Status: Preserved

Address: 65 South Parkway West, Memphis

Built: 1926-1927

Architectural Style: Neoclassical

Original Function/Purpose: Church

The Martin Memorial Temple C.M.E. Church was placed on the National Register on Nov. 20, 2002.

History: The history of this church can be traced back to 1911 when a congregation of only 20 members worked with Rev. Samuel Adams to erect a small wooden building at 1312 Kennedy Street, in honor of Rev. and Mrs. Willis Martin. Rev. Martin was an earlier pastor who had risen to the office of Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the Colored (later Christian) Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1921, the congregation purchased its current property for $3,500 and built the church in 1926-1927. In the 1940s a restoration project begun by Rev. E. I. Strong included the addition of stained glass and an organ to the church. The church recently celebrated its centenary.

 

City Council District: 6

Super District: 8

County Commission District: 10