The history of the Morris Brown A.M.E. Church reaches back to 1881, making it one of the oldest churches in the A.M.E. Connection.  It is named after the second elected and consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and stands as a monument to the countless thousands who have labored there for one hundred thirty-six years.

 

            Morris Brown had its humble beginning in a room over a store at Poplar and Vineyard Streets.  The late Reverend Solomon Hood found it necessary, however, to purchase a more suitable place in which to worship.  The facility selected was located on Ridge and Montgomery Avenues.  This was a little red building sitting back in the yard with a white picket fence around it.

 

            Three different pastors were appointed to shepherd the Morris Brown flock after Reverend Solomon Hood.

 

            In 1921, under the spiritual leadership of Reverend John Harris, a decision was made to find a larger edifice for the still growing Morris Brown congregation.  The congregation was moved from the little red building into a rented hall, also on Montgomery Avenue, as temporary quarters.  The little red building was soon torn down, and construction was begun on a new and larger facility.  The plans were for a two-story building, but because of financial restriction, they had to settle for a one story.  The building still stands today on the Ridge Avenue site, with a cornerstone having been laid in 1921.

 

            Mention must be made of the late Reverend Sterret and W. R. Gullins, both of whom served after Reverend Harris.  Reverend Gullins moved the Morris Brown congregation to 20th and Dauphine Streets, changed its name and withdrew the church from the A.M.E. denomination.  Several years later, however, under the superintendency of Bishop William H. Heard, who had been out of the country when the changing and the withdrawing took place, took the necessary steps to have the church on Ridge Avenue re-open. And the late Reverend Paul P. Gaines was appointed the spiritual leader.

 

Other pastors who served Morris Brown with distinction were Reverends E. L. Kinzer, E.K., Nicholas, W. S. Drummond, H. H. Dixon, S. W. Hilton, G. M. Hall, and M.M. Thornton.

 

            One of the greatest milestones in the Morris Brown Church history occurred on the third Sunday in January, 1953, when during the pastorate of the late Reverend E. J. Cross, the church moved to its present location.  On the heels of this accomplishment, vast contributions were made by the Late Reverends Henry A. Hildebrand (1953-58), J. S. Benns (1958-60) and J. L. Mimms (1960) who passed away that year.

​

Then in May 1960, the late Reverend Kelsey G. Keeys was appointed to Morris Brown.  Under his exceptional leadership, in May of 1966, the church was able to liquidate all indebtedness, and to completely renovate the entire church.  

 

            In 1970, after the passing of Reverend Keeys, the then Reverend Vernon R. Byrd, Sr. was appointed to serve the Morris Brown congregation.  Under his leadership, and powerful preaching the church grew to its largest membership ever.  A new parsonage was purchased at 5301 Woodbine Avenue and paid for.  The church was mortgaged to build an addition to the church, at the cost of $215,000.00, and hosted the 160th session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference.

 

            Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand moved Reverend Byrd to another area of service and sent Reverend John W. P. Collier, Secretary of Mission of the A.M.E. Church, to stand in the gap and lead the congregation until a permanent pastor was appointed.  Reverend Collier led the church in a most outstanding way for twelve weeks.

 

            On Sunday, January 6, 1980, Reverend William Lamar Cody was sent to shepherd the Morris Brown flock. During his eight-year stay, the church became and remained a seven-day a week beehive of activity.

 

            On June 12, 1988, at New York Annual Conference, the Reverend Jessie J. Jackson, was appointed by Bishop Frank C. Cunnings to serve at Morris Brown Church.  Under his administration, the work begun was accelerated and the second mortgage was paid off.

 

            In June of 1995, to guide us into the next millennium, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin appointed the Reverend Vernal E. Simms, Sr. as its pastor.  He believed that the church should make a difference in the community.  Thus, in additional to the traditional pastoral ministry, he instituted many programs in the community, opening the doors of the church for greater outreach, fellowship and service.

 

            May 27, 2001, Bishop Donald G. K. Ming appointed the Reverend Robert C. Wade as pastor.  Reverend Wade’s thrust was that of getting the Morris Brown congregation excited about Kingdom building.  The congregation was very positively responsive and did move forward in that area.                                                        

 

            In June 2003, Bishop L. Grady, was led to send a bright young visionary, Reverend Joseph Cousin, to shepherd the Morris Brown Flock.  His vision was to take Morris Brown to higher heights. His stay was brief; his impact on the church, however, still remains.

 

            In the fall of 2004, Bishop Richard F. Norris appointed Reverend Troy I. Thomas to serve as pastor.  Reverend Thomas and his wife Reverend Maxine L. Thomas came with a different kind of excitement and religious zeal.  The positive impact on the congregation will be long-lasting.

 

            On December 9, 2007, after Rev. Troy Thomas had received another appointment, Bishop Richard F. Norris sent Reverend Earl R. Jefferson to lead the Morris Brown congregation until a permanent pastor was selected.  Reverend Jefferson, his daily dealings with the people, continues to remind us that “a teaching church needs trained leaders,” and that we should work on developing our entrustments from God for His service.  Reverend Jefferson was with us for several months.

 

            On February 8, 2008, Bishop Richard F. Norris appointed Reverend James P. Baker, Jr. to serve as pastor.  Under the leadership and teaching of Pastor Baker, the church embraced a focus of saving souls, strengthening the family, and renewing the community.

 

            On February 23, 2014, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram appointed Reverend Glenn Shepherd to serve as Pastor, Reverend Shepherd is focused on accountability, integrity and transparency in leadership.  He believes that vibrant worship comes from having a bible knowledgeable church body that is on one accord.  He also believes that God can save anyone whose heart is open to the Word and repentance. 

 

            On January 10, 2017, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Glenn Shepherd, Morris Brown AME Church paid off their mortgage.

 

            In June 2017, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram assigned Rev. Roland Clinton McCall to Morris Brown. Rev. Roland & Mrs. Rhonda McCall served as our Pastor and First Lady for six months. During this short assignment Rev. McCall preached every Sunday with Power.
 

            In February 2018, the Rev. Dr. J. Stanley Justice was appointed our Pastor.  Pastor Justice and his wife, Darlene led our congregation to higher heights. Pastor Justice had a desire to inspire our congregation to launch out ‘into the deep’ with their individual gifts and graces for the purpose of kingdom building.

 

            On June 18, 2022, Pastor Bryan S. McAllister was appointed to Morris Brown AME Church at the close of the 1st District Planning Meeting by Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr.. Since their arrival, our co-pastors have led our church into powerful growth that has been rooted in biblical teaching, outreach, and justice. They have helped us to focus on meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of our community;  from worship to food, education, mental health resources and empowerment.