Since 1966
On December 12, 1966, in the home of Rev. Willie D. and Mary Copeland at 2441 Arsenal Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, Womack Memorial C.M.E. Church was founded. These are the milestones of a “Church on the move.”
Womack Memorial C.M.E. Church was founded in the home of Rev. Willie D. and Mary Copeland, 2441 Arsenal Avenue, Indianapolis. With the consent of Presiding Elder Cornell Thomas and Bishop Bertram Doyle, Presiding Elder Thomas organized what was then the Northeastside C.M.E. Mission.
The late Mrs. Edna Witt suggested that the church be named in memory of the late Bishop A.W. Womack, who had pastored Phillips Temple. Bishop Doyle was pleased to memorialize a church for his friend. Bro. Leroy Cheeks and Bro. Grady Bolton were the first two members; other pioneers included Brothers Arvin Strickland and Winifred Taylor, Bro. & Sis. Johnny Dorsey, and Sisters Della Northington and Mary Copeland.
The Mission moved from the Copeland home to Rev. Copeland’s Barber Shop at 954 E. 30th Street, worshipping rent free until enough money was saved to lease the facilities at 3106 Martindale Avenue.
Rev. Copeland secured a building site at 34th and Dearborn Avenue through contributions from Dr. Breeding, Secretary of the Board of Missions, Bishop Doyle and Womack’s savings. Plans were drawn up by Snyder & Blackburn Associates and Sis. Bertha Womack, widow of Bishop Womack, presented a check for two thousand dollars. The edifice never materialized — but God had another plan.
At the instruction of Bishop E.P. Murchison, Rev. Copeland found a church that could be bought. Bishop Murchison, Elder Reed, Rev. H.L. Burton and Rev. Copeland inspected the premises at 4401 Carrollton Avenue, and negotiations began in July 1971. With the guidance of Bishop Murchison, Elder Reed and Attorney Murray, the purchase was closed.
After Rev. Copeland became ill in July 1984, Rev. Roderick Thompson and family came to Womack. The church grew as 60 new members were added during his watch.
Rev. Henry L. Peterson, Sr. and family were assigned to Womack by the Conference.
Through Rev. Peterson’s guidance:
In our own words
On December 12, 1966 in the home of Rev. Willie D. and Mary Copeland, 2441 Arsenal Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana Womack Memorial C.M.E. Church was founded.
After several discussions with then Presiding Elder Cornell Thomas and Bishop Bertram Doyle consent was given to establish a Mission on Indianapolis’s northeast side of town. Presiding Elder Thomas organized what was then the Northeastside C.M.E. Mission.
The late Mrs. Edna Witt suggested that the church be named in memory of the late Bishop A.W. Womack, who had pastored Phillips Temple of which she had been a member. Rev. Copeland consulted with Bishop Doyle who was pleased to memorialize a church for his friend. Womack grew and became a “Church on the move”. Bro. Leroy Cheeks and Bro. Grady Bolton were the first two members. Others who pioneered this congregation were: Brothers Arvin Strickland, Winifred Taylor, Bro. & Sis. Johnny Dorsey, Sisters Della Northington and Mary Copeland. With Jesus Christ as the foundation and the dedication of these members, the church grew.
Rev. Copeland, being a man of great faith and conviction along with his drive and foresight, moved the church forward. The Mission moved from his home to his Barber Shop at 954 E. 30th Street, worshipping rent free until enough money was saved to lease the facilities at 3106 Martindale Avenue.
Having a desire to build, Rev. Copeland found a site at 34th and Dearborn Avenue. Through contributions from Dr. Breeding, Secretary of the Board of Missions, Bishop Doyle and Womack’s savings, the site was secured. Plans were drawn up by Snyder & Blackburn Associates and a check for two thousand dollars was presented by Sis. Bertha Womack, widow of the late Bishop Womack. However, the edifice never materialized.
God, in His divine providence, sent to the Second Episcopal District, from the Fifth Episcopal District, Bishop E.P. Murchison who instructed Elder Reed to inform Rev. Copeland to look for a suitable place of worship. Rev. Copeland found a church and after confirming it could be bought, reported to the Presiding Elder Reed. That evening Bishop Murchison, Elder Reed, Rev. H.L. Burton and Rev. Copeland inspected the premises at 4401 Carrollton Avenue. Negotiations began in July, 1971 for the purchase of this property and with the guidance, direction and instruction of Bishop Murchison, Elder Reed and Attorney Murray the purchase was closed.
In July of 1984, Rev Copeland became ill and could no longer fulfill his duties as the Pastor. In August of 1984, Rev. Roderick Thompson and family came to Womack. The church grew in size as 60 new members were added during his watch. Rev. Thompson served in this capacity until April 1985 when Rev. Henry L. Peterson, Sr. and family were assigned by the Conference.
Under Rev. Peterson’s leadership Womack Memorial continues to be a “Church on the move”. The Church serves as a beacon of light in the community and world.
Through faith we are excited about our future and what the Lord has in store for us. We are confident that with God’s blessings Womack Memorial will continue to be a “Church on the move”.
