Welcome to CN Jenkins online! - C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church

Welcome to CN Jenkins online!

"One of the fastest growing African American congregations in the Presbyterian Church USA!"

Please visit us at:
1421 Statesville Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28206

Sunday Services: 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 am

Office Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Phone: (704) 332-9137

Fax: (704) 332-3242

E-mail: admin@cnjenkins.org

Our Mission: Recruit, Respond, Revive, & Rejoice

RECRUIT – Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” This area includes the Ministry of Evangelism and church growth.

RESPOND – Matthew 25: 36

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” This area is directed to the Mission of the church and the Ministry of Compassion. Focus areas include benevolence and outreach.

REVIVE – Ezekiel 37:14

(Valley of the Dry Bones)

“I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land.” Nurture and spiritual development are the focus areas. Emphasis is placed upon renewal and energizing both new and older members.

REJOICE – Psalm 150:6

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Ministry focus is on Worship and Praise, Training and development includes music, prayer, testimonials, and cultural affirmation.

Our Pastoral History

During its long and illustrious history, our church has thrived under the leadership of seven dynamic and innovative ministers, including:

• Dr. Charles Newton Jenkins, founder and builder, 1898-1926.

• Reverend Otto E. Saunders, during whose tenure the church was remodeled and new pews and a furnace were installed, 1926-1935.

• Dr. Albert P. Corley, who instituted the printing of a weekly bulletin, brought in the new curriculum of Sunday School literature, and delivered a special sermon to the children every Sunday. Under his administration, the Men’s Council was organized. In 1952, the church was renovated and an education building constructed. On July 31, 1952, five months before the new structure was completed, Dr. Corley died.

• Reverend Samuel J. McLean was installed on February 7, 1954. Under his spiritual guidance, Mr. Evangeline McLean organized the weekly religious classes for the junior age children with Mrs. A. P. Corley as director. Mrs. Corley brought recognition to the church when she organized a small children’s choir that appeared on the WBT-TV program, “Five O’Clock Sharp,” in 1955. Reverend McLean resigned as pastor in December 1963.

• Reverend Earl E. Newberry was installed in August of 1967. Under his dynamic leadership, a tremendous increase in membership was noted, a tutoring program for children was developed, a daycare center was established and a gospel choir was organized under the direction of Mrs. Geraldine Brandon. Reverend Newberry took the initial step and made contact with the Redevelopment Committee concerning Brandon Presbyterian Church and the Greenville Community. Reverend Newberry served until 1975.

• Reverend Thomas A. Jenkins, interim pastor from 1975-1977.

• Reverend George C. Goodman was installed August 1, 1977 and served until June 1990. He was the first full time pastor of C. N. Jenkins Memorial United Presbyterian Church. His inspired leadership was demonstrated through the outpouring of spiritual growth manifested throughout the congregation by a tremendous increase in membership. He initiated the first newsletter, the Acolyte Ministry, and additional projects to help pay off the mortgage on July 17, 1985 – just eight years after the initial payment. A Mortgage Burning Celebration was held a year later on March 2, 1986. During the Anniversary Celebration, a capsule was buried on the Church grounds near the Church bell holding a copy of the burned mortgage, a copy of the final check in the amount of $34,533.54, and artifacts from children and adults of the congregation. The capsule was raised on May 21, 2000.

Our Present Ministry

In September 1992, Reverend Jerry L. Cannon was installed as pastor of C. N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian. As a church who focused upon its ministries and mission, it continued this quest. Under the guidance of Rev. Cannon, emphasis has been placed upon worship, leadership development, and community outreach. In order to meet the spiritual needs of each child and adult in the church, various ministries have been implemented, adding to the numerous activities which were already in place upon Rev. Cannon’s arrival.

The church provides opportunities for engagement in a variety of ministries. They are designed for adults, teens, and younger children. The Christian Education Department has traditionally offered many ministerial options for youth and children. During the tenure of Rev. Cannon, new programs for children have been implemented including JAM (Jesus and Me), Children’s Church, Cheerleaders, and the Dance Ministry.

Adult ministries offer members opportunities which enable them to enhance their personal walk of faith.

Numerous training programs, such as the Lay Ministry Training Program, are provided for both new and experienced members for the purpose of nurturing and uplifting the spirit and mind. Church Policy classes are now taught prior to the installation of new officers. Bible Study is offered during the day and night. A traditional ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) includes the Presbyterian Women. Many men in the church are members of the Men’s Council. These groups serve as missionary outlets for adult members. They sponsor a variety of programs, including Hospice support by the Presbyterian Women and an annual community fellowship meal by the Men’s Council.

C. N. Jenkins believes that it must minister to those persons inside and outside of its physical structure. Such activities include a partnership with the Women’s Shelter of the Salvation Army, Rebound Christian Center, Hope Haven, AA and NA. It is also a host and sponsor of an AARP Chapter.

Worship continues to be the center of congregational life, focusing upon prayer, praise, music and preaching. The ministry currently offers two worship services in an increased attempt to meet the needs and demands of a growing congregation. The motto of the church, “Actively Walking and Working In Christ,” provides direction and focus for mission and ministry. Weddings, baptism, revivals and community programs continue to produce new life in our church. The church strives to be spirit-led in all of its endeavors and Christ-centered in the fulfillment of the charges which Jesus has given this body. By God’s grace and ever-increasing faith of its members, the future of C. N. Jenkins will continue to shine as brightly as it has in its past, thereby continuously ensuring the future of this worshiping community.