Because of the foresight of Mr. J. W. Martin, a Sunday School was organized in his home on June 22, 1923 and Mr. J. C. Allen was appointed to serve as Sunday School Superintendent.  The Sunday School classes continued at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Martin until Central Avenue Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. J. Claude Allen with twenty (20) members on September 22, 1923.  Rev. H. C. Coggins was

 the Presiding Elder.  Central Avenue Colored Methodist Episcopal Church ultimately located to 7729 Central Avenue in December, 1923 and the first service was held on the first Sunday in March, 1924.  Rev. Crist preached the first sermon and shortly thereafter, Rev. E. M. Dozier was appointed as the first pastor of the congregation.

 

Because of the rapid growth of homes and businesses in the vicinity of Central, the congregation grew.  It therefore became necessary to establish a building fund program, and plans for a larger facility were developed to accommodate this growth.  Other pastors, the Rev. Elliott, Rev. N. C. Hall, Rev. Chestman, Rev. H. F. L. Kendrick, Rev. L. K. Fews, Rev. S. A. Sea, Rev. Whitsitt, Rev. D. Fullwood, Rev. J. W. Barnett, Rev. Turner and Rev. Phelps, continued the building fund program.

 

There were two events that took place at the 1954 General Conference that are a part of the history of our church.  First, a resolution was adopted on May 17, 1954, to change the denomination name from the “Colored”  Methodist Episcopal Church to the “Christian” Methodist Episcopal Church. The change occurred because of the migration, economic and status changes of blacks as a result of World War II.  The other important event that occurred was the elevation to the Episcopacy of Rev. J. Claude Allen who would later become known as the Bishop of Expansion, building thriving congregations all over our great Zion.

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Central Avenue Christian Methodist Episcopal Church relocated to 7401 Tireman Avenue in August, 1957, under the leadership of Rev. F. L. Gibson.  In 1958 the Michigan-Indiana Conference was organized and during that Annual Conference session, Central petitioned the conference to change the church name from Central Avenue, which was no longer apropos to Central C.M.E. Church.

 

In 1959, Rev. James W. Jenkins was assigned as pastor.  Under his exemplary administrative skills a Hammond organ was purchased and paid for and several boards and auxiliaries were organized: Steward Board #2, Stewardess Board #2, the Board of Christian Education, the Inner Circle Missionary, a Young Matron’s Choir of which the first lady, Mrs. Evelyn Jenkins, was director and organist.  The Sunday School was organized into departments and the first Vacation Bible School was held to reach the needs of the children in the community.

 

Rev. Homer Draper was assigned as shepherd of our flock in 1961.  Seeing the need for still a larger building because of growth of the congregation, he initiated a building fund drive.  With the uniting of the members and the assistance of Bishop J. Claude Allen and the Michigan-Indiana Conference, the beautiful edifice in which we now worship at 7600 Tireman Avenue was built.  Mr. Walter Martin, who was a member of the congregation, served as contractor.  This edifice stands as testimony of what can be accomplished through dynamic leadership, hard work, unity and faith in God.  Consequently, the cornerstone was laid in 1966.  Rev. Draper said, “With my hand in God’s hand, it is not what men do worthily, but what they do successfully is what history makes haste to record.”   The late  Rev. Draper  will  always  be 

remembered by Central as the builder of this great edifice.  Our beloved Bishop J. Claude Allen will always be remembered as well through the annals of the history of Central from its beginning and for his gracious financial assistance and foresight in helping us achieve our goal.

 

In 1966, Rev. Joseph Bouknight, Sr., was assigned to us by Bishop Allen.  During his tenure he organized the Methodist Men’s Club, the Progressive Women’s Club, the Male Chorus, the Youth Choir and the Sunbeam Choir of which his daughter, Jeanette served as organist.  His helpmate, Dorothy and their young family became an integral part of our congregation, and our youth ministry flourished.  He appointed young women to the Stewardess Board and seats were installed in the balcony as a result of a donation from Detroit Edison.  He was also instrumental in dissolving the indebtedness on the pews, and other miscellaneous equipment that was purchased.  

Other projects under the pastorate of Rev. Bouknight included the installation of a waterline for the air conditioner and landscaping of the church property.  Central profited from the sale of a home that was donated by a friend through Rev. Bouknight.  He worked very closely with the schools in our community as well as our sister churches.

 

Rev. Charles J. Shyne came to us in 1969 and under his ministry, the Board of Evangelism and the Nurses Guild were organized.  During his ministry, Bishop Allen expressed a desire to have Central, “burn their mortgage before his retirement.”  As a result, a Debt Retirement Program was initiated.  The building located next door to our church (now known as the Annex Building), was purchased for Central by the Michigan-Indiana Conference.  The organ was purchased by the Harold Watkins Family in memory of their parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse (Clara) Watkins.  Rev. Shyne’s spouse, Verlena; and their children were very active in Central during his ministry.

 

In 1973, Rev. Gene Williams began his history making accomplishments.  With the assistance of the Michigan-Indiana Conference, Central’s $20,000 indebtedness was retired in full.  The Mortgage Burning Ceremony was a day of thanksgiving to God for His blessings.  Rev. Williams utilized his carpentry skills to partition the lower level of the church into four rooms and a fellowship hall and remodeled the kitchen in the parsonage.  He organized the Male Chorus by combining all of the adult choirs and appointed the now Rev. Norma Jean Pender as the director.  Mr. Kevin Watkins served as organist.  Under his leadership Rev. Pender and Rev. Odis Hunt were inspired to the ministry by the will of God.  Mrs. Cora Williams, his wife, was diligent in service to Central as well as their children.

