About us
Historic First Community Church
First Community Church was organized by a group of individuals under the leadership of Reverned Wayman Y. Horton, The new fellowship was called The First Independent African Methodist Community Church. On August 13, 1932 the church was incorporated with the following charter members. Reverend W. Y. Horton, Reverend James N. Crutcher, Charles H. Buton William Woodard, Porter Wynn, Sally Lillard , Edward L. Kirkpatrick and J. Palmer Walker . With the concept of open fellowship, the Community Church became a model of ecumenical outreach, touching all, regardless of creed of color.
Among the pastors were Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian Rev. Kendrick Janghdari and Rev. Harold Simmons, Reverend Vivian was not only a dedicated pastor, but also a dynamic civic leader. He was in the forefront during the Student Non-Violent Movement. He served as Vice President of the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference and was close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the movement. He initiated the building of the new church. It was completed in 1961. The name of the church was officially changed to First Community Church in 1966.
Under the leadership of Reverend Harold Simmons, First Community Church achieved its vision of a community outreach program and the completion of an additional structure to the church. His direction toward the revitalization of the church. His direction toward the revitalization of the church, evolved from inception to completion of a $100,00 building campaign, resulting in the 3.500 square feet addition of a fellowship halll and classroom complex.
Welcome!
Pastor Ella Bernadette Johnson-Clay, a wise woman called by God to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She loves God and God’s great people and committed to heal and restore lives through the work of social justice. Ella Bernadette Johnson- Clay was born on June 11, 1963 and reared by loving parents, Eugenia Pearl Allen- Johnson and Johnny Frank Johnson. She graduated from Glenclff High School.
Pastor Clay’s theological education consist of graduating from American Baptist College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree (B. A.) graduated Summa Cum Laude, received Delta Epsilon Chi Award, and served as president of her class. She holds a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from Vanderbilt University Divinity School (VDS) where she received Dean’s Scholarship and served in the office as treasurer for Vanderbilt Black Seminarians. She was sponsored by Kelly Miller Smith Institute to represent VDS at the Samuel DeWitt Procter Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. On behalf of The Turner Center and The Center for Transforming Communities she represented VDS in Indianopolis, Indiana for “The Spot,” a community organization designed to empower young girls. In 2017, she was the recipient of the Charles A. Trentham Homiletics Award of International Council of Community Churches (ICCC).
Being an advocate to encourage and promote wellness for women, she served with Meharry Medical College Advisory Board for Centering Pregnacy and on the Advisory Board member of the Congregational Health and Educational Network at Meharry. She has worked with mothers of the John Henry Hale community organizing various educational sessions that embraced and inspired women. She served as president and spiritual director for the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC) Women’s Christian Fellowship.
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us in the right path. Reading and understand Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
Youth Ministry
Youth is a unique period of life, one filled with exploration, discovery, excitement and fulfillment. The Church Youth Ministry provides a nurturing, loving environment for young people exploring the world. It is a safe place where faith guides exploration and self-discovery.
Children's Ministry
The Gospel has a message for everyone, of every age, and in every language. Exposing your child to the Lord's path when they are young gives them guidance, hope and strength that lasts a lifetime. To learn more, be in touch with one of our Pastors.