Pleasant Green CME Church

A country church in Christian County, KY

This little CME church is located a few miles northwest of Hopkinsville. I know of several CME churches in Christian County, and there are probably others I haven't seen yet.

I've rarely heard anyone say the entire name of this denomination. Everyone uses the initials -- CME.

Not long after we moved here, I asked a neighbor lady what CME meant, and she said the letters stood for "Colored Methodist Episcopal." Until just a few minutes ago, I honestly thought that was correct.

The history page of the CME website explains that the denomination was originally called "Colored Methodist Episcopal." I think they mean it was named that, not just called that. The denomination was founded in 1870, to follow the Methodist teachings of John Wesley as set forth in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South's Book of Discipline, but with black leadership.

According to Wikipedia's article about the CME denomination, the name was officially changed to "Christian Methodist Episcopal" during the 1950's. I like the new name. It's dignified, inclusive, and descriptive.

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