Our History

OUR HISTORY

REMEMBERING….... REJOICING….... REDEDICATING

"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord"... Jer. 29:11

What eventually would become Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, began with prayer meetings led by the Rev. George C. Hollis in the home of Sylvester and Rachel York at 484 Sycamore Street in late 1921, and early 1922. Fourteen families attended these prayer meetings, and by 1923, the growing group of worshippers found it necessary to move to larger quarters - in the basement of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at Michigan and North Division. With the approval from the Delaware Conference, and the Black Conference for this area, they were named Grace Episcopal Mission. A year later, Rev. William R. A. Palmer. their first official pastor was appointed,

In the Fall of 1925, the congregation was incorporated as a Mission in the Genesee Conference and moved to the property on Monroe and Howard Streets. For 17 years, they were designated an official missionary and church extension project of the Conference. Rev. Palmer, their first official pastor, and the group of worshippers named the congregation Lincoln Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Among the founding families were the Yorks whose descendants include Madeline Anderson, Anna Evans, Geneva Herndon, and Willie Evans; the Houses, whose descendants include Maude Dorsey, Jessie Roberts, Willie Dorsey; Arthur and Caroline Williams; the James Robinsons, whose descendants include the Currys; the Tillman brothers; the Mays; the Blacks; the Burns; the Moores, the Channels and the Simmons.

In 1929, Rev. Palmer was replaced by the Rev. William H. Horner. Through the ensuing years that spanned nearly four decades, Lincoln Memorial became well established in the community, and well respected in the Genesee Conference and by fellow Methodist Episcopalians. Under Mrs. Horner, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Charles Tinley, renowned author of many of our Hymns, the choir grew in stature and reputation. She was known throughout the area and the state for her choral arrangements and musical plays. Some of her musical arrangements are enjoyed today. She worked very diligently with the children's groups, and hardly a child in the church or the school across the street on Monroe (School 75), escaped her musical genius.

In 1953, we purchased from Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church the building at Masten and Northland for the purchase price of $150,000.00, and on July 4, 1954, Rev. Horner moved his congregation to its new location, 641 Masten Avenue. Our beacon of light in this community has been bright for fifty-nine years. In 1961, the members were able to burn the mortgage in an inspiring ceremony. After more than 36 years, Rev. Horner was reassigned and was followed by men and women of vision who were called by God to shape us and lead us in worship and praise and thanksgiving.

Rev. Willard Williams was appointed to Lincoln in 1966. He created the office of the Black Community Developer, set up a library, and instituted preparatory classes for prospective new members. As the church's ministry grew and improved, so did its physical surroundings: The parlor was remodeled and furnished, making it more homelike; the sanctuary was renovated; a playground was constructed across the street from the education wing. Of great significance during this period, all Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist Episcopal churches merged to form the United Methodist Church, and in 1968, Lincoln Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church became Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church. Rev. Williams remained our minister until September 1970.

Following Rev. Willard Williams, the Rev. Edmund Millet was appointed our 5th pastor in October 1970. Growth - spiritually, organizationally, and physically - continued. One of Rev. Millet's first tasks was to create and publish a church newsletter to improve communication and dispense information to members and friends of Lincoln. The first edition of FOCUS was published in 1971. In 1973, several of the women's organizations were united into one fellowship under the name of the United Methodist Women. Later, the women's circles were organized as A, B, and C and later renamed for early members or founders of the church: Rachel York, Sadie Johnson, and Emma J. Homer. Eventually, the Utopia Circle, now known as the Pauline T. Smith Circle, was added. Fundraising took on a new meaning as we showcased celebrity musicians and sponsored annual concerts at Kleinhans Music Hall. Some of the guest artists included Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Count Basie, and Ray Charles.

1973 marked our 50th Anniversary which was celebrated with gala Golden Jubilee festivities. As we concluded the celebration, Rev. Homer, back as a guest speaker, left us with this challenge which is sell relevant." GO FORTH, LINCOLN LINCOLN."THE WORLD NEEDS IT; GOD DESERVES IT, AND YOUR CAPABILITIES WILL NOT BE REALIZED UNTIL YOU DO. GO FORTH, LINCOLN.”

A basketball team, bowling league, Cub Scouts, sewing classes, and a Day Care Center were some of our activities. Rev. Millet took the "charge" of former minister, Rev. Horner seriously, that is: "Go Forth, Lincoln." His ministry at Lincoln Memorial ended in 1977.

On January 15, 1978, the Rev. Walter Barton was appointed minister of Lincoln. During this period, a library was set up on the 3rd floor in memory of Pauline T. Smith, a project initiated by Usher Board #2; Usher Board #-2 renamed itself the Blanche Nelson usher Board at a testimonial banquet honoring Mrs. Nelson; our first van was purchased. Upon the departure of Rev. Walter Barton in January 1986, the Rev. Everett Spring, a retired minister, was appointed interim pastor and remained until July when the Rev. Melba Varner Chaney was appointed our 8th minister. In October of that year, Lincoln Memorial observed its 63rd anniversary. During Pastor Chaney's tenure, the church, through the African American Heritage Study Committee conducted a number of enlightening programs; the Summer Enrichment Program for children ages 5-12 was created. In Oct of that year, we observed our 63rd anniversary. During her time at Lincoln, church programs included those by the African American Study Committee for male youth study groups and the Summer Enrichment program for children ages 5 to 12 years. The well-received pageant "Heaven Bound was a successful production, an event that is still remembered.

