East Trinity UMC | Jackson, TN

Any history of East Trinity United Methodist Church must of necessity contain the history of the two Churches which merged to form this present congregation. These Churches were Trinity United Methodist Church and East Jackson United Methodist Church.
TRINITY CHURCH
In the winter of 1888 and 1089, while Mrs. Julia Woolard ministered to the poor and needy in southeast Jackson, she realized a need for a Sabbath school in that locality for the training of children who did not attend study or worship at the larger churches in town. She envisioned a mission Sunday school and sought the help of her friend, Rev. T. F. Saunders, who was at that time the Memphis Conference missionary to the colored people at Lane College. After prayerful consideration Dr. Saunders suggested holding prayer meetings in the community. The first prayer meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Bethsheres on Short Street. Each week the prayer meetings were held in a different home. In the meantime a search was being made for a place to hold a Sunday school. Finally Mrs. Carrie Nix offered the kitchen of her home at Mobile Avenue and Madison Street. It was gladly accepted, and the next Sunday a Sunday school was organized by Mrs. Woolard and Dr. Saunders, with a number of other consecrated men and women, with the following officers being elected: Rev. T. F. Saunders, Supt.; Mrs. Julia Woolard, Assist. Supt.; Hrs. Hudson, Secretary/Treasurer; and Mrs. Charles Hawks, Librarian
Attendance increased rapidly and soon, the classes grew so large that they were forced to meet in the yard. A search soon began for a larger building. A Mr. Wyatt A. Taylor offered a little new house he was building on Middle Avenue if it was large enough, saying that it could be used without cost until1 he needed it. Before he showed it to Mrs. Woolard, he had secretly gotten it ready for the Sunday school. Mr. Samuel Byers had held a light while Mr. Billie Amos had made the benches at night with loving hearts and willing hands. The Sabbath School was held in the afternoon, and members of other churches attended. Weekly prayer meetings continued to be held. A revival was held there in 1890 by Dr. Saunders, and a Church was organized. The first member to be received was Miss Dora Tacker (later Mrs. T. L. Maroney), and she was also the first to be married in the new church on Middle Avenue. Mrs. Woolard continued her ministries to the people of the neighborhood, assisted by Mrs. Mary Wilde, who was one of the Church's strongest supporters throughout the remainder of her life.
The next fall the Church was accepted into the Methodist Conference and Rev, Pritchett took charge of preaching there twice a month. Prayer meetings continued to be held on Sunday nights when there was no preaching and also on Thursday nights. Soon the little chapel became too small for the congregation. Mrs. Woolard and her band of helpers each gave $10.00 and bought a nice lot on the corner of Middle Avenue and first St. There this same band of dedicated Christians built a church on the lot. People of all denominations helped with their prayers and their substance to support the Middle Avenue Church. The first services in the new church were held in August, 1893, by Presiding Elder J. H. Evans. In the fall of that year Dr. Saunders held a revival and many new members were added.
In November, 1893, the Conference made the Church a Station and assigned Rev. John C. Wilson as pastor. During his four year pastorate the Church had a phenomenal growth. He organized the Ladies' Aid Society in January, 1E?4, and the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in February, 1894. Rev. Wilson, with the help of Mrs. Fannie King developed the youth of the Church through the junior and senior chapters of the Epworth League.
It was during the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Tucker (1907-19111 that the sight of Trinity Methodist Church on East Chester St. was secured. The lot was donated, along with a generous gift of money, by Mr. W.J. Wilde and his wife, Mrs. Mary Wilde. That building was erected in 1912, Bishop J. C. Kilgo delivered the principle address at the laying of the cornerstone on Sunday, November 10, 1912, at 3:30 p.m. The Church was then known as Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church South. At the beginning of Rev. C. L. Smith's pastorate (1912-1917), the congregation moved into the building on E. Chester Street, and under his ministry the Church grew and prospered. In 1927 an annex was added to the church sanctuary to be used as an education building.
