"From Whence We've Come: 1866 - The Present"
Compiled by Willie Walker - April, 1999

Religion has always been an important force in the lives of human beings. It has always guided mankind to equate his life with the noblest force in the universe -- GOD.

This force was evidenced in the lives of the pioneers in Methodism in Fort Valley without regard for racial restrictions.

In order to appreciate our great Christian heritage we will take a brief look at Methodism in the South, prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. This backward glance will help us appreciate the great effort of both blacks and whites to minister to the needs of our forefathers, many of whom attended the church of their masters. Then we will follow this church's growth and progression through the years.

In 1847, when Fort Valley had developed into a good-sized village and its further growth was assured by the coming of the Southwestern Railroad, members of the Old Pond Church (a white church affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, located on Knoxville Road about one mile from Fort Valley, north of the old golf course) erected a new building on land donated by James A. Everett (founder of Fort Valley) and Mathew Dorsey. The present site of Everett Square. Worship began here in 1848. The floor plan of the new building provided a balcony to be used for seating colored people who wished to worship in the Methodist faith. All over the South slaves were allowed to belong to various missions of the Methodist Church. At least 225,000 Negroes belonged to these missions. Georgia and South Carolina had about 60 ministers who served as missionaries to these communicants.

Old Pond Church Given to Negroes

After emancipation, in 1866, the Old Pond Church was given to the colored worshipers for whom the white ministers served as preacher, counselor and friend. It took the colored worshipers about a year to move the church to the site on O'Neal Street because they used the white farmers mules to move the church after working in the fields each day.

Fort Valley Methodist Church Preacher Trains Negro Preachers

Also in 1866, the Negro preachers who had been licensed by the Fort Valley Quarterly Conference became leaders in the new Colored Methodist Episcopal Church formed that year. These men felt their lack of "formal education" needed guidance, so they asked Rev. J.C. Cotter (preacher of the Fort Valley Methodist Church), to help prepare them for their mission. These men learned to read the Bible at the Everett Mission, but they could not write. Rev. Cotter began a "Literacy & Theological Institute for Negroes" meeting at his home two or three times each week. The first order of business was instruction using the old "blue back speller". Next Rev. Cotter would hear the men preach, analyze their sermons and give them a text to develop for their next sermon.

According to the history of the First Methodist Church of Fort Valley, Rev. Cotter's pupils were Caesar Taylor, Isaac Anderson, Paul Barnette and Jim Staley. In 1859 Caesar Taylor had been the first Negro licensed to preach by the Fort Valley Quarterly Conference. Until that time the law required a white preacher to be present at all meetings.

Odd Fellows Lodge Hall Used As Church And School

Temporarily, the colored Methodists, with no particular pastor, were housed in a two-story building on O'Neal Street known as "The Blind Academy" (Odd Fellows Lodge Hall, then Edwards Funeral Home). Trustees included Isaac Anderson, Paul Barnette, David Hunter, Peter Walker and Newton Everett.

The upper floor was used for worship services. All colored citizens were invited to worship here. As a result, the colored Methodists received the distinction of mothering the growth of the A.M.E.'s who built Saint Peter A.M.E. Church on Griffin Line (East Church Street) and Shiloh Baptist who also built their church on Griffin Line.

The ground floor was used for school purposes, thus starting the first school for colored children in Houston County (the division of Houston & Peach Counties came in 1924). From this humble beginning, early October, 1895, Professor John W. Davidson, leader and founder; Gideon V. Barnette, Chairman; Curtis V. Nixon, Secretary and others held planning conferences at Usher's Temple's parsonage to plan for a larger school, which gave rise and development of the Fort Valley High & Industrial School, presently Fort Valley State University. On November 6, 1895, eighteen men (fifteen colored and three whites) petitioned the Superior Court Of Houston County located in Perry for a charter to legalize the school.

According to the application, the purpose of the institution was:

...the furthering and promoting of the cause of mental and manual education in the State of Georgia and the special purpose is to have, acquire, hold, manage and control grounds, buildings, machinery and outfit for the successful conducting of a school for the higher mental and manual education of the youths and children of Georgia, also to elect teachers and have control of all matters connected with the carrying out of the said school.

