Mrs. Marie Godfrey           Rev. James Purke-Founding Pastor
Mrs. Annie B. Hart             Mrs. Mayola Napper
Mrs. Richard Porter           Rev. Burton Owens

From 1932-1938, three men of God served as pastor of this new body of believers, Rev. James Purke, Rev. E. R. Coleman and Rev. J. A. Fuller.  The first Presiding Elder was Elder Blaine who was followed by Elder Walker.  Between 1932 and 1941, Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church worshipped in five different locations; from 205 Bellevue Street to Avon Street...to Russell Street, under the leadership of Pastor McBeth.  Under the leadership of Pastor Douglass, the congregation worshipped in the Primitive Baptist Church for a brief period, after which, this band of believers moved back to 315-317 Bellevue Street on the first floor of a three family home.  On February 25, 1941, the name of the congregation was changed to Phillips Metropolitan Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.

There are numerous precious memories of Phillips revolving around our founding members and other persons who were positioned as mothers and fathers of the congregation.  

            Mother Napper is remembered as a Missionary and Stewardess leading the congregation as a person who shared much in giving.  

            Mother Richard Porter loved the Methodist tradition of hymn singing.  She was always a part of the business aspects of the church as well as a faithful stewardess and missionary.  

            Rev. Owens was a faithful man of God, quiet, but always supportive in the ministry.

            Mother Vicie Robinson will be remembered for her work as a stewardess.  She loved the communion liturgy.  Many may remember her insistence on singing "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus...".  

            Mother Robinson was a missionary, stewardess, Superintendent of Sunday School and very active with the youth.  

            Mother Mary Holmes served wherever she was needed.  She worked with the trustees, took care of the building on Bellevue Street, and she was a member of the Stewardess Board.  

            Our history would be incomplete without the mention of Mrs. George, from Pittsville, Massachusetts.  Mrs. George associated with Phillips for a brief time, but during that time, God laid it upon her heart to initiate the effort to renovate the 315-317 building.  She successfully challenged the members to raise funds to remove partitions and expand the sanctuary.

            Joe Easton, a steward, and recording secretary of the church, kept records for the church.  He was a man who made sure that the business of the church was kept in order.

            James Marshall was a faithful steward in the church.  

            Many will remember Sis. Marie Jones, who was "there" for everything and no one could line a hymn like Sis. Jones.

In 1954, the connectional body of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church changed its name from the Colored Methodist Episcopal to Christian Methodist Episcopal, and our official name became Phillips Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1952, Rev. John Wesley Nance and his wife were welcomed as Phillips' pastoral family.  Pastor Nance served the church for 18 years (1952-1970).  Under his leadership, along with that of his assistant, Sister Lula Powell, Phillips Metropolitan C.M.E. Church moved from the three family home on Bellevue Street to its first formal church edifice located on 127 Mather Street.  The new facility was purchased for $18,000.  Rev. Nance brought knowledge, expertise and genuine caring to the family of Phillips and through their dedication and favor of God, the congregation grew in size and strength.  On February 12, 1970, Rev. John Wesley Parker and his community Sunday School (approximately 100 youth), joined our congregation and in August of 1970, Rev. John Wesley Parker was appointed by Bishop Henry C. Bunton as pastor of Phillips.  Rev. Brathwaite was the presiding Elder.  Rev. Parker's ministry made an immediate impact upon the congregation.  He had a strong passion for youth and led the congregation in partnerships with community institutions that supported young people.  Phillips continued to identify youth ministries as a part of its identity and Rev. Parker played an important role in this area.

On March 28, 1977, Rev. Dean Jones was appointed Pastor of Phillips.  Rev. Jones was a young man, new to the ministry and full of zeal.  On February 26, 1978, under the leadership of Rev. Jones, and under the guidance of Bishop Nathaniel Linsey and Presiding Elder McCloud, a new church home was purchased at 700 Blue Hills Avenue.  The facility was needed  to accommodate the growing membership of Phillips.