In 1939, during the ministry of Rev. L. L. Jones (1938-1942) the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, united to form The Methodist Church. Trinity then became Trinity Methodist Church. During the last year of Rev. Jones' ministry, the Wicks pipe organ was purchased and installed in the church, and added much to the music ministry in the worship of our congregation. Over the years the following persons served as sonq directors and choir directors at Trinity: Mr. Rufus Gregory, Miss Juanita Pafford (later Mrs. J. L. Garland), Mr. Al Cravens, Mr. David Byrd, Mr. G. Thomas Smith, Mr. Ron Samson, and Mr. Jim Watlington. Some of the pianists/organists have been Mrs. G. B. Gregory, Mrs. Mary Jane Grace, Mrs, Thelma Little, Mrs. Hazel Coppedge, and Mr. Jim Watlington. The Trinity choir was known for its special musical presentations, and the congregation was a "singinq congregation."
A Homecoming celebration was held during the second year of Rev. W.
5. Potts (1942-1944) pastorate. At that time there was no indebtedness on the Church property or on the parsonage, which stood just West of the church building on E. Chester; and both were in excellent repair. Membership of the church at that time was 625.
The Hahn house located just West of the church property on E. Chester was purchased in 1949 to be the new parsonage, and the old parsonage just West of the Church building was used for Sunday School rooms. While Rev. P. H. Wiley (1956-1962) was pastor, all the Church's buildings were air conditioned. In September, 1966, the Conference approved the purchase of the house at 21 Ridgeview for a new parsonage. This house remains the parsonage for East Trinity.
In 1968 during Rev. James 0. Wright's ministry (1966-1971) The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to become The United Methodist Church. This Church then became the Trinity United Methodist Church. In 1972, during the ministry of Rev. Orville Easley (1971-1974) the East Jackson United Methodist Church became an extended ministry of Trinity U.M. Church.
By 1977, during the pastorate of Rev. Charles W. Townsley (1976- 1981), the neighborhood in which Trinity Church stood had begun to deteriorate, population changes were taking place, and it was estimated that about half the active membership lived in East and South Jackson and half in West and North Jackson. Not many of the membership lived in the actual vicinity of the church. Trinity Church considered an offer to consolidate with St. Andrew U.M. Church or with Hays Avenue U.M. Church, which planned to relocate. Feelings ran rather high over these suggestions; and after studies were made and presented to the congregation, these offers were declined, though the merger with Hays Avenue had been strongly advised by the Jackson District Superintendent at the time. Also, at his death in 1977, Judge August
W. Wilde willed his entire estate to Trinity U.M. Church. The total amount came to $116,000.00 and was used for extensive renovations of the church building and parking lot, with $84,000.00 left which were invested in CD's.
Over the years the women's groups in the Church were very active. As the Church progressed their names changed from the Ladies Aid Society to the Woman's Missionary Society to the Woman's Society of Christian Service and finally to the United Methodist Women. Through their tireless efforts many of the Church's needs were met by projects such as the stews they made and sold in the earlier days of the Church. Trinity was blessed with a number of dedicated women who were always willing to give of their time and substance to whatever need was uppermost, whether in the local Church or in their mission projects.
Formed much later than the women's groups in the Church but, never-the-less, an important addition to the Church was the Methodist Men's Club. This group brought the men of the Church, who participated, together in a closer fellowship, and gave them a better opportunity to serve God and their Church through joint ventures such as sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop for several years.
The Epworth League had become the Methodist Youth Fellowship and had periods of great growth and participation at Trinity, even managing to survive during the years of World War II. But this group had declined during the !970's due to a lack of people in this age group.
On April 2, 1979, in a meeting with the Trinity official Board, Jackson District Superintendent Harold Watkins suggested that due to the shortage of ministers and the lack of a pastor for East Jackson U.M. Church for the next year, that perhaps Trinity Church would consider making East Jackson Church an extended ministry of Trinity and have one pastor serve both Churches. He would preach at East Jackson during Trinity's Sunday School hour and then preach at Trinity for the regular morning worship hour. The suggestion was considered, and by May 7, 1979, it was reported that plans were being finalized for approval by the Conference. In 1979 Rev. Charles W. Townsley was appointed by the Conference to serve the Trinity-East Jackson charge.
