Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in May 1946 in the home of Mrs. Ora Jamerson. Prior to the assignment of Reverend Louis Johnson in May 1946, a very small group of Colored Methodist Episcopal Church members, who came to California from various parts of the United States during World War II., were meeting in Sacramento. They communicated their desires for a church home and for assistance to the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. As a result the College of Bishops directed the Department of Kingdom Extension and its representatives to meet with these CME members and report back to them. The meeting took place in Sacramento in 1946 between Reverend Luther C. Stewart, representing the General Church and Mr. Johnny Clark, Mr. Ralston Garrett, Mr. Bennie Watson and Presiding Elder J. W. Bircher. The church was organized with twelve members, seven adults and five children in May 1946. Those organizing charter adult members were: Mr. Johnny Clark, Mrs. Mary Clark, Mr. Ralston Garrett, Mrs. Savannah Garrett, Mrs. Ora Jamerson, Mr. Bennie Watson and Mrs. Jessie Watson. The children were Sammie Clark, Betty Jamerson, Louise Jamerson, Norma Jean Watson and Helen Watson.
In September 1947, Reverend T. A. Sears was assigned to Bircher Temple. Reverend T. A. Sears performed the first formal wedding at Bircher Temple on November 2, 1947 for Reatha Watson and Tommy Ross.
Reverend S. J. Tollette was assigned to Bircher Temple, September 13, 1948. He served until the last Sunday in April 1949, and was succeeded by Reverend E. C. Washington, who served until September 1950.
Reverend J. W. Bircher served from September 1950 to September 1951. Reverend Silas Anderson came to Bircher Temple in September 1951 and served four years.
Reverend E. C. Washington was reassigned to Bircher Temple and served until 1959. It was under his leadership the new site was purchased at the corner of 29th Avenue and 28th Street on August 19, 1955, and a multipurpose building was constructed at 2821 – 29th Avenue to serve as a temporary Sanctuary,
Reverend Jonah Parker was assigned to Bircher Temple in September 1959 and served until September 1965. Under his leadership, the church paid off the indebtedness on the 29th Avenue property.
Reverend Henry H. Collins, Jr., was assigned to Bircher Temple in August 1965. Under his leadership the parsonage was repainted, a cooling system was installed at 2821 – 29th Avenue Property. Construction for the present Sanctuary at 2801 – 29th Avenue began in June 1971. The name of the church was changed from Bircher Temple CME Church to Century Chapel CME Church on August 19, 1971. Reverend Henry H. Collins passed in September 1972, and Reverend V. J. Edner was sent to finish the conference year until September 1973.
Reverend John C. O’Neil was assigned to Century Chapel in September 1973. Reverend John C. O’Neil passed away in June 1974, and Reverend Herman C. Riley, the Presiding Elder finished the conference year until September 1974.
Reverend Hugh James Thornton was assigned to Century Chapel from 1974 through 1980. Under Reverend Thornton’s leadership the mortgage on the 2801 – 29th Avenue property was burned.
Reverend Dan Profit was assigned as Pastor from 1980 through 1985.
Reverend V. J. Edner returned as our Pastor for a second time 1985 through 1988.
Reverend Lee A. Irving was assigned from 1988 through 1992.
Reverend Glentis Turner was assigned from 1992 through 1993.
Reverend Cornelius V. Taylor, Jr., was assigned as Pastor in August 1993 through August 2000.
Reverend Dr. Robert L. Peoples was assigned as Pastor in August 2000 through August 2002.
Century Chapel’s first female Pastor, Reverend Regina Reese-Young was assigned on August 2002 through 2005.
Reverend Winfred T. Warren was assigned to Century Chapel in August 2005 through August 2006.
Reverend Dr. Harry L. Redds, Sr., was assigned the Pastor of Century Chapel in August 2006 through August 2010.
Reverend Reginald D. Walton was assigned as the Pastor of Century Chapel in August 2010 through August 2012.
Reverend Joseph Gardner was assigned as the Pastor of Century Chapel in August 2012 through October 2012.
Reverend Nicholas L. Betts was assigned as the Pastor of Century Chapel in October 2012 through August 2015.
Reverend Willie L. McDaniel was assigned as the Pastor of Century Chapel in August 2015 through August 2019.
Reverend Elgena Weaver was assigned as the Pastor of Century Chapel in August 2019 through August 2022.
Reverend Brenda G. Sharp, MDiv was assigned August 2022 and is the current Pastor of Century Chapel Church.
