Church marks 114 years

Features

Related Photos

Jennifer Lyles

Discussion

November 7, 2008

Anonymous The Muskogee Phoenix Fri Nov 07, 2008, 04:16 PM CST

Founded in 1894 in the home of the Rev. H. Ferguson, Beebe Memorial C.M.E. Church has grown out of the home and out of its original building on Fifth and Elgin streets, which also was used for a school during the week.

The current site of the church is located on South Seventh and Frisco Railroad streets.

The Rev. Rodney M. Gaines and longtime member Florestine Rogers are excited about today’s church, Beebe Memorial C.M.E., celebrating its 114th anniversary with a visit from Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr. of Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 16.

Williamson is the 52nd bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

He was elected July 3, 2002, and was assigned as the presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District.

Before accepting the call as bishop, he was with Carter Temple in Chicago. He led the growth of more than 3,000 active members and more than 50 ministries in the church, according to a media release.

Williamson served as the National President of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) from 1991 to 1993. He continues to work with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. in the National Board of Rainbow/PUSH.

He was recently awarded as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Death Penalty Focus board of directors for his efforts to help eliminate the death penalty in the United States.