Rev. W. Glenn Hill (1981-1984) printed the first edition of the "TRIBUTE", our Church's newsletter, on November 3, 1981; but by December 31, 1981, the Church's membership had declined to 104. Many of our young people had moved to other cities and other churches. The Church was located in the midst of a racially changing neighborhood, and was becoming primarily a church of older adults with few youth or children.
In 1983 Trinity U.M. Church received a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Frank Dunn. This consisted of half the proceeds from the property on which her home and a store were located on East Chester St. near its junction with the Mifflin Road, the Beech Bluff Road, and a proposed new road to be called North Parkway. During the early months of 1984 much work and planning was done by the Futures Committees of both Trinity U.M. Church and East Jackson U.N. Church in an effort to determine their future courses of survival. A merger and relocation of the churches was strongly advised by the Conference, and after many meetings, much deliberation, and finally agreement, the two Churches in special called Church Conferences, voting separately as congregations, voted on June 10, 1984, to merge and become one congregation known as the East Trinity U.M. Church.

EAST TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The merger agreement was signed on June 10, 1984, and Trinity United Methodist Church and East Jackson United Methodist Church officially became the East Trinity United Methodist Church. Now came a time of trying to blend the two congregations into one. Some from both groups had had misgivings, and there were some frustrations and some problems that had to be overcome,
Due to problems with insurance, neither building could be completely vacated during the process of trying to sell the properties; so the congregation met jointly on alternate Sundays in both Church buildings. The service on November 17, 1905, was the last East Trinity service held in the East Jackson Church building. The East Jackson building was sold to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, who took possession on December 1, 1985.
August 24, 1986, was a wonderful day for East Trinity U.M. Church as members and friends gathered for Sunday school, worship, a noon meal, and Homecoming '86 Festivities. A crowd of 190 persons was present to hear the Rev. James Taylor, of Columbia; TN. Rev. Taylor grew up in Trinity Church and entered the ministry from there in 1951. A delicious meal was served at noon with approximately 115 persons sharing in the good fellowship. The afternoon congregational singing program was led by Jim Watlington. Solos were rendered by Sally Watlington, Melissa Hill, and J.L. Garland, all of Trinity Church. The Cornerstones of Trinity Church and East Jackson Church were removed and opened. A copper box in the cornerstone of Trinity U.M. Church contained the following:

An 1892 half dollar
An 1876 quarter
THE HOLY BIBLE, 1882, edition
The Methodist Hymnal, 1905, edition
Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, 1910, edition
"The Jackson Sun", Nov. 10, 1912, which carried the article on the laying of the Cornerstone of Trinity Church on Sunday, Nov. 10, 1912, 3:30 p.m.
"Midland Methodist", Nov. 6, 1912, issue of the Conference Newspaper owned by the Holston, TN., and the Memphis Conferences of the M. E. Church South
"Minutes of Memphis Conference", M.E. Church South, 1911, edition
"The Menace", a newspaper published Nov. 9, 1912, in Aurora, Missouri
An envelope containing lists of tie Woman's Missionary Society, with a note saying the architect of the Trinity building was A. R. Haavener, and the estimated cost of the building was $8,500.
A history of Middle Ave. Church, a membership list, lists of Stewards, Trustees, officers of the League, Sunday School teachers and officers, Building Committee, Pastors and Presiding Elders who have served the Church.
A list of the names of the contractors, masons, and carpenters

Many were disappointed that nothing was found behind the cornerstone of the East Jackson U.M. Church. Both of the stones are planned to be re- installed in the new building of the East Trinity United Methodist Church on North Parkway. Also in 1986, the stained glass windows were removed from the Trinity Church building and completely cleaned and refurbished, to be used in the new sanctuary. As of December 31, 1986, East Trinity membership was reported to be 316.