Negro Church Named For Rev. J.H. Usher

The first ordained elder and pastor to this charge was Rev. J.H. Usher. On December 31, 1868, the C.M.E. Church bought from W.E. Sloan land on the South West side of the Southwestern Railroad, 2089 feet square or one square acre, previously known as The Baptist College lot. With Rev. Usher's keen foresight and guidance, the erection of the first real church building was begun across the street from The Blind Academy, which bore his name, Usher's Chapel. The first cornerstone gives the date, 1880.

Usher's Chapel was more than just a church. It was an inspiration giving rise and nurture to fraternal, civic, educational, as well as religious ventures for all its people, both near and far. In 1866, Rev. Usher went as a delegate to the General Conference held in Washington, D.C. Here, he introduced a set of resolutions which resulted in the recognition for women of the C.M.E. Church as Stewardesses for the whole connection. This great body, The Stewardess Board, was the forerunner of the spirit of the missionary women in the church, with Fort Valley's Usher's Temple as the founding mother. The first President of Stewardess Board # I was Ella Slappy Jones and Carrie Nixon was the first President of Stewardess Board # II. Rev. D.L. Miller was minister in charge at the time.

Fire Destroys Church

Worship continued there from 1880 - 1890, which, in time the structure was consumed by fire. In 1891, the next historical stride came when Alonzo Nixon returned from a General Conference, held in a western state. He suggested that the new church be veneered in brick for protection against fire. It is said that Rev. H. Bass, a local elder, bought a brick for ten cents, placed a $5.00 bill thereon, and said, "let's build a brick church!" So instead of constructing a 4 inch wall (required for veneering), an 8 inch wall was constructed, thus giving Fort Valley its first brick church (it was referred to throughout the area as "the brick church"). This was a beautiful structure with velvet inner doors to the main entrance and store bought pews. This church grew in structure as it grew in grace and became known as Usher's Temple. The completion of the work was during the pasturage of Rev. Lee O'Neal who, many years later, returned as pastor and died while in the parsonage next door.

New Church Completed In 1895

Many persons were instrumental in completing this sanctuary. Electric lights were installed by "The King's Daughters' Club". A pipe organ was installed under the pastorate of Rev. J.H. Turner, Beaulah O'Neal was the organist. Some of the dedicated workers during this time were Mary and Minnie Gardner, Carrie Mack and many others.

The trustees active during the construction of the church, which was completed in 1895 were: A.L. Nixon, A.J. Hollinshed, G.V. Barnette, W. Crocker, A. Hardeson, Noal Bryant, C.T. Thomas, E. Miller, N. Hollinshed, Peter Davis, A. McKellar and A. Mitchell. The building committee consisted of: A.R. Pearson, C.H. Nixon, A. Harvey, A. Crocker, J.D. Jordan, L. Jefferson, J. Cleveland and R.R. Mitchell.

For sixty-seven years, this building stood. Under the pastorate of Rev. T.C. Clark repairs and additions were made from time to time, such as: two front towers in which one housed a melodious bell that pealed on Sunday mornings and tolled joyfully for births and mournfully at the death of church members under the pastorate of Rev. T.C. Clark. It was an inspiration and joy to hear it call to worshippers each Sunday. It is reported that many of the persons hearing it as they made their way to the church would shed their shoes and run to the worship services. The pipe organ that was secured, later was lost to the weather because of a deteriorating roof. The roof was repaired and lowered during the pastorate of Rev. George Evans. The tall columns which stood down the middle of the church were also removed in the 1930's under Rev. George Evans.

While this renovation was in progress the congregation worshipped in Toomer's Hall (tin shed) on South Macon Street (now State University Drive). Moving back into the church gave the members new interest, direction and commitment.

