About Us

Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church

One of the oldest African-American congregations in Miami began inauspiciously on November 11, 1923, in a small shack affectionately referred to as the "Fish House." Bishop E.A. Roberts led the small band of worshipers, assisted by Charles Johnson, Zaccheus Pinder, and Henry Stirrup. Subsequently, the members built a large sanctuary at 1609 Northwest Fifth Court, which was destroyed in the great hurricane of 1926. Thanks mainly to the efforts of James Woods and the St. Mary's Coronet Band, which raised money by playing at funerals, parades, and other functions, the members built a new sanctuary, which was completed in 1928.

The next fifteen years witnessed the growth of the church into one of the larger African-American congregations in Miami. The Sunday school flourished, and night services were usually well attended. In 1942, the church was incorporated, and in October 1943, Bishop Roberts died.

Pastor Natacha West

Reverend Ervin .A. Culmer

1962

Reverend Ervin A. Culmer assumed the pastor ship of the vibrant church and led her during one of her most dynamic periods. New auxiliaries were formed: The Pulpit Aide Club, Pastor's Aide Society, Ushers Board #2, the Junior Church, and the Gospel Choir. A Wesleyan Methodist diocese was established in South Florida, with St. Mary's as the Cathedral Church. During this period, the Palm Sunday Procession, Christmas Song Fest, Watch Night Service and Sunrise Service were attended by throngs of worshipers. After serving as pastor of St. Mary's for nearly two decades, Reverend Culmer resigned in 1962.

Reverend Harold V. Stuart

1965

The Trustees then recommended that the church call Reverend Harold V. Stuart, former Superintendent of the Sunday School. Under his leadership, St. Mary's moved to a new location, and our present location is 4798 Northwest Eighth Avenue. The church was dedicated in August 1965. The move was prompted by urban renewal, which resulted in the uprooting of many of the old neighborhoods in Overtown.

Elder James Cash

1985-1987

In 1985, after serving over two decades as pastor, Reverend Stuart became physically unable to perform his duties and was appointed Pastor Emeritus. Elder James Cash succeeded Reverend Stuart as pastor of St. Mary's and served God's children diligently until 1987.

Reverend John M. Fair

1987-1999

In October 1997, Reverend John M. Fair was ordained and installed as pastor of St. Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church. He led God's children through many toils and tribulations. Reverend Fair was always mindful of the commission given by God to his people. He resigned in 1999.

Reverend Vincent Brown to Lead the Congregation

2000-2005

In February 2000, the Lord answered the prayers of his people with the calling of Reverend Vincent Brown to lead the congregation. Under Rev. Brown's pastor ship, St. Mary's continued to be a significant force in the Christian community. In October 2005, Rev. Brown resigned as pastor to pursue a higher calling.

Rev. Michael Brennan and Rev. Dominique Innocent

2008-2009

Finding a replacement to continue God's work is not, and never will be, an easy task. However, the members of St. Mary's were determined to be led by the spirit in selecting its next pastor. Several ministers were interviewed and considered for the pastor ship, but it was not until its January 2008 conference that the members voted for and approved Rev. Michael Brennan and Rev. Dominique Innocent to become co-pastors of St. Mary's. On Sunday, July 13, 2008, Rev. Brennan and Rev. Innocent were ordained and installed as co-pastors by Rev. William R. Higgs, President-elect of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church. Both co-pastors vowed to continue the rich traditions of St. Mary's. Citing the call by the Master to pursue another endeavor, Rev. Innocent tendered his resignation as a co-pastor in July 2009. He and his family received an inspiring farewell from the St. Mary's family.

Rev. Duane Thomas, Pastor

2015

In February 2015, at its semi-annual conference, St. Mary's members overwhelmingly approved Rev. Thomas to become its pastor. God has once again provided his people with a spiritual leader. As of December 4, 2023, Rev. Duane Thomas, Sr., is no longer the Senior Pastor of St. Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Rev. Natacha West

2022

Again, realizing the need for ministerial support for its pastor, the leaders once again began their search for a suitable assistant. After many prayers and consideration, one "servant of the Lord" stood out. In July 2022, in lieu of the Semi-Annual Conference, the Advisory Board overwhelmingly approved Rev. Natacha West as Assistant Pastor. On August 13, 2022, Rev. West, being the first female to ever pastor in St. Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church, was ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor. After the removal of Rev. Thomas, on December 4, 2023, Pastor West was appointed interim pastor. on April 13, 2024 the Advisory Board in lieu of the Church Conference overwhelmingly approved Pastor West to become permanent pastor. and on July 21, 2024 Pastor West was installed as the Senior Pastor of St. Mary's.