The Fisher property adjoining the Dunn property on East Chester St., Extended. , was purchased at a cost of $31,500 and another strip of land belonging to Madison County just East of the Fisher property for $30,100, giving the Church frontage on the new North Parkway Road. This is where the new East Trinity United Methodist Church building was erected at a total cost of $689,610.15. The architect was Mr. Bill Wage, a partner in Awsamb-Wage- Wilson, P.C., of Memphis. The contractor was Hubert W. Owen Construction Co.
On February 8, 1987, the congregation held its last worship service in the Trinity Church building. The following Sunday, February 15, 1987, the congregation held its first service of worship in the new facility at 3291 North Parkway, Jackson. Members of the congregation and friends had been given the opportunity to make donations or give memorials during the construction of the church building; and many small brass plaques found on pews, doors, furniture, etc., attest to the many gifts made in this way. The Church also sold the Wicks pipe organ from the old Trinity building and purchased a new Allen electronic organ to be installed in the new church sanctuary,
Consecration services and an Open House celebration were planned and carried out by Rev. W. Glenn Hill (1984-1988) and other Church leaders in the new building on April 5, 1987. The Open House was held at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Service of Consecration at 4:00 p.m. Dr. Jack H. Henton, Jackson District Superintendent, presented Bishop Ernest W. Newman and Mrs. Newman to these assembled, and the Bishop presented a challenging sermon in the hour of worship and consecration. An appreciative congregation of approximately 175 persons attended the services. Mrs. Frances Crosby and Mrs. Helen Trimmer were Co-Hostesses for the Open House and were assisted by several volunteers. Dr. Rex Fowler video taped the afternoon service.
June 14, 1987, was declared to be "Glen C. Aday Day" at East Trinity. Mr. Aday is President of Hubert W. Owen Construction, our builder, and Chairman of the East Trinity Building Committee, and this day was set aside to honor him.
Rev. Hill held classes to train acolytes to serve in our worship services. His Children's Time during the morning worship hour became a very special time for all the little ones. For the entire congregation, in 1987 he arranged for our first pictorial directory. This has helped members of both former congregations to become better acquainted and to feel more like one family in Christ. Our second-Sunday potluck noon meals also became a regular part of our Church life.
"HAZEL HOMSLEY DAY" was another day set aside to honor one of our faithful members. Mrs. Homsley served the Church for many years as Church Secretary, served. As Financial Secretary, President of United Methodist Women, and a host of other offices in the Church. This day was observed on January 10, 1988, one day after her 07th birthday on Jan. 9.
On Father's Day, June 19, 1908, The Reverend Dr. Barry Scott (1988-present) and his family were welcomed as our new parsonage family. They were honored with an old fashioned "Pounding of the Preacher" and with a noon potluck meal in the Fellowship Hall.
On September 18, 1988, East Trinity celebrated its 100th Anniversary Homecoming at 2:00 p.m. Former ministers and their wives, widows of former ministers, and charter members were recognized. A certificate acknowledging East Trinity's 100 years of continuous service was issued by the Memphis Conference and signed by Bishop Ernest W. Newman and Kenneth Wilkerson, Memphis Annual Conference Historian, The Church had available for purchase 100th Anniversary plates, showing pictures of East Jackson U.M. Church, Trinity U.M. Church and East Trinity U.M. Church.
In the winter of 1908-09 a new Methodist Basketball League was formed, and East Trinity had a team under the leadership of Bro. Barry. They finished their first season with a record of 5-5. In March, 1991, the East Trinity basketball team finished the season as the Methodist League Champions.
East Trinity continued to gain new members, and New Member Appreciation Sunday was declared for February 12, 1989, to honor all the new members who had joined the Church during 1988 and the first few Sundays of 1989. They and their families were recognized in the morning worship service and were honored guests for the Second Sunday fellowship dinner.
A Parents' Night Out Program was begun, a first for East Trinity, and continued for a while but was later discontinued. Another first for East Trinity was the "Watch your Money Grow" adventure in stewardship. The Church gave participants an amount of money up to $10 (children up to $5) beginning on March 12, 1989. Over the next few months they were to use their faith and creativity to increase their money for God's Glory. The money returned to the Church was placed in a fund to be used to purchase a Church van.
