A Black Charleston church born during the Civil War celebrates 160 years

Simpson Memorial UMC’s fall celebration will feature faith, history and two-time James Beard Award winner Adrian Miller

By Traci Phillips, BBG

A Charleston church whose history reaches back to the Civil War is celebrating 160 years of Black faith, fellowship and service.

Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church will mark the milestone with a series of fall events, including a special anniversary weekend featuring Adrian Miller, a two-time James Beard Award-winning author and culinary historian.

Simpson Memorial traces its beginning to 1865, when members worshipped in the basement of the former Asbury Methodist Church, now Christ Church United Methodist. Those services were led by white ministers before Simpson received its first minister from the Black Washington Conference in 1866.

Today, Simpson is affectionately known as “The Friendly Church” and remains an important part of Charleston’s Black religious and cultural history.

“Simpson Memorial is 160 years strong,” said Pastor Carl “Bo” Terrell Sr. “By the grace of God, we are still standing tall, still standing strong and still standing faithful in a world full of Goliaths.”

The anniversary theme, “Looking Forward With Hope,” calls the congregation to learn from its past while moving toward the future with gratitude, faith, hope and love.

Food, fellowship and Black history will come together during the church’s main anniversary weekend. Miller will prepare the reservation-only anniversary dinner Oct. 17 and return Oct. 18 for a special presentation.

Miller’s books explore the often-overlooked contributions of Black cooks to American history. His James Beard Award-winning works include Soul Food and Black Smoke. He also served as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton through the Initiative for One America.

Simpson Memorial’s anniversary calendar includes:

• Sunday, Sept. 13 — Women’s Day at 10 a.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 11 — Everybody’s Birthday Luncheon
• Saturday, Oct. 17 — 160th Anniversary Dinner prepared by Adrian Miller at 5 p.m. Reservations are required.
• Sunday, Oct. 18 — Baptismal Renewal Service at 10 a.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18 — Anniversary presentation by Adrian Miller at 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 8 — United Methodist Men’s Day at 10 a.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 29 — Honoring Our Elders in the Faith at 10 a.m.

Simpson Memorial is located at 607 Shrewsbury Street in Charleston. For information or dinner reservations, contact Pastor Terrell at 304-993-6868 or pierrelebo@msn.com.