History of Allen Temple

The first worship services of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church were held in 1908 in the open air on the private property of Mr. Wash Tolbert on the same property where the church is now located. Later, a small brush arbor mission was built, located on Ninth Street near the present church. Under the leadership of Reverend Mack Williams a one-room building was erected. In 1911 a large wooden structure was erected on the corner of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue, under the leadership of Reverend M. L. Flemming and remained until 1945.

In 1945, under the leadership of Reverent S.D. Arline and with the cooperation of officers and members, a brick church was built. The building included a main sanctuary and a basement that included a fellowship hall. During the Reverend William Smith, Jr's leadership in the early 1970's, the parsonage located on Washington Avenue was remodeled and furnished. In 1971, Reverend B. C. Carswell, Sr. was appointed to Allen Temple AME Church. The membership increased tremendously and the sanctuary took on a "new look" with designed glass windows, wall paneling, glass doors at the entrance and an air conditioner. The basement was remodeled and more kitchen equipment was added. All organizations and ministries of the church worked together to make these changes happen.

During the Annual Conference in Donalsonville, GA in 1974, Pastor Carswell was promoted to Presiding Elder while continuing to pastor the church for a short time. On November 14, 1976, Reverend S. T. Hughey was appointed to Allen Temple AME Church. The church continued to grow under his leadership. During Reverend Hughey's tenure, a new parsonage was purchased and furnished, a new church bus was purchased, a piano and a gold altar set were purchased and the kitchen, bathrooms and fellowship hall were painted by the Lay Organization and Pastor's Aid Board.

In May 1981, Reverend R. B. Bass was appointed to Allen Temple and declared that the church would be known as a place "Where Everybody is Somebody." In 1984 Reverend M. B. McClendon was appointed and he performed his duties with a smile. Later Reverend Dr. W. Ray Hill was appointed and came to do the work of his calling which was to develop the spiritual growth of the church and community.

In June 2002, Reverend Bruce Leon Francis was appointed to the church. Pastor Francis showed a sincere interest in the membership and life of the church as well as the connectional church as a whole. Reverend Marcus R. Green and his lovely family served the church from June 2004 until June 2005.

And in July 2005, Allen Temple was blessed with a husband and wife team. Reverend Wayland Conner and Reverend Melanie Conner came to Allen Temple and are working diligently to help the congregation to complete their spiritual exercises of prayer, study, praise, fellowship and taking care of God's stuff. As the Senior Pastor, Reverend Wayland Conner seeks to serve the Lord with gladness through preaching that empowers, teaching that is engaging and showing each member and visitor the love of Jesus.