Another first for East Trinity was the addition of A Service of Tenebrae, held by Rev. Scott on March 24, 1989, during Holy Week. This was a very moving and worshipful service, and has continued to be part of East
Trinity's observance of Passion Week and Easter through subsequent years, with the addition of the Maundy Thursday re-enactment of the Last Supper by some of the older youth and men of the Church.
1989 was a year of memorable wedding anniversaries in our Church. On March 19 the Church celebrated with George Lynn and Sara Hawks Barnes on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary; with Marcus and Dorothy Edwards Alexander on their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 30; and again with Rev. Dean and Mrs. Madge Alexander Woodard on their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, August 5, 1989. These were happy occasions shared by families and friends in the family of Christ.
October 7, 1989, was a busy day at East Trinity, the day of our East Trinity Bazaar and Stew Sale, under the leadership of Mrs. Carla Garner. A lot of folks worked some long, hard hours to make the bazaar a reality and a success. Marvin Adcock was in charge of making the stew. The bazaar was a great success, and realized a total of approximately $5,000. $950 was to be set aside from this amount to be used for the next year's bazaar and the rest placed in the Van Fund.
The Church Van, a Dodge Ram seating 15 persons, was purchased in February, 1990. The van is used on Sunday mornings to pick up those persons who need a ride to Sunday School and Church and back home again. It is also used for in-town and out-of-town trips by groups in the Church such as the Youth groups and the Anna-Simeon Group, a group composed of our Senior Citizens who enjoy the fellowship of going to new places and doing and seeing new things. The Anna-Simeon Group was Bro. Scott's idea, and as their driver, he is always great fun and adds so much pleasure to their outings. The van has been well used and has served a needed service to our congregation. The Church's name and other information was painted on the van by our own Marcus Alexander.
Bro. Barry added an early morning 18:30 a.m.) worship service to the regular schedule of Sunday services in October, 1990. This service is an even more informal type of service than the 10:50 a.m. service, and since it’s beginning has gained a number of regular attendants.
In 1990 and again in 1994 the Church had new pictorial directories printed. On August 12, 1990, the East Trinity Choir was honored with Choir Appreciation Sunday. The Choir sang its morning anthem from the New Methodist Hymnal. After the service a fine dinner was enjoyed in the fellowship hall. One of the highlights of the occasion was the banner, painted by Marcus Alexander, which stated “Our CHOIR-We Appreciate & Thank You!"
During 1990 the Anna-Simeon group made trips to tour historic homes in Holly Springs, Miss., to Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas, and to the Opryland Hotel in the winter to see the Christmas decorations and the "dancing waters." These have been very enjoyable times of fellowship and fun for those who went. Other trips the Anna-Simeon Group has made are to Memphis to see the Easter and Christmas programs at Bellview Baptist Church, to Memphis to see several of the Wonders Exhibits at The Cook Convention Center, to Opryland, to Reelfoot Lake to see the Eagles, to Memphis to take a riverboat
ride. and others.
The children's and youth's groups have become much more active over the last few years. East Trinity is blessed with a number of children and youth. The United Methodist Hen again sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, but due to lack of leadership and diminished interest on the part of the boys, the troop was disbanded. One of the great things that East Trinity has done for its children over the past few years is the quality of its Vacation Bible School programs. Each summer there is a Church-wide picnic to "kick off the VBS, and because of dedicated workers and good materials, the children have a memorable experience.
One project that Bro. Scott introduced among our children is the Reelioot Ministries. Each fall the children are asked to bring a small gift of money on Sunday mornings as they come down for the Children's Sermon. This money is placed in a large jar/bank. Around the last of November or the first part of December this money is taken out and used to buy toys to be carried to the Reelfoot Ministries for Christmas toys for less fortunate children. By the way, adults are never discouraged from adding their gifts to the toy bank, too! Another new addition to the children's role in worship is provided by the handbells which are color-coded to make it easier for the children to play. Bro. Scott also uses puppets, balloon art, and Christian magic tricks to introduce Christian messages during the Children's Sermon.