During Pastor Chaney's pastoral leadership, the Contemporary Choir was organized; the Literacy Volunteer program was hosted; an ambitious fundraising campaign for the church restoration project was planned and undertaken under the theme, "Rebuild Lincoln: Keep Our Beacon Bright." The late Lauretta Anderson composed the music and lyrics for the occasion. In 1993, Pastor Melba Vamer Chaney led us through another milestone anniversary - - our 70th. 

Her ministry was followed by interim Minister, the Rev. David E. Durham in 1995. Rev. Durham was no stranger to us, as a relationship with him had begun sometime earlier through the congregation exchange with Central Park United Methodist Church which he pastored until his retirement. Under his leadership, Lincoln continued to evolve spiritually and organizationally. Rev. Durham and the Worship committee initiated the Sunday morning Devotional Service that preceded the worship service.

In 1995, the church began its support of the Central City Cafe in feeding the hungry and homeless on the East side area. We continue to provide financial assistance to the program as well as to Asbury Shalom Zone on the West side.

Rev. Dr. James S. Webb, Jr. was appointed Minister of Lincoln Memorial in July 1996. The Council later approved the hiring of an Assistant Pastor with specific responsibilities - Rev. Bennie Davis. In 1998, we observed our 75th anniversary.

Our theme was: "75 Years of Christ Within Us", a Diamond Jubilee celebration. During the ministry of Rev. Webb, a Gospel choir was added to our music ministry. Through our relationship with the United Way, we assisted in providing to the needy with the Christmas toy distribution. The UMYF and other youth ministries continued to be active, including basketball competition, a youth favorite.

Rev. Ewart Morris followed Rev. Webb as our 10th Pastor in 2002. Under his leadership, funds were awarded by the district to launch a Praise Service to attract the unchurched or those who enjoyed a less formal style. Notably, we celebrated the ground-breaking of a long-awaited parking lot. Rev. Morris was succeeded by Pastor Alicia Blake in 2006. As a "couple ministry" with her husband who was assigned to Metropolitan United Methodist church, the beginning of a viable relation with Metropolitan was forged. She enjoyed a special relationship with our youth. Sadly, we also experienced her Home-going 21 months into her ministry at Lincoln.

Rev. James Pollard, a retired minister, became our interim Pastor in the spring of 2007. He demonstrated compassion to a mourning congregation and provided leadership that facilitated transition. He served until December 2007, when Rev.

Patricia L. Brown was assigned as Lincoln's 12th Pastor January 2008. Her spiritual roots were born at Lincoln, and we welcomed her return as our spiritual leader. During this time, in addition to continuing the successful programs in effect, she officiated at both the early Praise service and the later traditional service. Her Confirmation classes brought together seven youth who were exposed to various experiences from which they benefited.

In 2011, Rev. George F. Nicholas became our 13th pastor. As the pastor of a two-church charge, Pastor George is spiritual leader of Lincoln Memorial, where his spiritual foundation was formed, and our sister church, Metropolitan United Methodist Church. He devotes his time, energy and ministry to each on a full-time basis. There is much emphasis on Bible knowledge, knowing the Word, and prayer. Bible Study classes for both churches are on-going. Community relationship building and social justice are just two of his spiritual based goals as he guides the two congregations in becoming effective ministries in this community. Through his efforts, the church has developed, and enjoys, a relationship with significant community entities. Pastor George lead us through the 90th year anniversary celebration and beyond; "Holding Firm to Christ."

In 2024, Rev. CJ Rolle was assigned to Lincoln as our 14th pastor.   Pastor CJ Rolle is a native of Rochester, New York and has strong roots in the music community.  Pastor CJ Rolle is deeply committed to loving people and serving his community.  His vision is unwavering and aims to elevate Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church to new spiritual heights.  With a steadfast dedication to addressing the needs of a struggling community.  His mission is to inspire growth, hope, and lasting change.  

In the last decade Lincoln embrace a new mission statement of “changing lives through Love”. In order to live into this mission, we have swung open the doors of the church to the community. A community that affirms, supports, and loves all God’s creation. Rooted in the Gospels and inspired by liberation theology we honor the sacred value of all races, genders, and sexual identity. In addition, we cared for our community through the COVID -19 project by connecting people to information, testing, vaccines, food, primary care and whatever was needed to get through this pandemic. In addition we host 2 music schools, a daycare, caregiving, the First Fruits food pantry as well as many ministries to serve the community.