ABOUT US
In the spring of 1943, a few laborers in God’s vineyard banded together and formulated plans to organize a Colored Methodist Episcopal Mission (changed in 1956 to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church).  The group’s spirited efforts commenced with a God-inspired leader of Beebe Tabernacle CME Church, the Reverend L. S. White, who foresaw the need for a CME Church in the southeastern section of Houston.  They named it Metropolitan C.M.E. Church.

Reverend White and some pioneer members met in the home of “Mother” Smiley, 3260 Simmons St., for fervent prayers and planning.  These members included: Sis. M. Beasley, Orgetta Jackson, Professor J. B. Ranson, Sis. Minnie V. Smiley, Eliza Smiley, Rev. Alberta Venerable, Mrs. Lula Clark, Mrs. Ethel Barcus, Mrs. Anna Mae Thomas, Mrs. Nealure B. Kellog, Mrs. Susie Coleman, Mrs. Esther Payne, Mr. Jessie and Mrs. Johnnie Mae Session, Mrs. Willie Mae Adams and Mrs. Mildred Behn.  Their faith and work made a dream become a reality.

Rev. White and the dedicated group secured the property located at 3335 Holman St. under the administration of the late Bishop R. A. Carter.  Services began June 10, 1943.  The Reverend Robert Venerable served the Mission until a permanent pastor was assigned.  Rev. H. J. Gilland was the first appointed pastor.

Metropolitan came into full church status in 1951, under the leadership of the Rev. Paul Young.  Physical changes were accomplished for the building and the cornerstone was laid.

In October 1969, Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church relocated to 6424 Cullen under the leadership of Dr. R. L. Finney.  Norris S. Curry was the presiding bishop and Robert R. Northcutt the presiding elder.  Ironically, the Rev. R. Theo Cunningham, pastor of BeBee Tabernacle in 1969 – gave the important affirmative vote for the move.

On December 25, 2005 (Christmas Day-Sunday morning) the church structure, which housed the sanctuary and administrative offices at 6424 Cullen Boulevard, was completely destroyed by fire.  The church’s administrative  office was temporary relocated to 7553 South Freeway in early 2006. For a two week period, Sunday Morning Services were held at Frost Elementary School, 5650 Selinsky Road. Beginning  late January 2006, services were held on  the campus of St. Agnes Baptist Church, Small Dome Building,  10800 Scott Street @ South Acres, Houston, Texas 77047, Bishop Gene Moore, Pastor.

On Sunday, June 7, 2009 services were held in the newly built facility located at 8955 South Freeway (Hwy 288) @ Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051.

Since its inception, Metropolitan has received a host of appointees who have tried to hold high the Christian banner.  Although the banner has wavered at times with much difficulty, the church family can still sing with pride, “We’ve come this far by faith – leaning on the Lord”.

·        2010 to Current                                       Rev. Dr. Bobby R. Best

·         1984- 2010                                              Rev. W. Edward Lockett

·         1981-1984                                               Rev. Henry Q. Dickerson

·         1980-1981                                               Rev. R. Theo Cunningham

·         1979-1980                                               Rev. Robert Marshall

·         1978-1979                                               Rev. R. Theo Cunningham

·         1975-1978                                               Dr. Ruben Sheeler

·         1969-1975                                               Dr. R. L. Finney

·         1963-1966                                               Rev. Oran A. Rowe

·         1962-1963                                               Rev. L. D. Jackson

·         1960-1962                                               Rev. E. A. Strong

·         1959-1960                                               Rev. Curtis Brown

·         May 1959- Annual Conference                    Rev. L.P. Gray*

·         1955-1959                                               Rev. L.R. Proctor

·         195 1-1955                                              Rev. Paul Young

·         1951                                                        Rev. Mrs. L. H. Hart*

·         1949-1951                                               Rev. T. H. McCoy

·         1946-1949                                               Rev. A. H. Johnson *

·         1946                                                        Rev. Willie McLemore (did not serve)

·         1945-1946                                               Rev. L. R. Johnson

·         1944-1945                                               Rev. F.W. Haynes

·         1943-1944                                               Rev. H.J. Gillard Rev. Ford

·         Spring 1943-Annual Conference             Rev. L.S. White & Rev. Roberta Veneable*