Title
To honor and recognize the 105th Anniversary of First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Body
WHEREAS, organized in 1913, Reverend Andrew J Wilson established Caldwell Temple in the City of Columbus as a mission and held its first service with four members; and
WHEREAS, by 1937, the congregation of Caldwell Temple had outgrown the churches location on Parsons and McAllister and moved to E. Long St. It was at the Long Street location under the powerful gospel preaching and pastoral care of Rev. Fuller that the inspiring early morning Christmas worship service, “Singing From the Sky” was born and drew standing room only crowds from all over Central Ohio ; and
WHEREAS, in 1964, the Rev. John T. Frazer took over the leadership of Caldwell Temple. The church took on a new dimension of leadership as it became the center for civil rights and social change. Caldwell Temple became a rallying point for the struggle for racial justice. and
WHEREAS, in 1968 Rev. Frazer led the congregation in the purchase of the present church 873 Bryden Road. As part of the purchase agreement made with First United Methodist Church it was agreed that the word “First” must always remain as part of the church name. Thus, Caldwell Temple, was changed to First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; and
WHEREAS, the AME Zion Church is known as the Freedom Church and throughout the 105 years, First AME Zion Church has worked in various ways to empower the members. The church motto is “It is our outreach that validates our up reach”; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That we honor and recognize First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church 105th Anniversary.