Our History

A HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF THE BUTLER STREET CME CHURCH

The Butler Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by the late Reverend S.E. Poe in 1882. The church grew out of a Sunday School that operated on Gilmer Street. The Grant Estate donated property on Butler Street to be used for church purposes. A wooden frame edifice was built on the present church site, the exact date is unknown. Today, The Butler Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is listed on the register of National Historic Sites. The church grew rapidly requiring a larger edifice. Our present Church edifice was erected in 1920, to accommodate the membership in worship and study. The Reverend H.W. Evans led the Church in erecting this structure. During the erection of this structure, Butler Street worshiped jointly with the Holsey Temple C.M.E. Church, which was located on Boulevard Avenue. Through its place as the "Mother Church" of Atlanta Area CME Churches, Butler Street has been the spawning ground for establishing two additional CME Churches. Those being Holsey Temple and West Side Community. In 1940, a major division took place in the life of the congregation which resulted in the organization of the Denson Temple Independent Methodist
Church on Whitehall Street. Many outstanding ministers of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church have pastored Butler Street. The former pastors of Butler Street C.M.E. Church include Reverends S.E. Poe, R.K. Harris, J.W. Irwin, B.J. Cofer, R.A. Carter (later elected Bishop), T.M. Wylie, J.H. Wiggins, C.L. Bonner, W.E. Farmer, W.H. Nelson, J.C. Colclough, N.W. Clark, H.W. Evans, J.C. Anderson, T.T. Taylor, G.L. Word, J.D. Hudson, A.F. Bailey, (served twice), J.T. Singleton (Associate to Rev. Bailey), H.D. Denson, B.J. Jones, T.E. Sibley, R.B. Shorts, H.H. Davis, L.L. Napier, L.W. Jay, T.L. Brown, Sr., R.L. Jackson, III, a second time of ministry by L.W. Jay, A.M. Alford, Sr., Christopher M. Waller.,

Our church membership has always consisted of many of Atlanta's finest business, civic, political, and professional laypersons who have and are making outstanding contributions to our church, city, state, and nation. Many of the major Civil Rights initiatives of the forties, fifties, and
sixties were hosted by Butler Street, and out of those initiatives grew some of Atlanta's most revered names in the African American Community. Butler Street has been known over the years for its service to the community as a friendly, loving, and caring church. Long before it was popular or considered ministry, Butler Street established many ministries that the full community of Atlanta has benefited from. Butler Street was among the first churches anywhere to offer hot meals to the homeless and was recognized for this pioneering ministry by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Atlanta Christian Council. Seeing a need to increase the number of college-bound high school graduates, Butler Street launched a scholarship ministry. Initially, this scholarship rewarded each graduate with a $100.00 scholarship, which today has grown to $1,500.00. Throughout its run of nearly twenty years, the scholarship ministry has awarded more than $75,000.00 to college-bound high school students. These students have gone to colleges and universities throughout the United States and today have taken their rightful roles and places in society. Many of these recipients remain members of Butler Street and are now
contributing to the scholarship fund so that others may benefit as they did. During the ministry of L.W. Jay, Le Centre Cercle was founded as a ministry to young adults. It was through this organization that the scholarship ministry was born. Through all of her storied history, Butler
Street has preserved the spirit of her ancestors who cherished and claimed their sonship and daughters through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today Butler Street is one of Atlanta's oldest and most historic churches. It is and always has been a leader in the ecumenical community of faith. Throughout the greater Atlanta Community Butler Street has shown itself as a beacon of hope to a people on the brink of despair.

