Historic First Community Church

HISTORY

FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH

Historic First Community Church (HFCC)

First Community Church was organized by a group of individuals under the leadership of the Reverend Wayman Y . Horton. The new fellowship was called The First Independent African Methodist Community Church. In the beginning, meetings were held in homes to plan for a place of worship.

At the first service held on July 24, 1932, 182 persons were enrolled as members. This service was held at 1732 Scovel Street under a tent, the temporary site. Later a building was erected, and services were conducted at the Scovel site until the present lot was purchased. The building was moved (on rollers) to 1815 Knowles (Thompson) Street. On August 13, 1932 the church was incorporated with the following charter members: Reverend W. Y . Horton, Reverend James N. Crutcher, Charles H. Burton, William Woodard, Porter Wynn, Sally Lillard, Edward L. Kirkpatrick and J. Palmer Walker. Reverend James N. Crutcher and Reverend Edward L. Kirkpatrick served as associate ministers with Reverend Horton, the first pastor. Reverend Kirkpatrick passed after suffering a stroke in the pulpit. Revival services were held in the tent, with Reverend Henry Hockett as evangelist, with saving of souls and spiritual reinforcement of the Christian pioneers. With the concept of open fellowship, the Community Church became a model of ecumenical outreach, touching all, regardless of creed or color. Worship and revival services were held at the Scovel Street location until 1936. In May 1936, eight members, the pastor and trustees met at the home of Mrs. Carolyn Bridges for the purpose of purchasing property on Thompson Street. J. P. Walker paid the first note on the present property. The cost of the lot was $150.00. Trustees were Reverend Crutcher, William Woodard , William Demoss, J. P. Walker and Mr. Hollingsworth. The trustees arranged for the removal of the structure to the Thompson (Knowles) Street location. Mr. Robert Brandon, a contractor, was in charge of the task of moving the building. Some difficulties were encountered in the moving of the building. However, the structure was finally established at 1815 Thompson (Knowles) Street and the pastor, Reverend James N. Crutcher conducted regular worship services.

In the interim of building the structure, the membership held services at the Macedonia Baptist Church on Scovel Street, the Reverend Raquier, pastor.

The building was completed in 1939 and was dedicated as Crutcher Memorial Community Church. Reverend Clarence Smith was ordained under Reverend Crutcher and pastored in Toledo, Ohio. Reverend Henry Bishop was also ordained as minister under Reverend Crutcher and served the church from 1936. As Senior Assistant Pastor, Reverend Bishop was a source of spiritual strength and guidance for over 66 years. He continued to support the church and in July 2003,

went on to glory two weeks after his 100th birthday. Crutcher Memorial was host to the Southern Regional Council in July 1944. The Reverend

R. W. Hayden served as Council President. Alabama and Tennessee delegates attended in large numbers. In other regional meetings in Meridian, Mississippi and Birmingham, Alabama, Crutcher Memorial was represented and sent delegates. The church also sent delegates to the Biennial National Council in Baltimore, Maryland, Berea, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio. Reverend Crutcher represented Crutcher Memorial Community Church at the historic merging of the Biennial Council and International Council of Community Churches in 1950. Dr. Joseph Evans was Biennial Council President and Dr. Roy Burkhart was President of the International Council at this memorable occasion. Reverend Crutcher served the church from it’s founding until 1950. In 1950, the Reverend Moses Williams, an American Baptist Theological Seminary graduate, was called as pastor and served until 1954. Following Reverend Williams, the Reverend Samuel Cameron served the congregation. He was also an A.B.T. graduate. Other students served during interim periods when the church was without a pastor.

