Special series: Legacy Black churches

United Methodist News takes an in-depth look at how Black United Methodist churches are maintaining their traditions while also doing innovative ministries to serve the present age. The series will feature venerable yet still vital African American churches in the United Methodist connection.

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UM News series looks at how historic Black United Methodist churches embrace traditions while creating innovative new ministries. Photos (clockwise from top left): St. Mark’s in Montclair, N.J., courtesy of St. Luke’s via Montclair Local; Mother African Zoar in Philadelphia, courtesy of Mother African Zoar; a family at St. Luke’s in Dallas, courtesy of St. Luke’s; Central in Atlanta, courtesy of Central United Methodist Church; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. 

Pouring new wine into old wineskins

Central, Mother African Zoar and Asbury United Methodist churches embrace traditions as well as innovative ministries. 
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UM News series looks at how historic Black United Methodist churches embrace traditions while creating innovative new ministries. Photos (clockwise from top left): St. Mark’s in Montclair, N.J., courtesy of St. Luke’s via Montclair Local; Mother African Zoar in Philadelphia, courtesy of Mother African Zoar; a family at St. Luke’s in Dallas, courtesy of St. Luke’s; Central in Atlanta, courtesy of Central United Methodist Church; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News. 

Spirit of service helps Black churches thrive

St. Luke and Trinity in Texas celebrate venerable histories while serving their communities through creative outreach.
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A young family attends St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas in February. Founded in 1933, the large, predominantly Black but diverse congregation gathers for traditional and contemporary worship services, small groups and social justice ministries. Photo courtesy of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church.  

St. Luke pastor called to build bridges

The Rev. Richie Butler began his race relations work at St. Luke’s mother church, historic St. Paul United Methodist in Dallas. 
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Children in a science, technology, engineering and math class at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles pose for a photo with Ricardo Mowatt, their teacher. The church’s STEM Center partnership with A-MAN Inc. started in 1991 to interest African American children in science education and careers. File photo courtesy of Holman United Methodist Church.  

Youth ministries help historic churches stay vital

St. Mark in Chicago and Holman in Los Angeles serve their growing communities by empowering young people and providing effective outreach ministries.
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Singers perform during the Lenten season at Union Combined Parish in Boston. In 2024, historically Black Union United Methodist Church in the South End merged with three other congregations— Old West Church in the West End, Community Church in Brighton, and Glendale Church in Everett — to form a new worship community. File photo courtesy of Union Combined Parish.  

Black churches preserve history, shape future

Across the U.S., legacy Black churches look for new ways to remain vital and reach communities, while United Methodist annual conferences work to provide the resources they need.
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