On April 8, 1978, Rev. John L. Ghee and his lovely wife, Christine, came to lead our congregation.  On May 10, 1979, Rev. Ghee lead the congregation in purchasing a new parsonage on 202 West Morningside Street.  Rev. Pauline Barrows, Sis. Andrea Weatherspoon and Sis. Bertha Leggett served as pulpit associates during Rev. Ghee's tenure.  Rev. Ghee was a sound administrator who loved people and had a heart for the pastorate.  He did so much in so brief a space of time.  In July 1979, rev. Ghee left Phillips to become a Chaplain in the U.S. Army.  Rev. Ghee continues to remain a valued friend of Phillips.

In July of 1979, Phillips received Pastor John L. Adams and his wife, Mary T. Adams.  Rev. Adam's first sermon was, "Satan Goes to Prayer Meeting".  Rev. Adams' powerful sermons, nurture classes, power pools and prayer meetings will always be remembered at Phillips.

Rev. Don C. Morgan was appointed to Phillips in October of 1980 and Rev. L. K. Bennett succeeded him in January of 1981.  In August of 1982, Rev. John D. Hadley became our pastor.  Rev. Hadley was an experienced leader and an anointed singer.

On December 19, 1982, Rev. Austin L. Harold was appointed pastor.  Rev. Harold was an excellent administrator and assisted Phillips in becoming financially stable.  Phillips started an annual budget drive called the King and Queen Contest under the leadership of Rev. Harold.

On July 31, 1983, the congregation was blessed when Rev. James B. Walker was appointed Pastor by Bishop Oree Broomfield as Pastor.  We were delighted when he and his wife, Delois and daughter Tiffany joined the Phillips family.  During Rev. Walker's tenure, Phillips has been blessed to accomplish many things...the liquidation of a $30,000 debt through the sale of our 127 Mather Street property, the liquidation of the mortgage on our 700 Blue Hills Ave property in 1986 and other accomplishments related to the property at 2550 Main Street.

People are more important to ministry than property.  Therefore, it is important to note that during Rev. Walker's administration, he has placed a high priority on the Christian development of youth and young adults.  One of his first accomplishments is that the youth and young adults of Phillips attended their first National Youth and Young Adult Convention, winning trophies in the following three divisions:

                            First Place in Art
                            Second Place in Talent
                            Third Place in the Essay Competition.

A few years after Rev. Walker's arrival, Phillips hosted its first Annual Conference and a few years later, Phillips started a mission congregation in Manchester, CT.

Under Pastor Walker's Ministry, the following persons received local preachers licenses:  Rev. Sandra Googe, Rev. Willie Ann Adams, Rev. Lawrence Clayton, Rev. Sharon Clayton, Rev. Rosemary N'gemi, Rev. Dr. Annette Wright, Rev. John Wright, Rev. Lisa Clayton, Rev. Lori Thomas, Rev. Charles Hudson, Rev. Geraldine Sailor-Fair, Rev. Byron Henderson, Rev. Brenda Wagstaff, Min. Cheryl Daniels, Min. Talisha Graves, Min. Lori Johnson, Dr. Judy Williams, Min. John Goode, Min. Torian Lockett, Min. Janice DeMudd, Min. Leonyer Richardson, Min. Janet Shepard, Bro. Lavar Waller and Bro. Albert Lee.  In addition, several of the above ministers have received Local Deacon Ordination, Traveling Deacon's orders and Traveling Elder's orders.  Phillips is proud of the appointment of Rev. Lawrence Clayton who is serving as Pastor of The Saint Mark C.M.E. Church in Springfield, MA.

With the help of strong laymen and a supportive congregation, Pastor Walker has led our congregation in instituting a van ministry, purchasing a new church facility on September 30th, 1996 and the purchase of three lots located on the South side of 2550 Main Street in October 1997.

Our congregation and staff has grown and most importantly, our congregation has a realistic and holistic vision for our community that will impact the lives of the residents both spiritually and physically.