A Day Of Recognition For Women In Fort Valley

Heeding the enthusiastic desires of Rev. J.C. Ellis, Usher's Temple came through with another "first", the celebration of Women's Day in Fort Valley. The first tribute to the women was held February 17, 1952. Mrs. W.E. Clark served as Chairperson, her steering committee members were: Mamie J. Miller, Elizabeth Peyton, Annie Bond and Jessie E. Dobson. Mrs. Rosalie J. Gilbert of the Episcopal Church was the first "Woman Of The Year". Several years later the men of the church organized and held their first Men's Day. The steering committee members were: John Fambro, Arnold Pearson, Jonus Jordan and Marcellus Jones. Gas heat and a cooling system (consisted of manually pumping airbags with the feet to cool the church)were installed along with hardwood floors under the pastorate of Rev. J.C. Ellis.

Fire Destroys Church Again

On the night of August 18, 1958, members and friends stood helplessly watching firemen at work. Brilliant flames leaped and lashed out at the darkness sending clouds of smoke and hordes of sparks high into the elements monumental of Usher's Temple through the ages. Fire again consumed Usher's Temple. It was believed that a wiring shortage caused the fire.

Worship Services Continues The Very Next Sunday After Church Is Destroyed By Fire

Immediately, contacts were made and worship services continued the very next Sunday at Toomer's Hall. Then arrangements were made to conduct services at The Hunt High School Gymnasium. This great "set back", causing much heartache and sorrow, soon propelled the congregation into a massive building effort. Planning conferences for rebuilding were in full swing under the leadership of Rev. John Henry Johnson, Pastor; Rev. E.L. Green, Presiding Elder; and Presiding Bishop P. Randolph Shy. A combination of Trustees and Stewards during the planning stages were: William Harvey, Fred Miller, T.B. Baldwin, James E. Gibson, Mathew Henry, Henry Wallace, Paul Pinkett, Will Glover, Dave Carter, Odis Humphries, Joseph Henry, Arnold Pearson, John Fambro, William Brown, Harold Miller, Eugene Fluellen, William Morgan, Roosevelt Grace, Mack Wortham, Julius Williams and Will Postell, Fred Amos and Theodore Emanuel.

Rev. Elijah L. Green: 1958 - 1971

After the Annual Conference, the reins fell to Rev. E.L. Green as pastor and Rev. T.E. Sibley, Presiding Elder. Rev. Green, placing his trust in God, set himself to the task before him. The ground plan was staked off on Saturday, May 16, 1959. Excavation began the following week. Mr. Fred Amos was among members who donated 100 bricks and many other members gave $100.00 to get the work started. The construction was halted for 2-3 months due to financial problems. Under Rev. Green's leadership, an anxious and cooperative membership, the now magnificent edifice stands as a symbol of his management, love and loyalty. The present structure had its grand opening and Annual Conference on October 30, 1960. Valued at $130,000 and boasted a membership of 400 (plus). Usher's Temple is the third oldest church in this connection. The loan was procured from the prominent, Black-owned Citizens Trust Company of Atlanta, which still exists today. The original contractor was W. C. Williams of Macon. This project was finished by Homer L. Davis of Fort Valley. Usher's Temple stands today as a symbol of dedicated leadership, management, love, loyalty and "followship" resulting from the dedication of Rev. E.L. Green and the Trustees, Stewards, members and friends. After thirteen years of sincere and efficient leadership and declining health, Rev. E.L. Green went home to his maker (August 18, 1971), with his staff in his hand, while still pastoring here at Usher's Temple. The date of his passing coincided with the date the church, which he rebuilt, was destroyed by fire (August 18).

Rev. Nathaniel J. Smith: 1971 - 1973

A few weeks after the death of Rev. Green, The 1971 Annual Conference was held at Usher's Temple. Bishop P.R. Shy, the Presiding Prelate, assigned Rev. N.J. Smith as pastor of this great church, with Rev. J.L. Key as the Presiding Elder of the Fort Valley-Savannah District. Rev. N.J. Smith ministered here for two years. The Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held Sunday, August 6, 1972 (Mathew Henry- Chairman, Charlie M. Troutman- Co-Chair) with Bishop P. Randolph Shy in attendance.

Rev. James L. Hightower: 1974 - 1976

Bishop Shy assigned Rev. J.L. Hightower to guide the continued progress of this congregation. By this time, 1974 a new Bishop, Rev. Joseph C. Coles, Jr. was assigned to The Sixth Episcopal District of the C.M.E. Church-Georgia. A parsonage was purchased on South Macon Street. A central air-conditioning system was installed during Rev. Hightower's pastorate.