In August of 1995 Anthony M. Alford, Sr. was named the thirty-first Pastor of Butler Street. Pastor Alford brought a new sense of energy and excitement to Butler Street and continued the Butler Street legacy while at the same time continuing the claim of Butler Street's leadership in the religious circles of Atlanta. This claim of leadership continued through THE STEWARDSHIP FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN, which Pastor Alford began in March of 1996. This visionary ministry of spiritual discipline and church growth had as its aim the centering of the entire work of the
church on the true mission of the church. It has three essential components. They are 1) A church diligent in study, 2) A church growing in faith, and 3) A church active in witness. The intent is to nurture persons to grow from membership to discipleship. At the July Church
Conference of 1996, upon recommendation from Pastor Alford, Butler Street initiated the Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study Program. This thirty-four-week study of the whole Bible focuses on disciplined daily study, weekly group conversation and sharing, and mutual support. Ideally, it brings 12 persons and a group leader together in a small group setting. The model is that of Jesus and His disciples. In our initial year, more than forty persons participated in three classes. The first graduation took place on July 27, 1997. Since the time of the program's initiation nearly 40% of the church membership has now participated in the program. Today boasting over 50 different ministries, Butler Street continues to give hope to all who seek to be saved through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our ministry of God's Word is central to all we do. We now offer MasterLife Bible Study, Disciple One, Two, Three, and Four, and Pastor's Bible Study Classes as well as thematic Bible Study Classes such as Purpose Driven Life Classes. These classes are all in addition to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. All of our Bible Study classes are geared and designed to give a greater understanding of God's Word in our lives and to cause us to live lives owned, possessed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Through all of this, our walk of discipleship with Jesus Christ as the Master of our lives continues to be enriched and our witness continues to be expanded. Additionally, in 1996, the church launched a capital campaign called the ONE BY ONE effort. This special campaign was the largest financial effort ever mounted by Butler Street. The results were more solid financial footing for the church and the establishment of the church's first investment portfolio. All glory to
God is given for the success of this campaign.

As we reflect upon our rich history and tradition, we must not allow the achievements and accomplishments of our past to stifle or cut off our forward progression and movement. God is ever calling us to new heights and new occasions with new duties and challenges. As we now have entered a new millennium of service and ministry, we have reached congregational acknowledgment that we have outlived and outgrown our current location. Consensus has been arrived at that for us to effectively carry out our mandate of Kingdom building in the lives and hearts of our congregates and community, we must have facilities that match our ministry needs and opportunities. We are now seeking to put in place the financial engine to help us meet this end so that a new more expansive and ministry-centered facility can be erected. Thus, we renew our understanding of being a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's very own people." We are therefore proclaiming the mighty acts of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. With the love of Jesus Christ in our hearts, we must continue our vision of community service, our emphasis on both knowing and loving the studied word of God, the preached word, and the full engagement of The Holy Spirit in everything we do. For truly we are "Building our Hopes On Things Eternal".
BUTLER STREET HISTORY: 2010-PRESENT

In July 2010, Pastor Christopher M. Waller was appointed to Butler Street. Working under the new theme “Doing Ministry and Bringing Lost Souls to Christ,” Pastor Waller ushered in a renewed era of ministry, discipleship, leadership, and service to the church and surrounding community. The H.U.G.S. (Helping Unto God’s Service) Ministry flourished as the champion ministry of the church, serving hot meals to over 150 individuals weekly. More ministries are on the rise to serve the needs of our current and future community, such as Social Concerns and Health. In addition to building and strengthening ministries over the past eight years, Pastor Waller spearheaded enhancement projects within the church to become more relevant and current amongst the membership and community members. The use of email marketing tools, social media, and investments in audio and visual equipment has greatly enhanced the overall worship experience and
how the church interacts with the community.

In 2022 Pastor Curtis L. West, Jr., was appointed to Butler Street Christian Methodist Church, he has faithfully served as pastor of, St. Rest, Spring Hill (North), and Carter Chapel C.M.E. churches in the Louisiana Annual Conference, Israel C.M.E. Church in Cornelia, Georgia, Usher’s Temple C.M.E. Church in Fort Valley, Georgia, Bethel C.M.E. Church in Macon, GA and the historic John R. Lynch Street C.M.E. Church in Jackson, MS. He is an Ordained Elder in Full Connection in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, He actively participates in organizations such as the SCLC, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, NAACP, Optimist International Club, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His commitment extends to serving on various boards. Pastor West is now leading Historic Butler Street through the process of building our new home which will be located at 2582 Beeler St. Atlanta, GA.

