THIS IS OUR STORY
Carter Temple CME Church was founded in 1919 under the leadership of the late Bishop Carter and deeds in the name of the following Stewards: Brother Charlie Williams and Brother H.R. Porter.
The first delegates to go to the Sunday School Convention, which was held at St Phillips CME Church located in Ft. Myers, Florida in 1944, under the leadership of rev. W.R. Johnson, St. were the late sisters: Wylene Middleton, Nell Jones, Alvera Rutledge Dawes and Martha McDuffie
During the Annual Conference year of 1964 and 1965 some remolding was completed under the leadership of the late Rev. S.V. Jones.
In 1968 under the leadership of the Rev. Cornelius Bryant Sr. there were some major remodeling was completed such as the bathrooms, new pews, pulpit furniture and the carpet. The church parsonage that was located directly behind the sanctuary was demolished.
The Lord continued smiling upon his children and Rev Charles E Calloway was appointed to carry the torch. In 1979 the building which once stood adjacent to the church, known as the Red Barn and previously known as Miller’s Market was purchased by Carter Temple and renovated into the fellowship hall. Inside this converted grocery store were classrooms, where students were taught the Word of God, through Sunday school and Bible Study
During the year 1987-1988 the church and the fellowship hall were painted and the mortgage was paid in full under the leadership of the late Reverend Everett Pearcey.
March 3 1993 the fellowship was demolished, making preparation for the building of the new sanctuary. Rev Charles E Hill contributed to the environmental/surveying of the property. Due to the illness of Pastor Hill, Rev Cornelius Bryant Sr. returned as Pastor by request of Bishop Richard O Bass, Sr. to complete the present building project.
The following Pastors have served Carter Temple CME Church over the years and many have gone to be with the Lord
Reverend Adams Reverend George Black
Reverend Thomas Bryant Reverend Charles E, Hill
Reverend Gathers Reverend W.R. Johnson Jr
Reverend W. B. Jefferson Reverend Everette Pearcey
Reverend S. V. Jones Reverend Soloman
Reverend Peele Reverend Stokes
Reverend R. R. Summerville Reverend Imogene Jackson Rose
Reverend Strahand Reverend William Kelly Jr.
Reverend Geraldine McDaniel Reverend Errol E Michael Darville,
Reverend Dr Anthony Thomas Jr
Reverend Elliott & Benita Callahan- Present Co-Pastors
The following ministers have served as associates under Pastor Cornelius Bryant. The late Evangelist Brenda Bryant who was the founder of the non-profit Organization Homeless Orphans and Widows (H.O.W.) in Bradenton and Reverend Richard McDuffie. Reverend McDuffie relocated to Alabama with motivation to enroll and completed his four year degree at Miles College. ; He completed that goal. During the month of May 2000, he received his Master’s degree from International Theological located in Atlanta Georgia.
Serving as Pastor for the third time, Reverend Cornelius Bryant Sr continues t lead the people of god to higher heights. Other ordained elders of the clergy presently serving are Reverend Anita D Davis and Reverend Charles E Hill. The oldest inactive member Sister Annie M Baker and the oldest active member is Sister Armenia Barkley. God has blessed his family with a host of children, young adults, adults and seniors, some of which are very active in his church.
On September 7,1997 groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new sanctuary. Presiding Elder H.C. Wilkes of Miami/Tampa District officiating. Architect: Brother Allen of Miami Florida.
The new millennium has brought us closer than we’ve ever been in our building project. The church began to look like a church. Walls went up and insulation was installed. Lights were hanging from the ceiling complimented by a gorgeous chandelier. During the week of February 26, 2000 the carpet and church furniture was put in place. What an awesome God we serve.
The day of March 14, 2000 marked another memorable event: the old church building was burned down by the Bradenton Fire Department after approval from the City of Bradenton Mayor, the Honorable Wayne Poston, and Reverend James T. Golden. Ward 5 City Councilman was very instrumental in the four way stop signs that are now posted at 6th Street West and 11th Ave.
If it had not bee for the Lord on our side, where would we be? It is because of your love for God, your generosity, faith and compassison we are assembled together this day to dedicate the house of God for His service. We thank you and we love you. AMEN!