Rev. Curtis L. Jones: 1976 - 1980

The Rev. Curtis L. Jones of Barnesville, Georgia was assigned to Usher's Temple at the 1976 Annual Conference. Under Rev. Jones' leadership, we purchased the Walker property adjacent to the church.

During the 1980 Conference, Bishop Coles assigned Rev. C.L. Jones to the position of Presiding Elder of the Macon District (a position he held until his untimely death in August, 1987).

Rev. Robert W. Green: 1980 - 1987

At the same 1980 Conference, Rev. Robert W. Green was assigned to Usher's Temple. Under his leadership, we have seen the completion of many worthwhile projects including: paving of the church parking lot, renovation of the Walker property into four apartments, installation of new lights in the sanctuary, new carpet in the sanctuary and our first real, professional, sound system with the expertise and guidance of George Adams. A bus was purchased under the pastorate of Rev. Green.

Rev. Henry E. Jones: 1987 - 1993

The Rev. Henry E. Jones was assigned to lead our flock at the 1987 Annual Conference. Rev. Jones concentrated heavily on Christian Education and inspired his flock to attend connectional meetings. Under Rev. Jones leadership we became litigants against Canadyne - Georgia on behalf of the church property which registered 19ppm of arsenic contamination as a result of Woolfolk Chemical Works neglect of the environment during the 1930's. A much needed church van was purchased. A donation of padded pew cushions and new carpet was donated by William C. Daniely and a steam table was purchased during the pastorate of Rev. Jones.

Rev. Etha P. Pitts: 1994 - 1998

The Rev. Etha P. Pitts was assigned to Usher's Temple during the 1994 Annual Conference. The coming of our first female pastor was one of the most challenging gifts that could have been bestowed upon Usher's Temple. Many projects were completed under her pastorate including: purchase of a state of the art electronic organ/piano, installation of vinyl siding on the church & apartments (former Walker property), replacement of the deteriorating columns, purchase of new parsonage on Courtland Ave., receipt of a $120,000 donation from Greg Lloyd (Pittsburg Steelers pro football star who grew up in this church). Rev. Pitts began Wednesday, 12:00 Noon Bible Study. A commercial stove was installed in the kitchen. An after-school tutorial was formed under Rev. Pitts where retired teachers and others help the children of our church & community with homework and specialized subjects. The church annex and sanctuary were renovated.

Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr.: 1998 - 2004

Rev. Curtis L. West, Jr. was assigned this newly awakened and thirsty flock at the 1998 Annual Conference, bringing with him a new vision of this great church. He has enlightened what he affectionately calls "The Temple" to look down the road into the future, to see where we want to be and how we are to be seen. Since taking the reins, he has completed many projects such as: construction of an audio/video recording and control booth in the balcony with new sound equipment, including ceiling choir microphones, monitor speakers, wireless microphones and new speakers; the refurbishment of existing restrooms; and the addition of two handicap-accessible restrooms in the front of the church. Also, new choir robes were purchased under the pastorate of Rev. West, and we are eagerly anticipating the beginning of our building project. Rev. West is the first pastor to incorporate an Early Morning Worship service at 8:00 a.m., which was started in 2001 and has brought the community together to worship, and the 12-noon Bible Study is the “talk of the town.” God has added the increase in ministries, ministers, members, finances and friends.

Rev. West has also had another “first” in the history of the Temple – he and his wife, Amarylis, have given birth to the first baby to be born to a Pastor while he/she was in service to us. There are so many things that could be said about Rev. West and the great work that God is doing through him, but all we will say is, “Thank you, Lord!”

Rev. Cedric C. Allen: 2004 - Present

 

PASTORS OF USHER'S TEMPLE C.M.E (Since 1866)

  ^**Pastored Twice
 ^***First Judge of the C.M.E. Church Judiciary Council

 

Members Of Usher's Temple Who Sought Ministry

 

Presiding Elders Of Usher's Temple C.M. E. Church

 

Trustees Of Usher's Temple

 

Stewards Of Usher's Temple

 

Stewardesses Of Usher's Temple

* Deceased