For several years, East Trinity has joined with some of the other Methodist Churches in the Jackson area in the Sunday Nights in August program. Also for several years it has participated with East Union Baptist Church and Hillcrest Baptist Church in an annual Thanksgiving Service held on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day.
The annual Valentine's Day Dinner has become one of the highlights of our Church's fellowship gatherings. Besides always offering an excellent dinner and good entertainment, it has become a custom over the last four or five years to honor two "greathearts" (men) and two "sweethearts" (women) from our Church, men and women who have made a difference in our Church by giving of their time and their talents and by their dedication to the work of Christ. In 1992 the dinner was attended by 130 people and possibly more in some of the years since.
In March, 1992, donations were made by a number of individuals to purchase a Yamaha Clavinova, an electronic keyboard, to replace the little up- right piano we had. It is used in the 8:30 a.m. worship service on Sundays, and is also often used in the 10:50 a.m. service.
.4 groups called R.0.S.E.S (Remembering Our Super Elderly Saints) were formed in January of 1993. This group performed acts of ministry to help those who are homebound, those in nursing homes, and those in retirement centers. For various reasons the group has largely become inactive, but efforts have recently been made to reactivate or re-form this group.
Our Church became actively involved in the Volunteers in Mission program in the summer of 1994 when our minister, Dr. Barry Scott, became part of a group that went on a mission trip to the Agape Center in Parnu, Estonia, from June 16 to June 30. The group carried a very beautiful banner as a gift to the Center which had "JESUS IS LORD" in the Estonian language. It was a very rewarding experience for Bro. Scott and through him for our congregation, since we felt we had a part in the work he did there by helping to pay for his trip. After his return, he and his family presented the East Trinity congregation with a copy of that beautiful banner with "JESUS IS LORD" in English. He and his entire family returned to Parnu for a two week mission tour again during the last part of May and early June, 1995, again with the blessings and financial help of the congregation.
Our Church has been blessed with dedicated lay leaders, with those who give of their time and energy to make follow-up calls and visits to those who have attended our Church as visitors, with those who have volunteered their labors of love in doing office work, teaching Sunday School classes, working with the children and youth, and in doing many of the unsung tasks of helping a Church to run smoothly, It is impossible to name all the people, or even all their jobs they fill in the Church, nor is their work done for the recognition or praise of men, but each one is important to the work of the Church.
At this writing in October, 1995, East Trinity U.M; Church has 327 members. It is impossible to foretell the future of East Trinity and the blessings and opportunitie5 for service that will be available to our members; but we have been blessed with ministers who seek to preach the Biblical Word of God and who try to challenge us to be the best servants and ambassadors for Jesus Christ that we can be with His help. May God continue to bless East Trinity United Methodist Church and may His Holy Spirit move through its members and cause them to be a blessing to the lost and unchurched in the future.

East Jackson Church
In 1949 the leaders of First United Methodist Church became interested in starting a mission in East Jackson to serve a rapidly growing community. The organization of the East Jackson Church was the result of the Church Extension Committee of First Methodist Church chaired by Mr. Robert Fletcher, a man who was to play an important part in the building of this Church at a later time. This Committee found an empty store building on a lot at the corner of East Chester Street and Rhea Street, which they rented for 630.00 per month, which was paid by three members of First Methodist for three months, beginning about September, 1950. This was a trial period.
The Rev. Hayes Fletcher, a student at Lambuth College was appointed by the First Methodist Extension Committee to establish a congregation at this site. East Jackson Methodist Church was started in April, 1951, with a group of eight people meeting in the store building. On September 4, 1951, East Jackson was granted legal entity into the Conference. With 39 Charter Members, East Jackson Methodist Church was organized under the ministry of Rev. Hayes Fletcher, who served as pastor until June, 1953.
