CLAIR UMC
Omaha, Nebraska
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Pastor of
Clair Methodist
1987 to 1991
Building on the strengths of the past and continuing in the leadership tradition of those who preceded him, Dr. Everett Reynolds, Sr. came to Clair in 1987 from the LaSalle United Methodist Church in St. Louis MO. His personal ‘signature’ was planning and implementation through total church involvement.
He launched the Pastor’s Cabinet, the Twenty Plus Club, the Solace Committee and the Ambassadors and Visitors Club, church groups some of which continue to exist. Dr. Reynolds retired in 1991 after serving as Clair’s leader for four years.
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Pastor of
Clair Methodist
1941 to 1948
Rev. C.C. Reynolds served Clair a longer term, 7 years, longer than any of the previous eleven leaders. Rev. C. C. Reynolds was able to accomplish many goals during that period. The membership grew. Church organizations became more viable.
The church paid off the $9000 debt owed to the Board of Extension and purchased another parsonage at 2028 Miami. Rev. Reynolds’ musical background was a significant factor in building a choir that was recognized as one of the best in the city. In addition to leading the religious life of the church, Rev. Reynolds served as a member of the Council of Churches, the Inter-Denominational Ministerial Alliance, Methodist City Union and hosted radio programs for KOAD and KFAB.
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CENTENNIAL UMC
Kansas City, Missouri
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Pastor of
Centennial UMC
1982 to 1985
In June 1982 Rev. Everett S. Reynolds, Sr. (1982-1985), was appointed pastor of Centennial. He was the third member of the Reynolds family to pastor this church. He had been preceded by his grandfather, Rev. A.L. Reynolds, Sr.(1931-1938), and his father, Rev. C. Crosby Reynolds, Sr. (1956-1961).
As many African-Americans moved into areas of the city that had previously been denied them and as shopping malls with free parking were constructed in southern and eastern parts of the city, businesses that were formerly located in the 18th Street District also had left the area for lack of patronage, the dynamics of the earlier community were completely changed. Except for the Parade Park housing area, the earlier bustling community almost became a ghost town. It was at this time that members debated the issue of whether the church should leave the area or stay. The final decision was to remain at its present location. Rev. Everett Reynolds served only until 1985.
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Pastor of
Centennial UMC
1956 to 1961
During the 1950s and 1960s, as many black Americans of the inner city migrated south and east into areas formerly occupied by white people, The General Board of Evangelism made the determination that there was need of another Methodist Church to serve this new community. As a result it was recommended by The Board that the property known as the Cleveland Avenue Methodist Church located at 26th and Cleveland be purchased and work begin toward starting a new congregation to serve the people of that area. Several Centennial members, at the Bishop’s request, agreed to become part of a nucleus to get the membership started. Rev. H. L. Overton (1953 -1956) was pastor of Centennial at the time.
That church is now known as the St. James United Methodist Church located at 56th and Paseo Kansas City, MO. In spite of the loss of some of its members, the preaching and singing of Rev. C. Crosby Reynolds, Sr. (1956-1961) gave life and spirit to the congregation and during his administration 225 new members and 42 children and infants were baptized.
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Pastor of
Centennial UMC
1931 to 1938
At the Annual Conference held at the St. Luke Methodist Church, St. Joseph. MO, Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. appointed Rev. A. L. Reynolds, Sr. (1931-1938) as pastor of Centennial where youth work in the Epworth League flourished. Youth work and ministry in theUnited States traces its origin to the Christian Endeavor Movement that began in 1881 using the Sunday School idea and adapting it to adolescents.
Following the Christian Endeavor design, the Methodist Episcopal Church began to develop its own youth program the Epworth League. The 1930s saw considerable growth in the Epworth League at Centennial as well as in other Methodist churches. The highlights of the devotional life of the League at Centennial were the 6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service Retreats held in Swope Park during the summer months of the year. The programs consisted of prayer, reading of scripture, music by guest soloists and the League Choral Club and a guest speaker. At the end of the program each worshipper surrounded by the wonder of nature and the stillness of the early morning could in solitude, commune with God.
Following the meditation a delicious breakfast prepared by the counselors was served. So moving were these services that three members of the League chose further Christian training for their life’s work. Others who were a part of the Epworth League grew spiritually and, with few exceptions, came to know God for themselves and went into the membership of the church. Rev. Reynolds served Centennial faithfully for seven years.
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