Reverend C. T. Vivian, an alumnus of American Baptist Theological Seminary was called to pastor in 1957. He initiated the building of the new church. It was completed in 1961. Brother J. P. Walker is responsible for the architectural design of the church. With the cooperation of the men in the church, under the direction of Brother Fred Valentine and Brother Walker, the foundation was laid and walls inside and out built. Brother Walker built the baptistery frame and walls of other rooms. He also designed and built the former steeple and communion table. The services of McKissack and McKissack Construction was secured for building outside doors and windows. Mr. Walker Fields was also contracted for work on the building, but because of illness was unable to complete the work. Although the church conducted fundraising activities, it became necessary to secure a $12,000 loan. The Chandler Construction Company was contracted to complete the construction of the church. During the period of construction, the congregation worshipped at the Johnson’s House of Atena Funeral Home at the invitation of Mr. William Henry Johnson, the owner. Mr. Johnson also permitted the church to use a piano from the funeral home. Other neighbors who assisted were Mr. Allen Harris and Mr. George Johnson. Mr. Harris built the front steps and laid the concrete. 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 a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement. In 1979, he helped found the National Anti-Klan Network, which later became the Center for Democratic Renewal (CDR). As president of B.A.S.I.C. (Black Action Strategies and Information Center), he conducted anti-racism workshops across the nation. In 1999, Vivian turned the leadership of BASIC over to one of his sons.

Reverend McCoy Ransom served as pastor from 1961-62 and was succeeded by Reverend Charles Willoughby who served from 1963-65. Reverend Robert Bennett and other student ministers served from 1965-67. The name of the church was officially changed to First Community Church in 1966. Reverend Kendrick S. W. JangDhari was called to serve as pastor in 1967. During his pastorate, a parking lot was purchased. A building fund was initiated to build a dining room and program educational area. Reverend JangDhari served for fifteen years as pastor. He also served on the National Council for Community Churches Board of Trustees as an area representative. Reverend Samuel Triplett served as associate pastor before becoming pastor in 1984. He worked with the youth locally and became National Youth Director of the International Council of Community Churches. He served four years as pastor. Reverend Harold Simmons was installed as pastor on September 25, 1988. Under his.leadership, First Community Church realized 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, evolved from inception to completion of a $100,000 building campaign, resulting in the 3,500 square feet addition of a fellowship hall and classroom complex. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 1990 with the addition

being funded by member donations, fundraising projects, and generous contributions from Reverend C. T. Vivian and Octavia Vivian. Brother Malcious Brady supervised much of the finished projects for the interior. The structure was completed in 1992 and officially named the C. T. Vivian and Octavia Vivian Educational Annex. A frame house and property located at 1721 Knowles Street was purchased by First Community on September 25, 1990 where the community outreach program was started. A grand opening ceremony was held on February 27, 1994 and the Community Christian Counseling Center opened its doors. It served as an adjunct yoke ministry between First Community Church and First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tennessee. The Sunday School and bible study tripled in attendance, largely due to the dynamic instruction of then ABT seminary student, Ricardo Grant, who now pastors a church in the Bahamas.

Reverend Simmons established the Harold and Irene Simmons Scholarship Fund for high school graduates pursuing a college degree. He continued spiritual and financial support of First Community as Pastor Emeritus until he passed on to glory July 2005. The Mobile Body of Christ, a traveling bus ministry found and pastored by Dr. Charles E. Hudson, and pastored by Dr. Cupid Poe, was added to the church in 1993. Dr. Hudson resigned the mobile ministry, donated the bus and a monetary contribution to First Community. Dr. Poe remained at First Community as minister of evangelism. Dr. Poe was called as interim pastor in January 1995. He was installed as pastor of First Community Church on November 12, 1995. Dr. Poe served as Medical Director of the Community Christian Counseling Center. During his tenure, he organized a junior witness team and a metro jail ministry. He worked diligently with the community outreach programs, and remained dedicated to the integration of Christianity and psychiatry.