Our church membership has always consisted of many of Atlanta's finest business, civic, political, and professional laypersons who have and are making outstanding contributions to our church, city, state, and nation. Many of the major Civil Rights initiatives of the forties, fifties, and sixties were hosted by Butler Street, and out of those initiatives grew some of Atlanta's most revered names in the African American Community. Butler Street has been known over the years for its service to the community as a friendly, loving, and caring church. Long before it was popular or considered ministry, Butler Street established many ministries that the full community of Atlanta has benefited from. Butler Street was among the first churches anywhere to offer hot meals to the homeless and was recognized for this pioneering ministry by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Atlanta Christian Council. Seeing a need to increase the number of college-bound high school graduates, Butler Street launched a scholarship ministry. Initially, this scholarship rewarded each graduate with a $100.00 scholarship, which today has grown to $1,500.00. Throughout its run of nearly twenty years, the scholarship ministry has awarded more than $75,000.00 to college-bound high school students. These students have gone to colleges and universities throughout the United States and today have taken their rightful roles and places in society. Many of these recipients remain members of Butler Street and are now contributing to the scholarship fund so that others may benefit as they did. During the ministry of L.W. Jay, Le Centre Cercle was founded as a ministry to young adults. It was through this organization that the scholarship ministry was born. Through all of her storied history, Butler Street has preserved the spirit of her ancestors who cherished and claimed their sonship and daughters through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today Butler Street is one of Atlanta's oldest and most historic churches. It is and always has been a leader in the ecumenical community of faith. Throughout the greater Atlanta Community Butler Street has shown itself as a beacon of hope to a people on the brink of despair.

In August of 1995 Anthony M. Alford, Sr. was named the thirty-first Pastor of Butler Street. Pastor Alford brought a new sense of energy and excitement to Butler Street and continued the Butler Street legacy while at the same time continuing the claim of Butler Street's leadership in the religious circles of Atlanta. This claim of leadership continued through THE STEWARDSHIP FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN, which Pastor Alford began in March of 1996. This visionary ministry of spiritual discipline and church growth had as its aim the centering of the entire work of the church on the true mission of the church. It has three essential components. They are 1) A church diligent in study, 2) A church growing in faith, and 3) A church active in witness. The intent is to nurture persons to grow from membership to discipleship. At the July Church Conference of 1996, upon recommendation from Pastor Alford, Butler Street initiated the Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study Program. This thirty-four-week study of the whole Bible focuses on disciplined daily study, weekly group conversation and sharing, and mutual support. Ideally, it brings 12 persons and a group leader together in a small group setting. The model is that of Jesus and His disciples. In our initial year, more than forty persons participated in three classes. The first graduation took place on July 27, 1997. Since the time of the program's initiation nearly 40% of the church membership has now participated in the program. Today boasting over 50 different ministries, Butler Street continues to give hope to all who seek to be saved through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our ministry of God's Word is central to all we do. We now offer MasterLife Bible Study, Disciple One, Two, Three, and Four, and Pastor's Bible Study Classes as well as thematic Bible Study Classes such as Purpose Driven Life Classes. These classes are all in addition to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. All of our Bible Study classes are geared and designed to give a greater understanding of God's Word in our lives and to cause us to live lives owned, possessed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Through all of this, our walk of discipleship with Jesus Christ as the Master of our lives continues to be enriched and our witness continues to be expanded. Additionally, in 1996, the church launched a capital campaign called the ONE BY ONE effort. This special campaign was the largest financial effort ever mounted by Butler Street. The results were more solid financial footing for the church and the establishment of the church's first investment portfolio. All glory to God is given for the success of this campaign.

BUTLER STREET HISTORY: 2010-PRESENT

In July 2022, Pastor West was appointed to Butler Street and delivered his inaugural sermon there on August 7. Over the years, he has faithfully led congregations at St. Rest, Spring Hill (North), and Carter Chapel C.M.E. Churches within the Louisiana Annual Conference, as well as Israel C.M.E. Church in Cornelia, Georgia; Usher’s Temple C.M.E. Church in Fort Valley, Georgia; Bethel C.M.E. Church in Macon, Georgia; and the historic John R. Lynch Street C.M.E. Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Pastor West is an Ordained Elder in Full Connection in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. His dedication to service reaches beyond the pulpit—he is an active member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Rainbow PUSH Coalition, NAACP, Optimist International Club, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he contributes his leadership to various boards and community initiatives.

