One People, One Purpose, Serving God on Green Avenue
Allen Temple AME Church sits at 109 Green Avenue, at the corner where South Markley Street meets Vardry Street in the historic West End of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The address is a familiar one to the congregation: a Classical Revival sanctuary built in 1929, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, and a steady presence adjacent to Fluor Field. The congregation's motto is one short line that captures its identity: One People. One Purpose. Serving God.
The church gathers each Sunday for Church School at 9:30 a.m. and Morning Worship at 11:00 a.m., livestreamed on Facebook so members traveling or homebound never miss a word. Wednesdays carry their own rhythm, with a 7:30 a.m. corporate prayer line and Bible study at noon and again at 6:30 p.m. A Soup Kitchen, a Celebrate Recovery group, grief and divorce support ministries, and a children's program through fifth grade make the West End home of Allen Temple a place where the surrounding neighborhood is welcomed as well as the long-time members.
From a Blacksmith's Shop in 1875 to the National Register
Allen Temple's story begins in the Reconstruction era, when thirteen members gathered in 1875 as an African Methodist Episcopal Mission in an old blacksmith's shop. That small Mission would become Allen Chapel, and Allen Chapel would become Allen Temple, carrying the work that began in a working shop into a flourishing downtown congregation.
By 1927 the church had outgrown its first home and built the facility that still stands on Green Avenue, expanding its work in the surrounding community with a nursery and a kindergarten. The Classical Revival building opened for worship in 1929 and has anchored the West End ever since. In 2008 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today the church continues to thrive on Green Avenue under the leadership of Reverend William C. Miller, a fourth generation Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pastor William C. Miller, a Fourth-Generation Itinerant Elder
Pastor William C. Miller is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science graduate of Winston-Salem State University in Business Administration. He earned the Master of Divinity degree from the Theological School at Drew University, where he was awarded the Alfred M. Waller, Jr. Prize for promise in urban ministry and the J. Heston Willey Prize for excellence in pulpit oratory and manner.
His past fellowships include the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, the African American Methodist Heritage Center of the United Methodist Church, and St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey. A fourth generation Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, Pastor Miller previously served Bethel AME Church in Conway, South Carolina, leading the congregation in the restoration of the historic sanctuary. Before that, he served St. John AME Church in Cottageville, South Carolina, leading the congregation in the acquisition of additional property for future growth. His travels for vocation and education have taken him to India, Ghana, Egypt, Haiti, and South Africa, among other destinations.
Pastor Miller serves as the Social Action Coordinator for the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church and on the board of directors for the Academy of Hope Charter School. He is a fervent believer in creating a world where joy and justice work together in building stronger communities, and his personal passions include the study of history, writing, and traveling.
Sunday Morning: Church School at 9:30, Worship at Eleven
The Sunday schedule at 109 Green Avenue follows a familiar AME rhythm. Church School begins at 9:30 a.m. and gives way at 11:00 a.m. to Morning Worship. The 11:00 a.m. service is livestreamed on the church's Facebook page so members and friends who cannot attend in person can still join the congregation from wherever they are. A weekly archive of recent messages is available, with audio also accessible on the church's YouTube channel.
The Worship Bulletin on Communion Sunday, observed on the first Sunday of each month, walks the congregation through a structured, centuries-old AME liturgy. It opens with a Prelude and the Doxology: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. A Call to Worship, an Opening Song Prayer, and a Choral Response lead into a Scripture Reading with the congregation standing for the New Testament reading, followed by the Summary of the Decalogue and the Gloria Patri.
After a Benevolent Offering, a Sermonic Selection, and the Sermon, the Invitation to Christian Discipleship is offered with the congregation standing. The regular Offering, Announcements, and Holy Communion follow, with a General Confession, the Lord's Prayer, a moment of Fellowship, and the Apostles' Creed recited by the standing congregation. A closing Doxology and Benediction send the people out.
Wednesday Prayer by Phone and Bible Study Twice a Day
Wednesdays at Allen Temple carry two long-standing rhythms. At 7:30 a.m., the congregation gathers for corporate prayer by conference call. Anyone who wants to join can dial 267-807-9601 and enter meeting ID 737 344 675#. All are invited, whether members or first-time callers.
Bible study follows at noon and again in the evening at 6:30 p.m., giving the congregation two chances each Wednesday to sit with the Word. The midweek pattern, anchored by the morning prayer line and the day-and-evening study, has become a backbone of the church's devotional life.
Children, Youth, and the Young People's Department
Allen Temple's children's ministry, known as FaithKids, welcomes children from infancy through fifth grade. Parents and guardians personally check each child in and receive a security tag that corresponds to the child's profile, with the matching tag required at pickup. Songs, crafts, and creative teaching help children grow up with core values of generosity, love, and faith.