Reverend Trajean Jadorette was called to serve as pastor in May 2000. He was former Coordinator of the Community Christian Counseling Center and was on staff with the OutreachWing at First Presbyterian Church. He provided outreach ministry to the community and served the church for more than 10 years. The counseling center served as an operation base for the Men of Valor prison ministry for four years. In July of 2002, a fundraising campaign entitled, “Reaching Higher Heights” was initiated that raised over $12,000 for renovations that included a new steeple for the church. ReverendJonathan McMinns was named Assistant Pastor along with other ministers, Reverend Omar Maycock and dedicated church member, Reverend Carolyn Leslie. Reverend Leslie was called to

the ministry in 2000, served as an Assistant Minister and leads one of the evangelism teams. Both Ministers Leslie and Maycock were ordained in 2003. The church installed a new ceiling in 2004 and it acquired two additional residential properties during his pastorship. He continued a central vision of outreach and evangelism. Reverend Jadorette’s vision for First Community Church encompassed: unity in the spirit, Christian growth through the study of God’s Word, and community service through evangelism. In November of 2004, Reverend Jadorette went to London, England for family business and due to immigration problems, was not able to return. In correspondence with several members, he encouraged the congregation to proceed with securing a new pastor, in the interest of the church. We thank God for Reverend Jadorette, his creative spirit, and the dedication he gave to the church and community. During his absence, Reverend Carolyn Leslie, devoted and long-time member of First Community served as Acting Pastor. Her devotion and spiritual focus, along with that of Reverend Omar Maycock helped sustain and direct the church through that year.

On January 14, 2006, the church elected Elder Glenn V . Clay as pastor. He was officially installed as Pastor on March 19, 2006. He was called to preach April 1, 1995. He brings a wealth of experience as a former assistant minister and Education Commissioner for six years at Cathedral of Praise. He conducted the administration of the education department, and he and wife Lady Ella have conducted couples’ workshops as a ministry. During his first year as pastor, twelve

persons gave their lives to Christ and joined HFCC. Since then, he has led over fifty souls to Christ through baptism and renewal through the Word of God. His spiritual theme of “Releasing Generational Blessings” is the core of his ministry and is exemplified in his teachings and church outreach efforts and programs. The church completed payment of the corner lot at D.B.Todd Blvd. and Knowles Street, and renovations were made to the pulpit, choir areas and the ceiling in

the church foyer. First Community has continued to bless the community under the leadership of Pastor Clay with annual back-to-school bashes, community health fairs, revivals and clothing giveaways. He has led many more souls to Christ and he and Lady Clay have maintained a passionate relationship with the I.C.C.C. (International Council of Community Churches) In July 2012, he was appointed to the Budget Office of the I.C.C.C. and Lady Clay was given the “Salt

of the Earth” award. He continues to serve on the board and she is President of the (WFC) Women’s Christian Fellowship. They have both been very active with the organization and committed to its mission and visions of ecumenical unity between the races and community growth. Lady Clay teaches a women’s church school class with excitement about spiritual growth for our ‘mighty Women of God. In 2014, she earned a full scholarship to the Vanderbilt Divinity

School. Her mission includes a women's ministry, God’s Chosen Vessels and along with The Prayer Network led by Prophetess Artherine Hoskins, they have consistently blessed and helped guide women of all ages in pursuing their purpose in God. Daughter, Shawna is the director of

our G.E.D. and job readiness programs that have successfully conducted professional training and gained employment for the participants.

On November 15, 2008, under the leadership of Pastor Glenn V. Clay, First Community held a historic marker unveiling, applied for by church historian, Ardana Foxx and granted by the Tennessee Historical Commission, largely due to the political efforts of Representative, Mary Pruitt. Linda Wynn of the Metropolitan Historical Commission provided advice during the approval process. The marker honors the sacrifices and civil rights work of former pastor, C.T. Vivian and long-time member, Johnetta Hayes, first black female president of the Nashville Chapter NAACP. The marker is located on church property at the corner lot of D.B. Todd Blvd and Knowles Street. In 2013, President Barack Obama presented Rev. Vivian with. the “Presidential Medal of Freedom” Some of the most impactful ministries and assignments for the church body included the annual Daniel’s Fast in January, which resulted in member breakthroughs in many areas of lives including healing and finance. Other successful events included a Gala Fundraiser held November 2, 2013 for renovations needed to church property. for which the church raised over $16,000. Pastor Glenn emphasized and taught responsibility for all to maintain a personal relationship with God that produces healing, well-being and abundance in the lives of believers. Our members have grown exponentially in God and we are reaping the “Generational Blessings."

