Our History
Rooted in faith, resilience, and service, the story of Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church reflects God’s guidance across generations and a deep commitment to community.
Our Roots in the AME Tradition
The African Methodist Episcopal Church grew out of the Free African Society (FAS), founded in 1787 in Philadelphia by Richard Allen, a formerly enslaved man, Absalom Jones, and others seeking spiritual autonomy and mutual support. After African Americans were forcibly removed from prayer at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, members of the FAS confronted the reality of racial discrimination within American Methodism and began forming an independent African congregation.
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While many sought affiliation with the Protestant Episcopal Church, Richard Allen, who had secured his freedom through faith and perseverance, led a group committed to remaining Methodist. In 1794, Bethel A.M.E. Church was dedicated with Allen as pastor. To protect the church’s independence from white Methodist control, Allen successfully pursued legal action in 1807 and 1815, securing Bethel’s right to exist as an autonomous institution. As Black Methodists across the Mid-Atlantic faced similar injustice, Allen called them to gather in Philadelphia—leading to the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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With this foundation in place, Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church began its own journey of faith and service in the North Highlands community.
1982–1983 | The Beginning
Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church began through the vision of Rev. Tyrone Hicks, when the first worship service was held on December 12, 1982, in the home of Pastor and Mrs. Hicks. On February 20, 1983, the church was formally organized as an A.M.E. Mission by the California Conference Trustees, with a charter membership of 25 adults and 11 children.
Originally known as Emmanuel A.M.E. Mission, worship services were held at Aero Haven School in North Highlands, with approximately 30 worshipers in attendance.
1983–1987 | Growth, Organization, and a Permanent Home
Due to changes in state law regarding the use of school facilities, worship services moved from Aero Haven School to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Chambers, and later to the North Highlands Lions Club, where membership grew to approximately 63. During this time, the church purchased an organ, hymnals, and chairs; formed its first choir and Missionary Society; and welcomed Mrs. Sandra Dawson as church organist.
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In August 1983, the Mission was admitted into the California Annual Conference, with Bishop H. Harford Brookins serving as Presiding Prelate and Rev. Richard Allen Washington as Presiding Elder. At this time, the congregation became known as Murph-Emmanuel A.M.E. Church.
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As membership continued to grow, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church opened its doors to the Murph-Emmanuel church family. The congregation emphasized evangelism through neighborhood outreach and purchased a 15-passenger van to support ministry efforts.
In May 1986, Murph-Emmanuel purchased its permanent church home at 4151 Don Julio Boulevard, North Highlands. The building was dedicated on June 15, 1986, by Bishop Henry W. Murph. During this period, Sister Constance Ridgeway was ordained as a Local Deacon, Brother Ralph Watkins as an itinerant elder, membership reached 123, and two worship services were held each Sunday.
1990–1999 | Ministry Expansion & Community Impact
In 1990, a cornerstone ceremony sponsored by the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge marked a significant milestone. The Alyce Forbes Washington Women’s Missionary Society was named, the ACE Fellowship Society was formed, and Rev. Deborah Burney brought renewed energy to the youth and adult choirs.
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From 1991–1993, Murph-Emmanuel established the St. John’s Women’s Shelter Feeding Program, serving meals every second Saturday. On February 13, 1993, the Richard Allen Washington Library was founded within the church.
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Between 1996–1999, Brother Matthew Harper was ordained as an itinerant elder, and the Social Action Commission launched the One Stop Service Center in response to California’s Welfare Reform Act. During this time, two classes graduated from the program, the kitchen was remodeled into a Fellowship Hall, and day-care services began. Rev. Dr. Tyrone Hicks and Dr. Phyllis Hicks were honored as Pastor of the Year and Woman of the Year.
2000–2005 | Faithfulness & Leadership
From 2000–2003, Murph-Emmanuel experienced a season of spiritual growth and financial stewardship, paying off the church mortgage in full and becoming debt-free. During this time, Sister Phyllis Hicks was called into ministry.
On November 3, 2004, Bishop John R. Bryant appointed Rev. Elmer B. Redding Sr. as pastor. Under his leadership, Brother Henry Gerald accepted his calling into ministry, the first Unity Day Celebration was held on September 24, 2005, at McClellan Air Force Base, and several local deacons were ordained. The Tutorial Center was reinstated, Youth Bible Study was introduced, and the music ministry flourished under Sister Phelecia Valles.
2009–2015 | Outreach and Transition
In 2009, Presiding Bishop T. Larry Kirkland appointed Rev. Michael L. Barta as pastor. Fellowship increased, membership grew, and outreach expanded through monthly food and clothing distribution and ministry to St. John’s Women’s Shelter. New partnerships were formed with Pacific High School and New Visions Charter School, which operated within the church facility.
Following the passing of Rev. Barta on October 28, 2012, Rev. Billy Ray Taylor became pastor on December 16, 2012, serving until his retirement in 2013 due to family illness. From 2013–2015, Rev. Freda Cash, the first female pastor of Murph-Emmanuel, restored the church’s nonprofit status, established a Restoration Fund, renovated Hicks Hall and restrooms, and supported the growth of YPD, including the formation of Youth Night. Sister Cynthia Gerald was ordained as a Local Deacon.
2015–Present | Renewal and Continued Growth
From 2015–2021, Rev. Dr. Carieta Cain Grizzell led a season of healing, restoration, and revival, reinstating outreach programs that serve the least, the lost, and the left out. These included Monthly Food Distribution, Champions for Change, Community Health Fairs, and the acquisition of Security and COVID-19 Grants.
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On October 3, 2021, Rev. Cubie Finley III became pastor. Under his leadership, the church reopened following COVID-19 guidelines, restored outdoor lighting, upgraded technology, and expanded the food distribution ministry. Rev. Teri McClanahan was ordained as a Local Deacon during the 2021–2022 conference year.
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From 2023–2025, the ministry has continued to flourish. Brother Douglas McCastle was licensed as an Evangelist and entered the Board of Examiners, the Youthful Praise Choir was formed under Brother Walter Gordon, the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry was reestablished, and multiple grants were secured for the Food Distribution Ministry under Sister Sharon Wiggins. Murph-Emmanuel remains active in civic life, serving as a polling site, a Narcotics Anonymous meeting location, and a partner with A Stronger Mind LLC for job training in the North Highlands community.