The Young People's Department (YPD) gathers students around programs built for and by young people. Elevate Together is a regular student night of games, snacks, and worship. Faith Groups meet weekly in homes, led by caring adults, so students can build friendships and explore their faith together. Students also serve on Sunday mornings, helping lead parts of the service and connecting around the church's regular worship times.
Christian Education stands as one of the standing departments of the church, alongside YPD, Senior Ministries, the Soup Kitchen, and Seasonal Organizations. Together these departments keep the congregation's attention on every stage of life, from the youngest child to the eldest member.
Senior Ministries and the Soup Kitchen on Green Avenue
Senior Ministries at Allen Temple focus on connection and care for the older members of the congregation, while the Soup Kitchen opens the church's doors outward to the West End neighborhood. The church's commitment is captured in a simple line: Allen Temple is committed to help those in need, no matter their background, income, origin, race, or gender. Help is help.
The Soup Kitchen serves as a hub for several practical ministries. A Job Hub offers advice and support for those seeking employment. Mental Health outreach calls members and neighbors to chat and check in regularly. Classes and courses are offered for children under twelve. The church also offers a safe space to practice written and spoken English. Volunteers distribute food parcels, make phone calls, and assist with employment and child care throughout the year.
Celebrate Recovery, Grief Care, and Walking Through Hard Times
Allen Temple hosts a number of support ministries for members and the wider community navigating difficult seasons. Divorce Assistance meets on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. and is ready to walk alongside those experiencing separation or divorce. Grief Care meets on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and offers a supportive group for those who have lost a loved one, exploring what God says about loss, comfort, and compassion.
Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered twelve-step program, meets on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and welcomes anyone seeking freedom from life's addictions. A Financial Help ministry is also available, helping individuals and families break free from debt and embrace the narrative God is crafting for their lives.
The 25 Articles of Religion and an AME Heritage
Allen Temple belongs to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the historic Black Methodist bodies in the United States. The name describes a church organized by people of African descent and heritage, drawing on the Methodist tradition's orderly system of rules and emphasis on a plain and simple gospel. Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates, governed by bishops as the chief executive and administrative officers of the denomination.
The local congregation falls within the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, led by Bishop James L. Davis and Arelis B. Davis as Servant Leaders. The district office sits at 110 Pisgah Church Road in Columbia, South Carolina.
Allen Temple's statement of faith follows the 25 Articles of Religion, covering the Holy Trinity, the Word or Son of God, the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Ghost, the sufficiency of Holy Scripture, the Old Testament, original sin, free will, justification, good works, works of supererogation, sin after justification, the Church, the Romish doctrine of Purgatory, speaking in tongues in the congregation, the sacraments, baptism, the Lord's Supper, communion in both kinds, the finished oblation of Christ, marriage of ministers, rites and ceremonies, Christian men's goods, and the Christian man's oath. The church's Affirmation of Faith is the Apostles' Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Volunteer Teams and the Wider Mission
Members of Allen Temple serve on several teams that keep the ministry running week by week. The Kids Team involves children with God's teachings, partners with parents, and fosters a safe and fun learning environment. The Creative Team helps cultivate an environment where people can encounter the presence of God by playing a musical instrument or running cameras, lights, screens, and sound during services. The Connections Team serves as the first point of contact for arriving guests, offering a warm welcome, helping locate seats, and praying with anyone who would like prayer.
The congregation's mission is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people, and its vision is to inspire people to follow Jesus and usher in his kingdom.
Giving, the App, and How to Connect
Members and friends can support Allen Temple AME Church in three ways. Checks may be mailed to P.O. Box 2012, Greenville, SC 29602. Online gifts can be made through PayPal and through the Givelify app. The Allen Temple Church App, built on the Realm platform, offers access to livestreamed services, sermon messages, the media library, giving, and push notifications for events and announcements.
Sermon messages and a video archive are available online, with audio also accessible through the church's YouTube channel. WYFF News has reported on the congregation's 150-year milestone, and articles published through the church walk through identity in Christ, finances, and how Christians should engage with cancel culture, alongside background on the AME Church International and the Seventh Episcopal District.
Allen Temple AME Church is located at 109 Green Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601. The church office can be reached at 864-233-7394 or by email at church@allentempleamechurch.org. Sunday Church School begins at 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship is at 11:00 a.m. with services livestreamed on Facebook, Wednesday morning conference-call prayer begins at 7:30 a.m., and Bible study meets at noon and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Soup Kitchen and care ministries open their doors to the West End throughout the week.