Centenary United Methodist Church invites you to the dedication of its historical marker. The dedication ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at the church, located at 584 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.
This marker, approved by the Tennessee Historical Commission, serves as a tribute to the sacrifices, struggles, bravery, and resilience of pastors and congregations and stands as a powerful reminder of the costs associated with progress and freedom. Centenary church and school were founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church North in 1865, on Raburn Street, near downtown Memphis. From its founding, pastors and members have engaged in civil action and the church has made a definite impact in the community. Burned in the Memphis Massacre of 1866, Centenary was rebuilt by January of 1967 and continued its ministry mission. Students at the school became some of Memphis’ first Black teachers; the first kindergarten for Black children in the city was established in the parsonage; and the first Black Boy Scout troop in the city was organized at the church.
During the height of racial tensions in 1940, Dr. H. B. Gibson, pastor and local NAACP president, and church members were actively engaged in fighting for voting rights. In the 1960s, Centenary’s role in the community, was vital, led by its pastor, Rev. Dr. James M. Lawson, Jr. In 1966,Centenary served as the site for strategic planning to ensure that James Meredith’s March Against Fear, from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi continued after Meredith was shot. Centenary member, Atty. A. W. Willis, Jr., was Meredith’s local lawyer.
When longstanding tensions between Black sanitation workers and city officials erupted in February of 1968, Centenary’s pastor, Rev. James Lawson, held meetings with the mayor of Memphis to urge him to provide decent working conditions. With no agreement, the workers held meetings at Centenary, eventually calling for a strike. Dr. Lawson invited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to the city to aid the workers and strategy sessions were held at the church. Dr. King was shot and killed at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. Clara Ester, Centenary member, attempted to aid him on the balcony. Another Centenary member, Robert S. Lewis, Jr., prepared Dr. King’s body for burial, at his funeral home on Vance Avenue. After the tragic death of Dr. King, Centenary gained nation attention and has held fast to its tradition of historical impact and service. As the congregation reflects on its journey, it also looks forward to a future grounded in shared history and a collective vision.
Submitted by Centenary UMC
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