News Summary
The Allen Temple AME Church in Greenville commemorated its 150th anniversary, reflecting on its rich history and contributions to the community. Established during the Reconstruction Era with just 13 members, the church has transformed into a beacon of support and advocacy for social initiatives, including affordable housing and civil rights. As it embarks on new developments, the church emphasizes its ongoing commitment to serve and uplift the community.
Greenville – The Allen Temple AME Church marked a significant milestone on Sunday, celebrating its 150th anniversary as a vital part of the community. Established during the Reconstruction Era, the church began with a congregation of just 13 members and has since grown into an influential institution in the Upstate region of South Carolina.
Originally, services were held in rented blacksmith shops, but the church has evolved over the years to become a mainstay in Greenville. The current pastor, Rev. William Miller, emphasized the core values of love and community that have underpinned the church’s long-standing presence.
Beyond its role as a place of worship, Allen Temple has been instrumental in various social initiatives. The church has served as a gathering point for leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for justice and equality. It also holds the distinction of being the first Black church in Greenville to establish childcare programs, which provided essential support for working parents. In addition, the church operates a soup kitchen ministry, continuously offering meals to local families in need.
The church’s property is involved in an ambitious development project known as Markley + Main. This project, which broke ground on June 10, 2021, will feature two mixed-use buildings that incorporate residential units within the Allen Temple Campus. The development will consist of 277 residential units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, all equipped with modern amenities such as quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The project plans to provide several community facilities, including a pool, clubroom, rooftop lounge, EV charging stations, and retail spaces, with an expected move-in date for tenants set for summer 2027.
In conjunction with these developments, the Allen Temple AME Church has supported affordable housing initiatives, having contributed nearly 80 homes to underprivileged neighborhoods through its Community Economic Development Corporation. The Greenville Housing Fund was initiated to bolster affordable housing efforts, starting with an initial funding of $2 million, which was later increased by $1.5 million. There has been a growing community focus on affordable housing discussions, with a collective acknowledgment that all housing can be classified as subsidized.
Despite these advancements, community members have expressed concerns regarding how new developments may affect the church’s capacity to provide essential services. Allen Temple AME Church remains a hub for various community engagements, serving as a venue for political events and local polling.
The rich history and ongoing contributions of the Allen Temple AME Church reflect its enduring significance in the Greenville community. As it embarks on its next chapter with new developments, the church continues to prioritize its commitment to serving the community while fostering love, support, and growth among its members.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Church Celebrates 150 Years of Faith and Community
- Greenville Online: Augusta Heights Baptist Church and Affordable Housing
- Greenville Journal: Churches – The Heartbeat of African American Communities
- Post and Courier: Greenville West End Apartment Project
- WYFF4: $70 Million Housing Retail Project in Downtown Greenville
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Greenville South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Church
- Google Scholar: Civil Rights Movement
- Google News: Greenville Community Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
