Our Story

Our Namesake

In 1920, under the organization of Reverend Dr. Gloster R. Bryant, District Superintendent, the congregation officially incorporated as Camphor Memorial to honor one of the most devoted servants in Christian warfare— Rev. Dr. Alexander Priestly Camphor, a pioneering Black Methodist leader, missionary, educator, and Bishop.

Born in 1865 on a Louisiana sugar farm, Bishop Camphor rose from humble beginnings to become:

• a scholar

• a missionary to Liberia

• a college president

• an American diplomat

• and a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church

His life embodied education, global mission, and Black excellence.

Our Beginning

Camphor began on December 18, 1919, during a snowy prayer meeting at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Alfred McFarland.

What started with a handful of faithful families became the foundation of a multigenerational church in St. Paul. It was at this prayer meeting that they decided to start a church.

These original guests were John P. Douglas, Sr., John P. Douglas, Jr., Mrs. Julia D. Lewis, Mrs. J. B. Crafton, Mrs. Louise Douglas Johnson, Mrs. Mabel Douglas Hardaway, Mrs. Inez Douglas Bruce, Mrs. Tennia Thomas, Miss Lucille Shannon, Bertrand Shannon (a baby), and Mr. J. B. Crafton.

A Church on the Move

Before settling down at its first permanent house at 13th and Broadway, Camphor worshiped wherever doors opened:

• Grace Church

• Old Pilgrim Baptist

• Union Hall

• YWCA on Central & Dale

A reminder that the church is not a building — it’s a people.

In 1920, Attorney W. T. Frances drew up incorporation papers, and a home for the congregation was sought in St. Paul. The first permanent home for the congregation was the Danish Norwegian Methodist Church located at 13th and Broadway Streets. It was purchased for $13.500.00, which the small congregation paid for with the assistance of the ever generous and congenial Board of Missions and Church Extensions of the Methodist Church.

The building on Broadway was made of red brick and had a massive organ. It also featured a large kitchen and dining area despite having two furnaces. During the winter months, members still wore their coats and sweaters inside. A parsonage was connected to the church; both buildings were spacious but challenging to heat. The downstairs area had a big pot-bellied stove at the front and a cookstove at the back.

Coming Home to Rondo

Under the leadership of Rev. F. C. Walker, the congregation purchased the Messiah Episcopal Church building at 585 Fuller Avenue (our present location) in August 1931. In 1968, Camphor became a member of the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and its name was changed to Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church.

This building was demolished in November 1970, and the congregation worshipped for 15 months in the Hallie Q. Brown Center. Groundbreaking for the new Camphor Church was held on May 7, 1972, under the interim pastorship of Rev. Frank Dreisbach. Under the leadership of Thomas Sligh, the congregation moved into its new home and celebrated its first worship service on Sunday, February 18, 1973.

The outreach ministry increased during Rev. Douglas Simpson’s tenure, including local outreach to new SE Asian immigrants and Hispanics and national outreach to Monrovia, Liberia.

Interior improvements were made during Rev. Allen Clark Harris’ tenure, including critical property and system improvements, a nursery's construction, and a van's purchase.

During Rev. Oliver White’s tenure, a grant from the Board of Global Ministries purchased new carpeting and church pews. Carl Walker became the Sanctuary Choir director, and the choir grew and worked with the pastor in outreach ministry throughout the district and outstate Minnesota.

The plans to expand the building began in the 1990s when Reverend Rufus Campbell was the pastor. During 2004-2005, interior and exterior renovations were finished under Reverend Gloria Roach-Thomas, with extra space added to the existing structure. The renovated church building was dedicated on September 11, 2005.

Camphor Memorial is dedicated to finding innovative approaches to strengthen its connection with the local community and to share the teachings of Jesus with the world beyond the four walls.

Camphor's Legacy

2025 - Present: Rev. Cynthia Williams

2023 - 2024: Rev. Dennis M. Oglesby, Jr.

2022 - 2023: Rev Frenchye MaGee (Interim)

2018 - 2022: Rev. Dr. Ronald Bell

2007 - 2016: Rev. Cynthia Williams (Associate Pastor)

2003 - 2018: Rev. Gloria Roach Thomas

1989 - 2003: Rev. Rufus Campbell

1986 - 1989: Rev. Oliver White

1980 - 1986: Rev. Allen Clark Harris

1978 - 1980: Rev. Douglas Simpson

1972 - 1978: Rev. Thomas Sligh

1971 - 1972: Rev. Frank Dreisbach (Interim)

1967 - 1971: Rev. Joseph Pilate

1966 - 1967: Rev. Warren White

1952 - 1966: Rev. Jerome Del Pino

1948 - 1952: Rev. J. D. Dorsey

1938 - 1947: Rev. R. E. Skelton

1933 - 1938: Rev. H. M. Moody

1932 - 1933: Rev. J. P. Pierce

1930 - 1932: Rev. F. C. Walker

1927 - 1930: Rev. H. B. Hays

1925 - 1927: Rev. P. H. Morrow

1924 - 1925: Rev. E. E. King

1923 - 1924: Rev. D. M. Jordan

1921 - 1923: Rev. H. W. Simmons

1920 - 1921: Rev. J. H. Greer

Camphor Today

For over 100 years, we’ve been committed to:

✨ Sharing Jesus’ love

✨ Serving our neighbors

✨ Standing for justice

✨ Building community in Rondo

and beyond

We honor our past as we boldly step into our future.