Pastor Glenn ushered in a vision for serving the community mentoring youth at TSU and in Metro Public Schools. He led HFCC in hosting a Criminal Justice Reform Forum and several Community Health Fairs, while serving with Meharry Medical College Health Committees. On Sunday, April 28, 2019, Reverend Carolyn Leslie was honored with a framed photo placed in the Fellowship Hall as the “first female Interim Pastor” of Historic First Community Church. She along with Reverend Omar Maycock, who was also present that day, served HFCC from 2004-2006 when the church was without a pastor.  The church and community was deeply saddened by the untimely transitioning of Pastor Glenn V . Clay on September 12, 2019; he loved and was loved by HFCC and community for almost 14 years and left an enduring legacy. Pastor Ella has taken up the mantle preaching and teaching the Word of God and saving souls. On November 15, 2020, Reverend Ella B. Clay was installed and ordained as Pastor. An afternoon program was held with Pastor Gregory and Gloria Hopkins conducting the ordination and installation ceremony. She has ushered in a new direction with dynamic energy and leadership for Historic First Community Church (HFCC). She holds a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from Vanderbilt University Divinity School (VDS) where she received a Dean’s Scholarship and served in the office as treasurer for Vanderbilt Black Seminarians. After the 2020 tornado that devastated so much of Davidson and surrounding counties, First Community provided food, clothing and supplies in partnership with Project Connect Nashville (PCN), a nonprofit organization that focuses on uplifting the community through stability, hope and connection. The outreach ministry operates out of the properties at 1813 and 1811 Knowles St, next to the church. The church property located at 1721 Knowles realized the much needed demolition of the former counseling center and prison ministry house due to a generous donation from Shawna Clay Forrest in 2022. On Feb. 2021, Historic First Community Church was awarded a grant for $32,000 from American Baptist College and the CLMPI (Called to Lives of Meaning and Purpose Initiative) Grant. The grant committee consists of Ella Clay, Pastor and Shawna Clay Forrest, serves as the grant leader. Other committee members that joined in 2020 are Ardana Foxx, Lonnie Jennings and Alicia McKnight. These persons participated in monthly workshops and learning labs that fostered untraditional, out-of-the-box approaches toward ministry. Associate member, Rachelle Darvin joined the committee and Minister Quanita Thomas is active in daily outreach.

On January 9, 2022, Pastor Ella ordained Lonnie Jennings as deacon and Ardana Foxx as the first female deacon in the church ministry. The ministry is named Healing Minds and Souls Trauma Support (HMS) and has provided group support for persons dealing with trauma through the pandemic and other challenges. HMS has continued to conduct classes on Boundaries, Healing Trauma, Faith and Finance, and The Story of God taught in eight-week sessions after which participants receive a certificate of completion. Feeding thousands in the community since the tornado and over 10,000 since Marchof 2022 with donations of all sizes from benefactors who want to invest in the continued efforts and success of the church. A fundraiser was held in September of 2022 that raised over $18,000 to enhance the operations and function of HMS and in the few years Pastor Ella has led the church, she was presented an award on June 11, 2022 by Community Alert. It was Dr. Enoch’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of commitment and dedication toward enhancing the quality of life for people in the community.

The church was able to purchase new flooring for the C.T. Vivian Fellowship Hall, refinished the wood floors and replaced the carpet for the sanctuary due to a generous donation of $12,000 from Dr. Wendy Jangdhari-Koch and family in honor of their father and former pastor, Rev. Kendrick S.W. Jangdhari and former first Lady, Gloria Jangdhari.

Pastor Ella continues to give faithfully and selflessly to the goals and mission of the church. The church body is passionate about our new ministry direction and the hopes and healingit stands to bring to our families, church and community.

Ardana Foxx

Updated 2022