On June 29, 2025, Rev. Dr. Paul L. Brown Sr. was appointed Supply Pastor of Butler Street C.M.E. Church, bringing with him decades of Pastoral leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Dr. Brown was educated in the Essex County public school system and graduated from Orange High School in 1978. He pursued higher education at Thiel College in Greenville, PA, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University. In May 1991, he received his Master of Divinity from the Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. He went on to complete his Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH, in the spring of 1998.

Under the guidance of the late Bishop Oree Broomfield, Dr. Brown was ordained Deacon in 1984 and Elder in 1986. His pastoral assignments have spanned multiple states, including Springfield, MA; Chesnee and Anderson, SC; and Washington, DC. From 2022 to the present, he has served as Supply Pastor in Columbus and Hartwell, GA, within the Sixth Episcopal District. Between 1998 and 1991, Dr. Brown served as a teaching assistant to Dr. L. H. Whelchel, Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Clark Atlanta University. He also taught continuing education courses at the Howard School of Divinity from 2000 to 2006. In July 1998, he was appointed Pastor of Miles Memorial CME Church in Washington, DC, where he also served as Dean of Leadership Training School for the New York-Washington Annual Conference for over 14 years.

Dr. Brown held the role of Administrative Assistant to three bishops: the late Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt Jr., Bishop Marshall Gilmore (Retired), and Bishop James B. Walker. On July 4, 2014, he was named Interim Dean of the Phillips School of Theology, and on January 12, 2015, he was officially appointed President/Dean by vote of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Brown has contributed to various Lenten publications and Vacation Bible School materials. He is the author of the self-published book Stress and the Pulpit. Since May 2012, he has served as a consultant for the African American Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC), a program of People for the American Way in Washington, DC. In addition to his ministerial and academic work, Dr. Brown is an accomplished meeting planner, having organized events for over 1,000 attendees across the East Coast for more than two decades. He has completed several courses toward his Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation.

Dr. Brown is married to Delores Y. Newton of Jersey City, NJ. They are proud parents of two adult children: Paul Lawrence Jr. (Rachel), a program trainer at the University of the District of Columbia, and Jessica Lynn Lewis (Kevin), a professional pastry chef. They also cherish their grandson, Kevin Christopher Lewis Jr. (“KC”) and one new addition on the way!

Between 1988 and 1991, Dr. Brown served as a teaching assistant to Dr. L. H. Whelchel, Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Clark Atlanta University. He also taught continuing education courses at the Howard School of Divinity from 2000 to 2006. In July 1998, he was appointed Pastor of Miles Memorial CME Church in Washington, DC, where he also served as Dean of Leadership Training School for the New York-Washington Annual Conference for over 14 years.

Dr. Brown has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and the Pulpit.”

Since May of 2012 Dean Brown has served as a consultant for the African American Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC) a Program for People for the American Way based in Washington, DC.

Dr. Brown has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and the Pulpit.”

Since May of 2012 Dean Brown has served as a consultant for the African American Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC) a Program for People for the American Way based in Washington, DC.

On July 4, 2014 Dr. Brown was named interim Dean of Phillips School of Theology at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and on January 12, 2015 by vote of the Board of Trustees for Phillips, Dr. Brown was officially named President/Dean.

Dr. Brown is has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and the Pulpit.”

Born in Newark, New Jersey and educated in the Essex County public School system, Dr. Brown graduated from Orange High School in 1978. He then went on to college at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., and completed his B.S. in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University of New Jersey. Dr. Brown received his Master of Divinity degree from Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga., in May of 1991. In the spring of 1998, Rev. Brown completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio.

