual Conference sent the Rev. A. C. Sumpter to Allen Temple, and shortly thereafter, the necessary plans were set in motion which were designned to meet the conditions of a new church. Subsequently, Mr. J. Malina was appointed as the Arhitect for this job, and the contractors in charge were: Mr. Bruce Bowens, of the brick masons; Mr. L. L. Calhoun of the plasterers; and Mr. F. A. Lawton, of the building structure. This building consistes of a steel frame, and is considered on of the most substantial in Greenville. Rev. Sumpter, the offers and the members of Allen Temple were fortunate, in that they were granted $2000.00 from the Chruch Exention of the A. M. E. Church to aid this project. Also, the church was fortunate in having many generous friends of both races, who made donations to the church. The members of the Board of Trustees who supported Rev. Sumpter were as follows: Mr. J. A. Mack, Treasurere (who joined under Rev. Baker); Mr. Thomas Lomas, Mr. John Henry Calhoun, Sr., Mr. Robert Grant, Sr., Mr. Willie A. Fisher, Mrs. Hattie E. Williams, Mrs. Mary M. Calhoun.

The different clubs of the chruch likewise, made their contributions to this new project. Amont them were: The Boosters Club with Miss Florence L. Lykes as President; Miss Eunice Adams, Secretary; Mrs. Ludie Lee, Treasurer; Mrs. M. Fisher, Wice President; and Mrs. Hattie R. Flader, assistant Secreary. The Sunshine Club, Mrs. Minna Calhoun, President; Miss Eva Fuller, Secretary; and Mrs. Ida Wilson, Treasurer. The Willing Workers Club, Mrs. D. A. Adams,

[continues to column 2] President; Mrs. Willie Miles, Secretary; and Mrs. Lizzie Calhoun, Treasurer. The Ladies Aid Club. Mrs. Rhoda Newton, President; Mrs. Anna Robinson, Secretary; and Mrs. Josephine Washington, Treasurer. The Allenite Boys Club, Mrs. Minna Calhoun, President; Mr. Ezra Adams, Preseident; Mr. William Means Bowling, Secreatry; and Mr. Warren Mack, Treasurer.

On Sunday, November 3, 1920, a corner-stone was laid, and a new ediface was dedicated by Bishop John E. Hurst, assisted by David H. Sims, President of Allen University, and the Rev. F. A. Miles. The dedication services were most impressive, and especially as Bishop Hurst and his two assistants made their way down the right hand aisle of this most magnificent edifice, with its architectural splendow, its enchanting windoes, and its symmetric beauty and harmony. So great was the impact of this occasion that the tears poured from the Bishop's eyes as he began the dedication services. The erection and dedicaion of this new church marked a trumph for Rev. A. C. Sumpter, as its pastor. It was also, a triumph for the members and friends of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church.

May 6, 1930, represented a very sad day for all A. M. E.'s over the State of South Carolina, because on that day, the disturbing news was sent out announcing the sudden death of our beloved Bishop John E. Hurst. Therefore, on November 3, 1930 exactley one year after he (Bishop Hurst) had dedicated this church, a Memorial Service was held for this great religious leader.

After the death of Bishop Hurst, the General Conference assigned Bishop R. C. Ranson of the Eighth Episcopal District to serve out the unexpired term of the late Bishop Hurst. However, with the new church erected and dedicated, Rev. Sumpter was able to devote more time to a real church program. He manifested an unusual ability as an organizer, builder, and a competent and able minister of the gospel. Under his dynamic leadership, a strong League for the Youth was organized, and the Sunday School took on a new lease of life. His wife, Mrs. Sumpter, also took a great interest in the Youth of the church. She organized a "Youth Choir" and numerous other projects for the younger generation. During Rev. Sumpters's pastorate, one of Allen Temple's own sons preached his first sermon, later, he was ordained and admitted to the Annual Conference, he is the Rev. Dr. Eugene Bowling, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. (Ella) Mills Bowling of this church. Rev. Dr. Bowling is currently serving under Bishop Monroe Davis, of the Second Episocal District.

In November of 1931, the Annual Conference was held at Allen Temple here in this city, with Bishop R. C. Ranson, presiding. He was accompanied by Bishops John A. Greeg, William T. Vernon, and Monroe Davis, also two candiddates for bishopric -- Dr. David H. Sims and Dr. N. W. Williams (the latter who was elected to the bishopric and was assigned to the Seventh Episcopal District in 1932). However, after Bishop Greeg's most inspiration and masterful sermon, during the Sunday morning service, Bistop Ranson read ou the appointments. It is customary to retain a minister at his present appointment, when the

SEVENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY

ALLEN TEMPLE A. M. E. CHURCH

Annual Conference is held at the place of his pastorate. Nevertheless, in reading the appointments, the bishop made no mention of whether Rev. Sumpter would be retained or not, but, in the light of the Conference's usual procedure, it was naturally assumed that Rev. Sumpter would be retained at Allen Temple Notwithstanding, the bishop did indicate that he had a special appointment for him (Rev. Sumpter), and he did remain at Allen Temple until after the General Conference was held in 1932 when it assigned Bishop Ranson to the Third Episcopal District. Rev. Sumpter was likewise transferred to the same district during the same year. Allen Temple then was without a pastor. However, during the brief interim, the Rev. L. H. Owens was sent as a temporary pastor. Later, Bishop N. W. Williams, mentioned earlier, appointed the Rev. Hale B. Thompson, Sr., as permanent pastor. Academically speaking, Rev. Thompson was one of the best prepared ministers Allen Temple has had in recent years. He likewise took an interest in the Youth of the Church. It was during his time as pastor, that the Rev. W. P. Gambrell entered the ministry, he is currently serving as assistant pastor of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church. After serving two years, Rev. Thompson was transferred to the Second Episcopal District. He was succeeded by the Rev. R. I. Lemon; and he by the Rev. J. W. Witherspoon, and he in turn was succeeded by the Rev. B. S. Taylor in 1940. He found the members of the church engaged in a desperate struggle to free the church of debt. Almost immediately he inaugurated plans which were designed to liquidate the staggering indebtedness. Therefore, as a result of his skillful plans, Allen Temple was set free of its huge burden since the early days of 1927. Subsequently, the members and friends of this church witnessed the historic burning of the mortgage on this magnificent edifice. With this tremendous task accomplished, this great builder, organizer, and able minister was sent elsewhere.

In November of 1947, the Annual Conference sent the Rev. F. D. Dreher to Allen Temple. He found a mortgage-free church, but the problem of a Sunday School stared him squarely in the face. The main auditorium of the church was used for all purposes, including the Sunday School, the League, the regular church services, and other social and spiritual gatherings. Therefore, a group of the members of the Board of Trustees approached Rev. Dreher on the subject of building a new Sunday School Building, they promised him if he succeeded in erecting such a building that it would be named in his honor. Subsequently, three important steps were taken: (1) a rally was sponsored which resulted in a total of $700.00 in less than a month; (2) another rally was sponsored which ended with the sum of $4,000.00; and (3) the church voted to erect a new Sunday School Building.

As a result of these three major steps, Rev. Dreher held a special meeting of the Board of Trustees to decide on the details of the plans to erect a Sunday School Building. The feeling on this matter by the Board was mixed. Some of the Board members felt that it would place too great a burden on the Church, to undertake such a project at that time. While others maintained that such a building was greatly needed, and stood steadfast and unmovable behind the project. Also, Rev. Dreher felt that in view of the fact that the Church had voted to erect such a building, he had no other alternative but to carry out the mandate as requested by the members of the Church. In presenting this matter before the Board, Rev. Dreher employed the skill, tact, and strategy comparable to a General planning his maneuvers, and with the help of God, he was able to arbitrate the differences between the Board members. Subsequent to the action of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Dreher appointed a Building Committee, which was to work out the plans for the new building. It included the following persons: Mr. Wilfred J. Walker, Chairman; Miss Florence L. Lykes Secretary; Mr. James E. Edwards, Sr., Mr. James A. Mack, Rev. F. D. Dreher, Ex-Officio.

As Chairman of this Committee, Mr. Walker was placed in full charge of the direction of this building. The architectural designs were drawn up by the Cunningham-Walker Architects. Finally, the construction of the new building got under way. Mr. J. W. Bates was in charge of the carpentry work, and the brickmasons under the supervision of Mr. Walker, assisted by Mr. Isaac J. Jones and Mr. Edward Dirton, Sr. The members of the Board of Trustees who helped Rev. Dreher to spearhead this new project are as follows: Dr. E. E. McClaren, Mr. Wilfred J. Walker, Mr. Bruce Bowens, Mr. Roosevelt Babb, Mr. Algie Bates Jr., Mr. J. E. Beck (Principal Sterling High School); Mr. James A. Mack, Mr. James E. Edwards, Sr., Mr. Warren Mack, Mr. Luther Sitton, Miss Eva Fuller, Mrs. Maggie Mangum, Mrs. Cora Chapman, Mrs. Julia Benjamin, Rev. F. D. Dreher, Ex-Officio.

This was a triumphant occasion for Rev. Dreher and the members of Allen Temple, and it marked a job well done. This new building serves many purposes, aside from a kitchen with equipment, the private Sunday School rooms, and two general assemblies, it also had a Nursery with Mrs. Wil Lou Chiles as its Director. An Educational Board was appointed by the pastor to superintend the affairs of the new building. It consists of the following: Miss Florence L. Lykes, Chairman; Mrs. Lillian Fisher, Secretary; Mrs. Mary Calhoun, Treasurer; Miss Eunice Adams, Mr. Henry A. Chiles.

These persons who contributed $100 or more to help this new project are as follows: Bishop Frand Madison Reid, Mrs. Essie Dreher, Mr. James E. Edwards, Sr. Mr. Wilfred J. Walker, Mr. Bruce Bowens, Mr. Aaron Wilson, Mr. Edward Dirton, Sr., Mr. Ernest Tolbert, Mrs. Eddris Walker, Miss Eva Fuller, Mrs. Cora Chapman, Mrs. Hattie R. Fladger, Mrs. Harriett Dillard, Miss Florence L. Lykes, Mrs. Mary M. Calhoun.

We are grateful to Mrs. Carrie M. Thompson for permitting us to use the priceless documents of both her mother (Mrs. Hattie E. Williams), and her grandmother (Mrs. Carolina Brown), on the early history of this church and others.

The ministers who served as pastors of this church are as follows: Rev. William Beckett, Rev. Mr. S. T. Sinclair, Rev. Mr. G. T. Strickland, Rev. Mr. Tyson, Rev. Mr. E. H. Wilson, Rev. Mr. James T. Baker, Rev. Mr. J. F. Jackson, Rev. Mr. Hunter, Rev. Mr.