Carter Memorial AME Church

Carter Memorial is a part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first denomination founded by black people in the United States. The establishment of the AME Church was the first time that a denomination was founded due to social injustice. In 1787 black members of a Methodist church in Philadelphia had been pulled from their knees while praying, which prompted them to leave that congregation. Ultimately, the AME Church was birthed.

Carter Memorial was founded in 1882 and is the oldest congregation in Fresno founded by people of African descent. Carter is the sponsor of a housing development which provides lower income housing in West Fresno. The church also ministers to some members of the homeless community in West Fresno. Carter also provides food to families in our community and has provided masks to some healthcare providers and others in need due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Carter has partnered with other organizations to provide Covid-19 testing as well. In addition, the church has a voting ministry which harvested and submitted ballots for folks in the community in need of assistance in getting their ballots to the polls. Carter values education and maintains a church school and has relationships with some local schools. We continue to seek opportunities to engaging our community in ways that minister to the social, spiritual and physical development of the people.