Independent Historian

Having received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University, Lee Hall-Perkins is a historian of African American religious history. His research interests include topics related to race, religion, class, and sexuality. As an ordained Pentecostal minister in the Church of God in Christ, Lee also has special interest in the academic study of Black Pentecostalism.

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church (1865– )

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church is the oldest black United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1865 the Methodist Episcopal Church sent Bishop Davis W. Clark to Nashville to reorganize the Negro mission at Andrew Chapel, located on Franklin Street in South Nashville. The … Read MoreClark Memorial United Methodist Church (1865– )

Thomas Dexter Jakes (1957- )

Thomas Dexter Jakes, megachurch pastor, best-selling author, playwright and movie producer, came from humble beginnings. He was born on June 9, 1957 in Charleston, West Virginia. Jakes was born into an entrepreneurial family. His father Earnest, Sr., owned a janitorial service that had three offices … Read MoreThomas Dexter Jakes (1957- )