Member Congregation Spotlight: The Congregational Church of Park Manor UCC
Ginger Mance (left), administrative judge, poet, and author with Rev. Dr. Janice E. Spraggins (right), Chair of Christian Education and lifelong Park Manor member
On February 9, Community Renewal Society (CRS) visited The Congregational Church of Park Manor (PM) United Church of Christ (UCC), its newest member congregation, for Sunday worship and a conversation with Rev. Dr. Janice E. Spraggins, Chair of Christian Education.
The sanctuary, illuminated by stained-glass windows, was a space of movement and preparation. The choir filled the room with Wade in the Water, a fitting selection for a church with deep ties to Fisk University and its Jubilee Singers. Many congregants marked the second Sunday of Black History Month by wearing bright, intricate fabrics from West Africa, sharing stories of their origins.
Founded in 1953 through the efforts of six organizations—including The Church of the Good Shepherd UCC and the City Missionary Society (now CRS), Park Manor UCC has always been shaped by transition. It first served a German immigrant community before becoming a home for Black residents moving south from Bronzeville.
The church’s leadership reflects its deep academic and theological roots. Dr. Faulkner, a former Fisk University dean, emphasized storytelling in worship. Dr. Arthur D. Gray, once president of Talladega College, upheld a tradition of quiet reverence. And today, under Senior Pastor Rev. Malcolm J. Griffith, Park Manor continues its legacy of faith and transformation.
CRS was happy to connect with Rev. Dr. Spraggins to discuss the church’s evolution and future:
CRS: What should people know about The Congregational Church of Park Manor?
PM: We were originally Park Manor Congregational Church, serving a German immigrant community. As Black folks moved in, the church adapted, and we changed our name to The Congregational Church of Park Manor as part of our founding agreement.
CRS: Your church existed before the United Church of Christ was founded in 1957. How has that shaped your identity?
PM: Over time, our traditions evolved. Rev. Schwenke, our first pastor, loved hymns and anthems. Dr. Faulkner introduced storytelling, and Dr. Gray was known for his strict, quiet services. Each leader left a mark, but our foundation has always been the same, faith and service.
CRS: How is Park Manor adapting today?
PM: Under Rev. Griffith, we’ve grown spiritually and expanded community engagement. Our partnership with Advocate United Church of Christ has strengthened Bible study and introduced a six-day-a-week prayer line. Many Park Manor members have joined, and we look forward to our ongoing partnership—and possible merger with Advocate UCC.
With a legacy of resilience, education, and faith, The Congregational Church of Park Manor UCC continues to evolve while honoring its deep historical roots. As a new CRS member, it stands poised for a future of spiritual renewal and community impact.
Jesus is the shepherd and head of the church, and Senior Pastor Rev. Griffith is the under-shepherd. It is so important to allow the pastor to shepherd. Our spirituality is being nurtured [through good teaching and preaching]. People are so happy to have their spirits uplifted. We look forward to our ongoing partnership and possible merger with Advocate UCC. We are also pleased that we are now both member congregations at CRS.
Minister Marian McKinney CRS Rev. Yvonne V. Delk Theologian in Residence