Under the leadership of the late Bishop Oree Broomfield, Dr. Brown was ordained Deacon in 1984 and Elder in 1986. He has since pastored churches in; Springfield, MA., Chesnee, SC., Anderson, SC., and Washington, DC. Dr. Brown has also served as supply Pastor in the Sixth Episcopal District in the cities of Columbus and Hartwell from 2022 until present. From 1988 to 1991 Rev. Brown served as teaching assistant for Dr. L. H. Whelchel, then chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Clark, Atlanta, University. He has also served as a continuing Education instructor for Howard School of Divinity from 2000 to 2006. In July 1998, Dr. Brown was appointed pastor of Miles Memorial CME Church in Washington, DC and served as the Dean of Leadership Training School on the district and regional level of the New York-Washington Annual Conference for more than 14 years. While serving as Pastor of Miles Memorial, Dr. Brown was also the Administrative Assistant to the Late, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., then Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired, and then Bishop James B. Walker.

Dr. Brown is has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and the Pulpit.”

Since May of 2012 Dean Brown has served as a consultant for the African American Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC) a Program for People for the American Way based in Washington, DC.

Dr. Brown is also an accomplished meeting planner with several classes towards his CMP designation, (Certified Meeting Planner) having planned meetings in excess of 1,000 persons for the past 20 years throughout the east coast.

Dr. Brown is married to the former Delores Y. Newton formerly of Jersey City, NJ, and they have two grown children; Paul Lawrence, Jr.(Rachel), a program trainer for the University of the District of Columbia; and Jessica Lynn Lewis, (Kevin) a professional Pastry Chef, and one Grandson, Kevin Christopher Lewis, Jr. (“KC”).

Dr. Brown is has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and the Pulpit.”

Since May of 2012 Dean Brown has served as a consultant for the African American Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC) a Program for People for the American Way based in Washington, DC.

Born in Newark, New Jersey and educated in the Essex County public School

system, Dr. Brown graduated Orange High School in 1978. He then went on to college

at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., and completed his B.S. in Criminal Justice from

Rutgers University of New Jersey. Dr. Brown received his Master of Divinity degree

from Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in

Atlanta, Ga., in May of 1991. In the spring of 1998, Rev. Brown completed his Doctor of

Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio.

Under the leadership of the late Bishop Oree Broomfield, Dr. Brown was ordained

Deacon in 1984 and Elder in 1986. He has since pastored churches in; Springfield, MA.,

Chesnee, SC., Anderson, SC., and Washington, DC. Dr. Brown has also served as

supply Pastor in the Sixth Episcopal District in the cities of Columbus and Hartwell from

2022 until present. From 1988 to 1991 Rev. Brown served as teaching assistant for Dr.

L. H. Whelchel, then chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Clark,

Atlanta, University. He has also served as a continuing Education instructor for Howard

School of Divinity from 2000 to 2006. In July 1998, Dr. Brown was appointed pastor of

Miles Memorial CME Church in Washington, DC and served as the Dean of Leadership

Training School on the district and regional level of the New York-Washington Annual

Conference for more than 14 years. While serving as Pastor of Miles Memorial, Dr.

Brown was also the Administrative Assistant to the Late, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.,

then Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired, and then Bishop James B. Walker.

On July 4, 2014 Dr. Brown was named interim Dean of Phillips School of Theology at

The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and on January 12,

2015 by vote of the Board of Trustees for Phillips, Dr. Brown was officially named

President/Dean.

Dr. Brown is has also written articles for various Lenten publications; Vacation Bible

School literature and most recently, he is the author of his self published, “Stress and

the Pulpit.”

Since May of 2012 Dean Brown has served as a consultant for the African American

Minister’s Leadership Council (AAMLC) a Program for People for the American Way

based in Washington, DC.

Dr. Brown is also an accomplished meeting planner with several classes towards his

CMP designation, (Certified Meeting Planner) having planned meetings in excess of

1,000 persons for the past 20 years throughout the east coast.

Dr. Brown is married to the former Delores Y. Newton formerly of Jersey City, NJ, and

they have two grown children; Paul Lawrence, Jr.(Rachel), a program trainer for the

University of the District of Columbia; and Jessica Lynn Lewis, (Kevin) a professional

Pastry Chef, and one Grandson, Kevin Christopher Lewis, Jr. (“KC”).