HISTORY

Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church, named after Daniel Alexander Payne, organized in February 1906 and rebuilt in 1974 under the leadership of the Reverend Sampson T. Spencer.  The Reverend Lester Allen Shaw is now the Senior Pastor of the Church.                                                  

Since our first organizational meeting in the home of the late Miss Gertrude Brown on February 18, 1906, at which time Payne Memorial was then known as Smith Chapel, the church's progress has been one in which we can be proud of.

The Rev. J. R. Campbell was the first minister appointed and served a five year term.  Rev. J. H. Martin succeeded Rev. Campbell and served two years.  During Rev. Martin's administration, Smith Chapel was sold, however, the members were fortunate in buying it back.  


On December 29, 1911 Mr. Arnold Watson, a local Preacher, recommended that the name "Smith Chapel" be changed to "Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church".

A resolution was passed and the organization was granted a charter, dated April 17, 1912, from the State of Louisiana, Parish of Orleans, City of New Orleans.  On April 19, 1912, the Charter was signed and sealed by Warren A. Doyle, Assistant District Attorney, notarized; and witnessed by Rev. J. H. Martin and other church members.