 

Rev. Joe Louis Farrar became our pastor in 1976, bringing with him his wife, Edith, and daughter, Regina.  He was an excellent teacher and preacher as was witnessed by the increase in the church roll.  His theme was “There is no “I” in Team.”  The Male Chorus was reorganized under his pastorate.  His wife, Edith was a noted lyric soprano soloist.

In 1982, Rev. Bennie Thompson received his first pastoral assignment and was sent to us.  During his administration, the Acolytes, the Ambassadors (young adult group), the Junior Christian Youth Fellowship, the Energy Club and Beautification Club were organized.

 

Rev. Paul O. Thomas was assigned to us in August of 1984.  The overall spiritualism, cohesiveness and love within our congregation were enhanced under his administration.  Rev. Thomas believed that everything should be done in reverence and in order.  Under his pastorate, new office equipment was purchased and the Homer Draper Club was organized in honor of Rev. Homer Draper.  His wife, Willie Neal, was truly an inspiration spiritually to our congregation lending her knowledge where necessary.  Their daughter, Willa, visited us regularly but there were many in the congregation who became extended family.  Rev. Thomas was known to have said on numerous occasions, “I am very proud of Central.”  He was truly loved and this congregation will always cherish his memory.

 

Rev. Eugene A. Woodson was the next pastor assigned to Central in 1988.  He was a dynamic preacher and gifted singer.  During his tenure, he presented a Black Tie Concert – “To God Be the Glory,” which was one of the many fundraisers to assist our youth and young adults to be able to attend the Youth and Young Adult Conference in Birmingham, Alabama in 1994.  Approximately  $24,000 in total was raised through his leadership of several fundraisers.  One of the largest Vacation Bible Schools in the history of Central took place under Rev. Woodson’s administration.  The One Church-One School Program was adopted by our connectional church and Central adopted Sherrill Elementary/Middle School during Rev. Woodson’s tenure.  His wife, Margaret, had a love for children and worked with the Rossie T. Hollis Missionary Circle and Vacation Bible School.

 

In 1996, the Rev. Eugene A. Craig was sent to pastor our congregation.  Rev. Craig was a noted Bible preacher-teacher-author throughout the connectional church.  Under his pastorate, a computer was donated to the church.  Seeing the need for a new parsonage, Rev. Craig established a Building Fund Program.  He was instrumental in leading us by example in our tithing program. Rev. Craig also instituted a Thursday night Bible Study, Discipleship 2000.  His talented wife, Dorothy, served as assistant secretary in our Church Office.  It should also be noted that under Rev. Craig’s administration we celebrated 75 years in the vineyard of the Lord.  Our theme was “Except the Lord Builds the House the People Labor in Vain – To God Be the Glory.”  Mrs. Doris Watkins served as the 75th Church Anniversary Celebration Chairperson.   

 

In July of 2003, Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr. assigned to us the Rev. Dr. Barbara L. Delaney, a noted preacher-teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Under her administration the following groups were organized:  Women’s Fellowship Auxiliary Ministry, Youth for Christ Ministry, Bereavement Committee and the Tape Ministry was reinstated.  Also, a new van was purchased.  A Foot Washing Service was held as well as the following classes:  Tithing Class, Spiritual Gifts, training for the Stewards, Stewardess and Trustees and Parenting Night.  The restrooms and the Pastor’s Office was also renovated.

 

Rev. Eduardo E. Spragg was assigned to Central in April, 2009.  During his administration the beautification of the church and the annex continued.  New carpeting for the church porch was installed, several painting projects were undertaken, the parking lot fence was repaired and the steps leading to the basement were redone.  Mrs. Ruth Hayes began the Wednesday Night Children’s Bible Study and the Children’s Church Ministry was instituted under the leadership of Rev. Debra Grubbs.

 

Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Havis was assigned to Central CME in July, 2012 by Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr.  During the first few months of her ministry, she implemented Male Emphasis Sunday which is observed on the second Sunday, highlighting the accomplishments of the men of Central.  She implemented the Wednesday evening prayer time and wrote a Prayer Booklet for the church.  Dr. Havis implemented an instruction class for Baptismal candidates.  During her first few months she conducted a successful three day revival in conjunction with her matriculation toward a Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary and the revival has been held annually. Dr. Havis also instituted a First Wednesday Evening Service.  By the power of the Holy Spirit Dr. Havis has assisted in returning Central to its status of “Holy Ghost headquarters”. 

 

Pastor, Rev. Mark L. Cooper was assigned in July, 2015.  As a gifted teacher, Rev. Cooper immersed us in the knowledge of the scriptures. Rev. Cooper courageously led the congregation through the uncertain days of COVID-19. He retired in July 2023. 

 

Our Curtain Pastor is Pastor Zach Mullens, assigned to us in July of 2023. Pastor Zach serves as our youngest pastor in our 101 year history. Pastor Zach is a gifted Preacher, Teacher & Singer who seeks to elevate the ministry of Christ in west Detroit.