How it all started...
In the years following slavery, Black Christian men and women, driven by a desire to extend their newfound freedom to all aspects of their lives, felt a deep sense of urgency to establish churches that would meet the unique needs of former slaves. In Houston County, near the Wellston community, four such churches were founded as part of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Connectional Church: Saint Paul, Avondale, Sandy Run, and Oak Ridge. These churches not only served the spiritual needs of the Black citizens in their communities but also addressed their educational and social needs. Each church housed and supported a school for educating youth and provided a gathering place for social and political activities. The Sandy Run Circuit, which brought these congregations together for quarterly meetings, became a hub of spiritual growth, saving souls and nurturing three ministers from within the circuit: Rev. W.J. Johnson (1941), Rev. Milton Scott (1955), and Rev. Josh B. Kirvin (1970).
The seeds for a new CME Church were planted in 1967 when Rev. J.R. Dixon established Dixon Tabernacle CME Church in Old Jody Town. As Warner Robins grew, the Central Georgia Conference recognized the need for a new station church to serve the expanding population. In August 1974, Rev. Donald R. Jordan, the youngest preacher on the district, was appointed to lead the Sandy Run Circuit with a mission to merge two congregations into one. Through his preaching, praying, and discerning God’s will, Rev. Jordan guided the congregations through this transition.
In 1976, after many hours of hard work, prayer, and perseverance, the merger was finalized, and Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was born. Under Rev. Jordan's leadership and the dedication of its members, the church was organized, and a beautiful new building was constructed. The first service in the new church was held on February 13, 1977, with Rev. Jordan delivering a powerful sermon entitled, "They Said It Couldn't Be Done."
The seeds for a new CME Church were planted in 1967 when Rev. J.R. Dixon established Dixon Tabernacle CME Church in Old Jody Town. As Warner Robins grew, the Central Georgia Conference recognized the need for a new station church to serve the expanding population. In August 1974, Rev. Donald R. Jordan, the youngest preacher on the district, was appointed to lead the Sandy Run Circuit with a mission to merge two congregations into one. Through his preaching, praying, and discerning God’s will, Rev. Jordan guided the congregations through this transition.
In 1976, after many hours of hard work, prayer, and perseverance, the merger was finalized, and Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was born. Under Rev. Jordan's leadership and the dedication of its members, the church was organized, and a beautiful new building was constructed. The first service in the new church was held on February 13, 1977, with Rev. Jordan delivering a powerful sermon entitled, "They Said It Couldn't Be Done."
Expanding the vision...
In 1987, Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green became the second pastor of WRCME. Under his leadership, the church’s mortgage was paid off, and a new Family and Community Life Center was built. In November 1996, Rev. Dr. Frederick Zak was appointed as the third pastor by Bishop Othal H. Lakey. Rev. Zak introduced new ministries, including Radio Broadcast, Theater Advertising, and Audio Ministry, with the theme “Reaching Up, Reaching In, and Reaching Out to God.”
After the first “Olympic” Sessions of the Annual Conference in 2000, Bishop Lakey appointed Rev. Stevie B. McKinney as pastor. Rev. McKinney focused on strengthening the social, mental, intellectual, and spiritual development of the congregation. During his tenure, new ministries were added, including an 8:00 a.m. worship service, Noon Day Bible Study, monthly discipline and leadership classes, and a tutorial ministry. Men’s and women’s ministries were also established, and children’s ministries were strengthened with the addition of the Rossie T. Hollis and Mattie E. Coleman Circle Jr. Missionary Societies.
In 2006, Rev. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr. was installed as pastor. Under his leadership, WRCME saw the completion of a new edifice, including administrative offices, a choir room, and a conference room. His ministry, "A Growing Church Grows in the Word of God," continues to guide the church today.
After the first “Olympic” Sessions of the Annual Conference in 2000, Bishop Lakey appointed Rev. Stevie B. McKinney as pastor. Rev. McKinney focused on strengthening the social, mental, intellectual, and spiritual development of the congregation. During his tenure, new ministries were added, including an 8:00 a.m. worship service, Noon Day Bible Study, monthly discipline and leadership classes, and a tutorial ministry. Men’s and women’s ministries were also established, and children’s ministries were strengthened with the addition of the Rossie T. Hollis and Mattie E. Coleman Circle Jr. Missionary Societies.
In 2006, Rev. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr. was installed as pastor. Under his leadership, WRCME saw the completion of a new edifice, including administrative offices, a choir room, and a conference room. His ministry, "A Growing Church Grows in the Word of God," continues to guide the church today.
Where we are headed...
As we embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Andre C. Loyd, Jr., Warner Robins CME Church is poised for exciting growth and transformation. Rev. Dr. Loyd is guiding us with a vision of bold moves and renewed energy, including a reboot of our Young Adult Ministry to better engage and empower our younger members. We are embracing this new season with faith and anticipation, striving to elevate WRCME to a higher level and fulfill our calling as a church committed to serving God and our community. Join us as we move forward with renewed purpose and passion, ready to make a meaningful impact in the world around us.
