Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church sits on Thomas Street in north Memphis, just off a major thoroughfare now called Thomas Boulevard. The congregation, which calls itself "Church Friendly and Church Beautiful in Spirit," has welcomed neighbors, students, and visitors into its 16,000 square foot worship center since 2007. Led by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr., Trinity CME Church Memphis carries more than 120 years of Christian Methodist Episcopal tradition into a community it has served through four buildings, three relocations, and many potluck dinners, gospel concerts, and prayer calls.
Drawing on the wider mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Trinity is called to serve the present age as a sign and instrument of God's saving grace by actively making disciples for Christ, nurturing them through preaching and teaching the word of God, through Christ-centered worship, prophetic witness and effective services. Members describe themselves as "the church where friends meet friends and sinners meet Christ to receive salvation, to be bible fed, spiritually led and equipped to serve this present age."
A Founding in Mr. Simon's Parlor
Trinity was founded in 1902 under the administration of Presiding Elder J. S. Smothers and Bishop C. H. Phillips. The first members met in the house of Mr. Daniel Simon, then bargained to buy a parcel next to the little Manassas School at 1205 Manassas Street. The property was purchased from Mr. Spencer Johnson, and it was his daughter, Mrs. Laura Johnson Byas, who suggested the name Trinity.
The first house of worship burned in 1917. The congregation met briefly in a store on the northeast corner of Thomas and Wells before relocating in 1918 to 650 Wells Avenue. A brick edifice went up there during the pastorate of Rev. C. A. Craig, but by 1944 the walls were separating and the roof was caving in, and the building was demolished. In 1962, under Rev. P. Gonya Hentrel, the church acquired 656 Wells, which later served as parking. During the same period, several homeowners on Tully Street sold portions of their yards to expand Trinity's footprint.
A shift to Thomas Street came in 1979 under Rev. Paul Fowlkes, when a 195 by 200 foot parcel facing Thomas Street was purchased. Three more parcels followed in 1992 under Dr. John H. Robinson, and three more in 2014 under Rev. Roland Johnson Jr. The land, accumulated piece by piece over more than three decades, became the foundation for the present building.
The 2007 Worship Center
The current worship center is an ultra-modern facility of about 16,000 square feet, completed in 2007 at a cost of $2.2 million during the pastorate of Rev. Edward C. McKelvy. The sanctuary seats 475, and a half-court gymnasium, an assembly room, and ample classroom and office space round out the building. Easy access into the structure was designed with seniors and physically challenged members in mind. A steeple mounted on the roof points skyward as both a beacon of hope for passers-by and a reminder of the glory to which the building was dedicated on September 30, 2007.
Sunday Morning at Trinity
Sunday is the heart of the week at Trinity. Sunday Church School begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by Morning Worship at 10:00 a.m. Worship services are livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for members and friends who cannot attend in person, and Zoom access is available as well (meeting ID 704-719-0672, passcode 1096).
The Sunday school classes aim to help members learn age-appropriate Bible stories and discover God's plan of love for all people. Teens study books chosen for their age group, and adult classes have worked through topics such as "The Creation of the Universe and Humankind (OT Genesis 1 and 2)" and "Giving Bold Testimony." Class members are encouraged to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in Bible study, prayer, and worship.
Wednesday Bible Study and Midweek Prayer
Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and runs to about 7:15 p.m. Members and visitors are invited to dig into scripture together and grow in the Christian faith. The prayer ministry continues through a Prayer Box and Prayer Line, where members share petitions and intercessory prayers with the congregation throughout the week. Bible study and prayer are held in person and on Zoom on Tuesdays as well, with the noon hour gathering on the first, second, and fourth Tuesdays, and an evening gathering at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday, followed by intercessory prayer.
Music, the Choir, and the Usher Board
The Music Ministry considers its work central to worship at Trinity. As the church puts it, "The music of a Christian church service enhances the worship and helps usher in the spirit of the Living God." Members who sing, play, or direct are encouraged to join the choir and music program.
The Usher Board attends to the comfort of the congregation and supports the pastor in worship. Members describe themselves as "Doorkeepers of the House of the Lord" and welcome worshippers each Sunday morning with warmth and care.
Ministries for Every Age
Trinity organizes its life around a number of long-standing commissions and departments.
The Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) trains young people in Christian living through worship, service, and recreation, giving them opportunities to learn the duties and responsibilities of church life. The Ministry to College Students keeps students connected during their years away from home with inspirational text messages, cards, calls, and care packages. The Young Adult Department serves members ages 18 to 35, helping them find a place in the mainstream of church life.
For adults, the Ministry to Men works to strengthen the efforts of the men of Trinity with the community and the wider connectional church. The Lay Ministry develops leadership and fellowship among the laity through monthly meetings, and the Missionary Society seeks to discover the mission and unity of the church, encouraging cooperation, fellowship, and mutual counsel.
The Board of Christian Education and Formation develops and promotes the program of Christian nurture at Trinity and oversees the educational ministry of the church. The Membership and Evangelism commission enhances the spiritual life of the congregation through visitations, membership preparation, and fellowship.
Outreach Across Memphis
Trinity takes its presence in Memphis seriously. The church partners with Coleman Chapel for an annual Back to School Project, gathers for postcard parties to encourage voting, and joins with other CME congregations for the annual conference each year. The Feeding the Homeless outreach brings members out into the city to share a meal with neighbors in need. Vacation Bible School is held each summer in conjunction with a Juneteenth celebration, and Men's Day carries a different theme every year, including "Men Chasing the Gold for Christ by Stirring Up Good Trouble."
Gospel, Jazz, and the Arts
Music and the arts are woven through Trinity's calendar. The Annual Conference and Jazz Show has become a signature event, drawing members from across the region. Gospel-Jazz and Salad Brunches, candlelight services, and Black History Month readings and performances invite the wider community into worship through the arts. A pilgrimage to Rome, a Grizzlies outing for the youth, and fellowship gatherings with sister CME congregations round out the year.
Next Generation and Youth Accomplishments
The church regularly celebrates the achievements of its young people. Members have made the Dean's List at Tennessee State University, passed board examinations in their chosen professions, and been featured in regional publications for their work in the arts and sciences. Youth Day Out excursions with Bishop Thomas, Christmas outreach to children, and Vacation Bible School keep younger members engaged and connected to the life of the church. Rev. Helen Bond, a Trinity young adult, has brought attention to the congregation through her literary and ministry work.
Giving and Getting Involved
There are several ways to support Trinity's ministry. Members may give in person during Sunday worship, mail contributions to Trinity CME Church, P.O. Box 70444, Memphis, TN 38107-0444, or give online through Givelify. Visitors who want to learn more or get involved are invited to reach out by phone or through the contact form. Memorial bricks honoring loved ones can also be purchased through the church office.
A Long Line of Pastors
Trinity pauses to honor the long line of pastors who have served the congregation since 1902. The roll includes Rev. Gray, Rev. N. T. Walker (first and second terms), Rev. Joe Rodgers, Rev. P. L. Jones, Rev. John Glenn, Rev. A. W. Carter, Rev. S. M. Adams, Rev. C. C. Townsend, Rev. C. A. Craig, Rev. J. W. Barnett, Rev. B. T. Strayhorne, Rev. E. R. Coleman, Rev. Broome, Rev. J. E. Taylor, Rev. G. A. Thomas, Rev. W. M. Gaines, Rev. R. L. Coleman, Rev. E. L. Strong, Rev. R. W. Spearman, Rev. W. H. Taylor, Rev. J. S. Blaine, Rev. W. A. Johnson, Rev. Jerome A. Foster, Rev. P. Gonya Hentrel, Rev. Dewitt T. Alcorn, Rev. William Smith, Rev. Paul Fowlkes, Rev. Roland Long, Rev. Robert L. Douglass, Rev. J. O. Lowe, Rev. John H. Robinson, Rev. Eddie Jumper, Rev. Kenneth Carter, Rev. Edward McKelvy, Rev. Marandra C. Rivers, Rev. Roland Johnson Jr., Rev. Charlton Johnson, Rev. Denise Anders-Modest, and the present pastor, Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr.
The congregation's gratitude for the journey is captured in a beloved hymn of remembrance: "We've come a long way, Lord, A mighty long way, We've borne our burdens in the heat of the day, But we know the Lord has made the way, We've come a long way, Lord, A mighty long way."
Visiting Trinity
Trinity CME Church Memphis is located at 1096 Thomas Street, Memphis, TN 38107. The church can be reached at (901) 523-1024 or (901) 210-6655. Sunday Church School begins at 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday Bible Study at 6:00 p.m. Services are livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, and Zoom access is available for members and friends near and far.