Status: Demolished; delisted Mar. 27, 2013
Address: 2117 Union Avenue, Memphis
Built: 1914-20, 1923, 1954
Architectural Style: Classical Revival Ecclesiastical
History: Construction of the first portion of the Union Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was begun in 1914, but due to World War I work was slowed until its completion in 1920. That was the education building, designed by John Gaisford following his work as supervising architect for the Shelby County Courthouse. The sanctuary building followed, designed by Hubert Thomas McGhee and completed in 1923 about the same time as his “Cla-Le-Clare” mansion for Clarence Saunders. The final addition was an education annex completed in 1954. Prior to the 2010-11 sale, de-consecration and demolition of this long-lived and highly visible landmark rising above one of Memphis’s busiest thoroughfares, the church and congregation were greatly esteemed, not least for their outreach and ministry to the hungry and destitute of Midtown. The church was demolished by the new owners, CVS Pharmacy.
City Council District: 5
Super District: 9
County Commission District: 10