Carter Memorial Church of Baltimore
The church with the city in it's heart
The Church with the
city in it's heart
Carter Memorial Church of Baltimore stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and community service, rooted in a legacy that began nearly a century ago. Founded in 1926 by Elder James Roosevelt Carter and his wife, Catherine, the church was born out of a fervent desire to share the Gospel and serve the Baltimore community. From humble beginnings as a street-corner ministry, Carter Memorial has grown into a thriving congregation, known for its commitment to spiritual excellence, community outreach, and transformational ministry.
Our Mission: Carter Memorial Church is a motivating ministry designed to advance the Kingdom of God. We are committed to worshiping God in spirit and truth; exemplifying Christ in our walk; living the abundant life; and loving our neighbors as ourselves. We endeavor to equip believers for service to mankind by evangelizing the lost, teaching the way of Holiness and ministering healing and hope to people in despair. We are committed to excellence in ministry.
What Sets Us Apart? Carter Memorial Church is more than a place of worship. We are a community dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, cultural enrichment, and social justice. Our church is known for:
- Dynamic worship experiences that inspire and uplift.
- Outreach initiatives that address the needs of the Baltimore community, including food distribution, youth mentorship, and senior services.
- A rich legacy of leadership and innovation in ministry.
Progress Through Time
Progress Through Time
The Foundation
Elder James Roosevelt Carter and his wife, Catherine, moved from Chester, Pennsylvania, to Baltimore, Maryland, where they began their ministry by holding services on street corners and enduring numerous hardships.
The Early Years
In 1940, the church established its first permanent location at 1006 W. Lexington Street under the name Church Of God In Christ #7. Over the years, the ministry expanded, adopting the name Garden of Prayer Church Of God In Christ in 1955 and moving to a larger location at 745 West Fayette Street in 1956, where it became known as Carter's Temple Church Of God In Christ.
Growth Under Leadership
After the passing of Elder James Roosevelt Carter in 1973, Elder James Norris, a son of the church, was designated pastor of Carter’s Temple Church. His tenure as spiritual leader was brief and noteworthy. During his pastorate and the months following his departure, Mother Catherine Carter acted as church administrator. In 1976, Elder Frank James Ellis was appointed pastor by the late Theodore R. Young, Jurisdictional Prelate of Maryland. Under Elder Ellis’ leadership, the church experienced significant growth and was renamed Carter Memorial Church Of God In Christ in 1977 to honor its founder. During his tenure as pastor of Carter Memorial Church, Elder Frank Ellis was elevated to the office of Prelate of the West Virginia Jurisdiction and Chairman of the General Assembly of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. These elevations rendered national exposure to the local church. The impact of Bishop Ellis’ ministry was marked by a strong dedication to spiritual and structural development for both the local and national church.
A new era
In 2000, following the passing of Bishop Ellis, Elder Carl A. Pierce Sr. was appointed pastor. A visionary leader, Bishop Pierce has guided Carter Memorial Church into a new era of growth and influence. In 2011, under his leadership, the church acquired its current campus—the historic St. Peter’s The Apostle Catholic Church—to accommodate its expanding ministry. On December 29, 2013, the congregation officially moved into its new home at 13 South Poppleton Street.
Current Leadership
Bishop Pierce, who also serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, continues to lead the church with an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through faith. His tenure has been marked by strategic growth, community partnerships, and impactful ministry programs.
The Foundation
Elder James Roosevelt Carter and his wife, Catherine, moved from Chester, Pennsylvania, to Baltimore, Maryland, where they began their ministry by holding services on street corners and enduring numerous hardships.
The Early Years
In 1940, the church established its first permanent location at 1006 W. Lexington Street under the name Church Of God In Christ #7. Over the years, the ministry expanded, adopting the name Garden of Prayer Church Of God In Christ in 1955 and moving to a larger location at 745 West Fayette Street in 1956, where it became known as Carter's Temple Church Of God In Christ.
Growth Under Leadership
After the passing of Elder James Roosevelt Carter in 1973, Elder James Norris, a son of the church, was designated pastor of Carter’s Temple Church. His tenure as spiritual leader was brief and noteworthy. During his pastorate and the months following his departure, Mother Catherine Carter acted as church administrator. In 1976, Elder Frank James Ellis was appointed pastor by the late Theodore R. Young, Jurisdictional Prelate of Maryland. Under Elder Ellis’ leadership, the church experienced significant growth and was renamed Carter Memorial Church Of God In Christ in 1977 to honor its founder. During his tenure as pastor of Carter Memorial Church, Elder Frank Ellis was elevated to the office of Prelate of the West Virginia Jurisdiction and Chairman of the General Assembly of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. These elevations rendered national exposure to the local church. The impact of Bishop Ellis’ ministry was marked by a strong dedication to spiritual and structural development for both the local and national church.
A new era
In 2000, following the passing of Bishop Ellis, Elder Carl A. Pierce Sr. was appointed pastor. A visionary leader, Bishop Pierce has guided Carter Memorial Church into a new era of growth and influence. In 2011, under his leadership, the church acquired its current campus—the historic St. Peter’s The Apostle Catholic Church—to accommodate its expanding ministry. On December 29, 2013, the congregation officially moved into its new home at 13 South Poppleton Street.
Current Leadership
Bishop Pierce, who also serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, continues to lead the church with an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through faith. His tenure has been marked by strategic growth, community partnerships, and impactful ministry programs.