On October 12, 1919, Reverend J. V. Gums, Reverend J. Morris and a small group of dedicated Christians established an A.M.E. church at 78 Lenox Street in Roxbury.  During this time, worship services were also held at the Shawmut Congregational Church located at Tremont and Brookline Streets. 

In 1920, under the pastorate of the Reverend J. Myrick, who served for two years, a church building was purchased at 133 Vernon Street and incorporated as Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church.  For the next 20 years, Grant Church continued to strive to make its mark within the Boston community under the leadership of many dedicated and qualified pastors.

In 1949, the Reverend L. W. Crumlin was assigned as pastor of Grant Church.  He served admirably as the pastor for three and a half years.  Under his leadership, the church burned its first mortgage.  During the 1950’s, there were problems as well as progress.  The first church parsonage was purchased at 250 Cabot Street in Roxbury under the pastorate of the Reverend John Lee.  A new parsonage was purchased at 4 Fountain Street in Roxbury under Reverend A. McNeil White’s administration.

On November 2, 1952 a new place of worship (present site) was purchased under the pastorate of the Reverend Vernon E. Carter – his slogan was “Buy a Better Grant.”  At this time and following, there were days of unrest within the Grant family; however, with faith in God, determination and steadfastness, the congregation withstood the struggles.  It was in March 1953 that Bishop D. Ward Nichols appointed the Reverend L. S. McNeil to serve as the new pastor.  He remained until 1956 inspiring the church to move on in Christian faith.  From 1956-1958, the Reverend Jesse Owens served as the pastor and he did so with great distinction.

In June 1959, Bishop Baber appointed the late Reverend Robert L. Pruitt (he later became Bishop Pruitt) as pastor.  Under his divine leadership and dynamic preaching, the congregation experienced a spiritual revival.  The church membership increased dramatically, financial obligations were met and the vision to erect Grant Manor, a low-income housing development was set in motion.

The Reverend O. E. Smith was assigned as the pastor in 1965 – his tenure was short lived.  In June 1966, the Reverend William L. Cody became the pastor.  Shortly after his arrival, the church was damaged by fire.  As a result, a new mortgage was obtained and the sanctuary was renovated.  Under Reverend Cody’s leadership, a new parsonage was purchased at 77 Mountain Avenue in Dorchester and the vision of Grant Manor apartments came to fruition.  In 1970, Grant was blessed to host the 119th Session of the New England Annual Conference.

In 1972, Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand appointed the Reverend Joseph Robinson as pastor.  Under his leadership, the membership increased and extensive renovations were done on the church and the parsonage in Dorchester.  In 1978, Grant Church served as host of the 127th Session of the New England Annual Conference.  The Reverend William Smith served as pastor for a short time; during his short stay, the membership was blessed with his preaching and outstanding pastoral ability.

The Reverend Leodis Strong became the pastor of Grant Church in December 1978.  Under his leadership, many changes were made to enhance the spiritual life of the church.  A new piano was purchased, the lower offices of the church were refurbished and a church van was purchased.

In October 1982, Bishop Hildebrand appointed Reverend Roland C. McCall as the pastor.  With him came a great renewal in the spirit of the church and a practical movement toward its improvement and social outreach.  The church made great strides under his leadership.  Extensive renovations have been done to the exterior and interior of the church – the church was brick faced, new pews purchased and the pulpit furniture was refurbished, carpeted the sanctuary, purchased iron gates for three church entrances and installed new concrete/tile floor in the fellowship hall.  Financial obligations and extensive indebtedness was alleviated.  Under the inspiration of Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings, a self-help food program was organized.  The church van was paid off, the old parsonage at 77 Mountain Avenue in Dorchester was sold and a new one was purchased at 9 Howe Circle in Randolph.  A new church van was also purchased, and the lower offices of the church were once again refurbished and all office equipment was updated.

Grant was honored to serve as host of the 137th and the 146th Sessions of the New England Annual Conference under Reverend McCall’s pastorate.  The Lord has blessed Pastor McCall to serve Grant Church over 20 years.  His dynamic leadership and preaching ability have taken Grant to the next level – there has been a spiritual resurgence, the membership is grown dramatically and additional ministries have been added including an after school program, math tutorial program, singles ministry, children, young adult and adult praise dancers, young adult steppers, a women’s fellowship and a men’s fellowship.

To enhance his ministry, Pastor McCall is blessed with the services of his wife, Mrs. Rhonda J. McCall, who is dedicated to the work of missions.  Pastor McCall uses as his motto to the membership, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

For over 84 years, Grant A.M.E. Church has followed under the leadership of many great pastors.  She has been a beacon of light throughout the Boston and African Methodist communities.  With faith and trust in God, that light will continue to shine, even now as she prepares to serves as the host of the 155th Session of the New England Annual Conference in April 2006.

Pastors of Grant A. M. E. Church – 1919 – 2006

 
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