On October 14, 1952, the First Methodist congregation made a gift of the property on East Chester at Rhea St. to East Jackson Church, deeding this to the Trustees. The value of the property at the time was $4,000.00 During 1952, a Methodist Men's Club, a Woman's Society of Christian Service, and a Methodist Youth Fellowship were organized. Leadership was being developed, and the Church was growing.
Rev. Harold McSwain (1953-1955) from the Texas Conference was sent to become the first full time minister, Ground-breaking services at 5:00 p.m. on August 21, 1953, marked the official beginning of a new building. Most of the work was done by members. There was $5,899.00 in the building fund to start the new building, which on completion in the Spring of 1954 had a value of $50,000.00 and a Church debt of $7,000.00, A consecration service by Rev. R. Y. Horton was held on June 13, 1954. On March 3, 1955, a dedication service far memorials and gifts were held. Many needs for furniture and equipment were taken care of by these gifts.
During the building program, the spiritual life of the Church had suffered, so Rev. McSwain set about to organize the congregation in accordance with the Methodist Discipline. The entire program entered a phase of evangelism. The old store building was moved to the back of the church lot and was being used as a Youth Building. The conference year 1954-1955 was brought to a successful close with the addition of 45 new members, making a total of 125 members, who were taking their place as Christian workers.
Rev. Elton K. Baker (1955-19581 was sent to further the work begun at East Jackson Church. Also during 1955 a house on East Chester St. next door to the Church was purchased as a parsonage, By this time the Church had a budget of $8,200.00 a year and a membership of 140. In 1957, to provide needed space for Sunday School, a second story was added over the fellowship hall for the Children's Department, As evidence of Rev. Baker's visitation and work for the Lord, eighty-five members were added to the membership. Twenty-one members transferred to other Methodist Churches, five to other denominations, and two members died,
The first wedding in this new Church was performed by Rev. Baker on March 3, 1956, for Margaret Neal Maness and Bobby Gene Parrish. During Rev. Baker's three years as pastor, he performed 15 marriage ceremonies.
During the pastorate of Rev. Wilson Jones (1958-1962) new choir robes were purchased, 65 persons added to the membership, 27 transferred to other Methodist congregations and three to other denominations. Due to unrest in this Church during 1961-62, the Church was divided into two factions, causing the purpose of the Church to be hindered.
Under the leadership of Rev. R. F. Blankenship (1962-1965), who next served the East Jackson congregation, problems were ironed out and stability returned. In 1963 the Children's Department was air conditioned. By early 1965 the average Sunday School attendance was 100, Church attendance was 70, and MYF attendance was 10. During Rev. Blankenship's tenure 44 new members were added, 27 members transferred to other Methodist Churches, 1 transferred to another denomination; and there were 5 deaths.
Due to a growing economy, and to changes in the school system which were brought about by integration, there was a movement toward bigger and better homes in the northern section of Jackson, causing a major change in membership of East Jackson. Rev. Walter L. Stephenson (1965-1967) challenged the Church to do more for Christ and His Kingdom. During his pastorate two new Sunday School Classes were formed; a fellowship hour followed the evening worship service, with an average of 65 persons present; the parsonage was renovated and refurnished; a parking lot was made behind the parsonage; the Church was air conditioned; and the Youth Building was renovated. In September, 1966, the Church had a revival with the Rev. Ralph Johnson as evangelist, during which 69 people came to the altar. By June of 1967 the total Church indebtedness was $4,554.00 and the membership had climbed to 242. Sixty new members had been added, twenty transferred to other Methodist churches, and there were two deaths.
In 1968, during the ministry of Rev. John D. Kibbons (1967-1969), after the merging of The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church the name of the Church was changed to The East Jackson United Methodist Church. Also in 1968 the Trustees of the Church were authorized to borrow $30,000.00 to purchase and furnish a new parsonage and to renovate the Church sanctuary. The sanctuary was completely renovated, new equipment was purchased for the church office and the new parsonage at 60 Altmont Street was purchased along with new furniture, As in the past, most of the work was done by Church members. Rev. Kibbons received 19 new members into the Church, but Quarterly Conference removed 15 names from the rolls; death claimed 5; 9 transferred to other Methodist Churches; and 5 transferred to other denominations, resulting in a net loss of 15 members. This was the beginning of the decline, which was to come gradually for East Jackson.
