Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr.

 Trinity Christian Methodist  Episcopal Church, Memphis, Tennessee, was founded in 1902, under the  capable administration of Presiding Elder J. S. Smothers and Bishop C.  H. Phillips. The church was organized in Mr. Daniel Simon’s home. The  members bargained to buy a piece of property at 1205 Manassas Street  next door to the little Manassas School. The property was purchased from  Mr. Spencer Johnson, and his daughter, Mrs. Laura Johnson Byas,  suggested the name Trinity.

 During its 100 year history, Trinity has erected four houses of worship  to the glory of God. The first church building was destroyed by fire in  1917. In 1918 Trinity relocated to 650 Wells  Avenue (formerly Maple Avenue). During the interim, the congregation  worshiped in a store on the northeast corner of Thomas and Wells. A  brick edifice was erected on Wells Avenue during the pastorate of Rev.  C. A. Craig. The building served its purpose well until 1944. The walls  of the building began to separate and the top was caving in. Thus, the  building (the first of two buildings built on Wells Avenue) was  demolished. 

 In 1962 during the leadership of Rev. P.  Gonya Hentrel, property at 656 Wells was purchased. For many years the  property served as rental property and was later demolished and used for  parking. Also during the same period, several home owners on Tully  Street were contacted by the pastor and church officials. Several of the  residents agreed to sell a portion of their land to Trinity. The land  was paved and provided parking for many years.

In 1979 during the leadership of Rev. Paul Fowlkes, property facing Thomas Street

(195` x 200`) was purchased.

In 1992 during the leadership of Dr. John H. Robinson three parcels of land facing Thomas Street were purchased.

In 2014 during the leadership of Rev. Roland Johnson, Jr. three parcels of land were purchased.

 The newly erected building is an ultra-modern worship center containing  16,000 square feet. The church sits on the same parcel of land as the  previous facility along with additional parcels of land which were  purchased as they became available.  The new Trinity now faces a major  thoroughfare ~ Thomas Boulevard. Trinity, a $2.2 million facility was  designed to meet the needs of all ages as well as the community it  serves. The easy access into the church is a special feature enjoyed by  senior members as well as those physically challenged. 

• Other features of the new structure include:
• A beautiful sanctuary that seats 475 persons
• A one half court gymnasium
• An assembly room
• Ample classroom and office space

 Lastly, a beautiful steeple mounted on the roof points high in the sky  toward God to whom we give glory, and serves as a beacon of hope for all  who pass by. This beautiful and modern structure was dedicated to the  glory of God on September 30, 2007. This work was started and completed during the capable and dynamic leadership of Rev. Edward C. McKelvy. 

 We pause now to pay homage and respect to those servants of God who  served us well as pastors. In the interest of accuracy, no dates nor  length of service will be given, Rev. Gray, Rev. N. T. Walker (first  term), 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. N. T.  Walker (second term), 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 our Pastor/Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.

“We’ve come a long way, Lord, A mighty long way,

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.”

(September 23, 2012)