Our History: A Journey of Faith and Freedom
Immediately after slavery, Black Christian men and women, eager to extend their newfound freedom into every aspect of their lives, felt a strong calling 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) Connection: 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 educational and social needs. Each church supported a school to educate youth and provided a space for social and political gatherings.
These congregations, united as the Sandy Run Circuit, held quarterly meetings, where many souls were saved, and countless prayers were offered. God blessed these efforts richly, calling three ministers from within their midst: Rev. W.J. Johnson (1941), Rev. Milton Scott (1955), and Rev. Josh B. Kirvin (1970).
In 1967, under the leadership of Rev. J.R. Dixon, seeds for a new CME church were planted in Old Jody Town with the establishment of Dixon Tabernacle CME Church. Recognizing the growth of Warner Robins, the Central Georgia Conference saw the need for a station church to serve the expanding population. In August 1974, Rev. Donald R. Jordan, the youngest preacher in the district, was appointed to lead the Sandy Run Circuit with a mission to merge two congregations into one.
After much prayer, hard work, and dedication, this mission was realized in 1976 with the formation of Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal (WRCME) Church. Under Rev. Jordan’s leadership, the church was organized, and a beautiful new building was constructed. On February 13, 1977, the first service was held in the new edifice, with the pastor preaching a powerful sermon entitled, “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.”
Growth and New Leadership
In 1987, Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green became the second pastor of WRCME. During his leadership, the church's mortgage was paid off, and a new Family and Community Life Center was built. In 1996, Rev. Dr. Frederick Zak was appointed as the third pastor by Bishop Othal H. Lakey. Rev. Zak’s vision, “Reaching Up, Reaching In, and Reaching Out to God,” led to the creation of new ministries, including Radio Broadcast, Theater Advertising, and Audio Ministry.
Following the 2000 “Olympic” Sessions of the Annual Conference, Bishop Othal H. Lakey appointed Rev. Stevie B. McKinney as the next pastor of WRCME. Rev. McKinney focused on strengthening the congregation's social, mental, intellectual, and spiritual development. Under his leadership, the church added an 8:00 a.m. worship service, Noon Day Bible Study, and various ministries, including Men’s and Women’s Ministries, children’s programs, and leadership classes.
Our Present Leadership
In 2006, Rev. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr. was appointed pastor of WRCME. Under his leadership, the church completed its new edifice, which includes administrative offices, a choir room, and a conference room. His ministry, “A Growing Church Grows in the Word of God,” has fostered spiritual growth through worship services, Bible study, prayer meetings, Sunday school, and revivals. The church has also actively engaged young people through programs such as the Christian Youth Fellowship, Youth Choir, and Young Adult Council.
On July 24, 2024, at the 122nd Annual Conference held at St. Paul CME Church in Savannah, GA, WRCME welcomed its new pastor, **Rev. Dr. Andre C. Loyd, Jr.**. Anointed by God and dedicated to elevating our church to new heights, Rev. Dr. Loyd is ready to lead us in this next chapter of faith and service.
These congregations, united as the Sandy Run Circuit, held quarterly meetings, where many souls were saved, and countless prayers were offered. God blessed these efforts richly, calling three ministers from within their midst: Rev. W.J. Johnson (1941), Rev. Milton Scott (1955), and Rev. Josh B. Kirvin (1970).
In 1967, under the leadership of Rev. J.R. Dixon, seeds for a new CME church were planted in Old Jody Town with the establishment of Dixon Tabernacle CME Church. Recognizing the growth of Warner Robins, the Central Georgia Conference saw the need for a station church to serve the expanding population. In August 1974, Rev. Donald R. Jordan, the youngest preacher in the district, was appointed to lead the Sandy Run Circuit with a mission to merge two congregations into one.
After much prayer, hard work, and dedication, this mission was realized in 1976 with the formation of Warner Robins Christian Methodist Episcopal (WRCME) Church. Under Rev. Jordan’s leadership, the church was organized, and a beautiful new building was constructed. On February 13, 1977, the first service was held in the new edifice, with the pastor preaching a powerful sermon entitled, “They Said It Couldn’t Be Done.”
Growth and New Leadership
In 1987, Rev. Dr. Robert W. Green became the second pastor of WRCME. During his leadership, the church's mortgage was paid off, and a new Family and Community Life Center was built. In 1996, Rev. Dr. Frederick Zak was appointed as the third pastor by Bishop Othal H. Lakey. Rev. Zak’s vision, “Reaching Up, Reaching In, and Reaching Out to God,” led to the creation of new ministries, including Radio Broadcast, Theater Advertising, and Audio Ministry.
Following the 2000 “Olympic” Sessions of the Annual Conference, Bishop Othal H. Lakey appointed Rev. Stevie B. McKinney as the next pastor of WRCME. Rev. McKinney focused on strengthening the congregation's social, mental, intellectual, and spiritual development. Under his leadership, the church added an 8:00 a.m. worship service, Noon Day Bible Study, and various ministries, including Men’s and Women’s Ministries, children’s programs, and leadership classes.
Our Present Leadership
In 2006, Rev. Lindsey P. Napier, Sr. was appointed pastor of WRCME. Under his leadership, the church completed its new edifice, which includes administrative offices, a choir room, and a conference room. His ministry, “A Growing Church Grows in the Word of God,” has fostered spiritual growth through worship services, Bible study, prayer meetings, Sunday school, and revivals. The church has also actively engaged young people through programs such as the Christian Youth Fellowship, Youth Choir, and Young Adult Council.
On July 24, 2024, at the 122nd Annual Conference held at St. Paul CME Church in Savannah, GA, WRCME welcomed its new pastor, **Rev. Dr. Andre C. Loyd, Jr.**. Anointed by God and dedicated to elevating our church to new heights, Rev. Dr. Loyd is ready to lead us in this next chapter of faith and service.