A three-month Church Loyalty period was promoted by the Council on Ministry, along with Rev. Jack L. Dickerson (1969-1970), during September, October, and November, 1969. Rev. Dickerson devoted most of his time to study, administration, and pastoral work, giving priority to sick calls and prospective members; and he strongly supported the Youth Group. Regardless of his efforts and those of the active members, this was one of the most difficult years in the history of this Church. There was a 10% loss in membership, 25% lag in giving, 30% loss in attendance at Sunday morning worship, and 70% loss in evening attendance.
The 1969 Christmas offering was 1,200, and the Board of Missions made a donation of $580, making $1,780. This paid the outstanding bills and part of the conference asking; but there was no improvement from January to June, 1970, and the budget for 1970-71 was reduced $4,000. Dr. Robbins, the Jackson District Superintendent met with the official Church Board several times and recommended that the Church go to the minimum salary (4,800) with the Conference picking up the additional salary.
The Conference had no minister to assign to East Jackson in June, 1970, so the Rev. William M. Tidwell (1970-1972), a retired Methodist Minister agreed to serve the congregation. The Tidwell's owned their own home, so the Church rented the parsonage for $135 a month which was applied to the house payments. His comments on his pastor’s report on April 20, 1971, were "Our Church at East Jackson is at peace and harmony. Our attendance showed an increase...financially we are in good condition." "Bro. Bill" had agreed to return as pastor in June, 1972, but his doctor advised that for reasons of his health, he should not function for more than one service on Sunday.
Dr. Robbins, D.S., advised that he was sending Rev. Hubert Clayton, a retired minister, to East Jackson for the year 1972-73, but on moving day Rev. Clayton had a heart attack and died. This left East Jackson with no spiritual leader. On June 30, 1972, Dr. Robbins chaired a joint meeting of the Administrative Boards of Trinity UMC and East Jackson UMC. Recently approved actions of both Boards, separately, agreed to operate East Jackson as an extended ministry of Trinity. The two most important questions to be decided were the pastor's salary and the possibility of having someone to work with the young people. It was decided that Trinity would pay 6,620 on the pastor's salary and that East Jackson would pay $2,180, and that Trinity would pay $760 on the Youth Director's salary and East Jackson would pay $220. The minister's insurance was pro-rated on the same basis.
Rev. Orville Easley (1972-1974) in October reported an increase in attendance and an encouraging response of the Youth group. The church building was painted and other improvements made. Rev. Easley became ill in 1973, and Dr. Robbins sent ministers to conduct Sunday services during Rev. Easley's absence.
The East Jackson United Methodist Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary on September 25, 1976, during the ministry of Rev. John A. Holt (1974-1979). Five previous ministers of East Jackson, Rev. Hayes Fletcher, Rev. Harold McSwain, Rev. Elton Baker, Rev. Wilson Jones, Rev. R. F. Blankenship, together with Rev. John Holt and many former and present members enjoyed the special service, lunch, and fellowship. This was a great day for the East Jackson Church,
By 1983, during Rev. W. Glenn Hill's (1981-1904) pastorate, it seemed evident that to survive and remain a vital Christian force in the Eastern section of town, some changes must come about. The Future's Committees of this Church and of Trinity U.M, Church were both trying to determine what courses their congregations should set for the future. A merger of the two Churches was strongly advised by the Conference, which felt that the merged Church should relocate to another area in the Eastern part of the city, where it would be the only representative of the Methodist Church, After many joint meetings, much deliberation, some misgivings, and finally agreement, the two churches in special called Church Conferences, voting separately as congregations, voted on June 10, 1984, to merge and become one congregation known as the East Trinity United Methodist Church. The agreement to merge also included the agreement to sell both present properties as soon as feasible and to meet together in the property which was sold last until a new church home could be built.

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