On Sunday, July 21, Centenary UMC in Memphis hosted a memorial celebration for the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. James M. Lawson, Jr.

In the 1960s, Centenary’s role in the community was vital, led by its 33-year-old pastor, Rev. Dr. James Lawson, Jr. Dr. Lawson taught non-violence tactics to national movement leaders and led many movement sit-ins. Youth members in the church were urged to become social activists, and being committed to action, made lasting contributions to the cause. When longstanding tensions between Black sanitation workers and city officials erupted in February of 1968, Rev. Lawson held meetings with the mayor of Memphis to urge him to provide decent working conditions. Dangerous working conditions did not improve, and the sanitation workers met at Centenary to call for a strike. Dr. Lawson invited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to the city to provide aid to the sanitation workers. Dr. King was shot and killed on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Hotel on April 4, 1968, before he could lead a second march in support of the workers.

The Rev. Dr. James Lawson, Jr.

Centenary member, Robert Lewis, Jr., prepared Dr. King’s body for burial, at his funeral home on Vance Street. After the tragic death of Dr. King, several national news agencies broadcast Centenary church services to the world. His death also led to the founding of Memphis Area Legal Services at Centenary, by a group of black activist attorneys. On April 23, 1968, Centenary became a part of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Lawson served as pastor from 1961-1974.

 

At the recent memorial service, Bishop McAlilly was among those who gave remarks, and all present celebrated Rev. Dr. Lawson’s legacy of faith and commitment to the struggle for justice. You may watch a recorded livestream of the memorial service here. Read more about the life and work of the Rev. Dr. James Lawson, Jr.

 

(Some text and both photos are courtesy of Centenary UMC.)