Walls Temple AME Zion Church

On November 10, 1944, a few people met with Rev. V.B. Waters, D.D., at the home of Mrs. Hattie DeWitt to witness for Christ and discuss how to spread God’s word throughout the City of Albany. On December 17, 1944, Rev. Waters, along with members of the first group, gathered at 170 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York to form Mount Olive Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church. This group of faithful followers remained at this site holding weekly services and gathering strength and union for the years ahead.

On September 23, 1945, the congregation moved to a newly acquired church and parsonage at 27-39 Delaware Street, Albany, New York. The site was made possible by a gift from the Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The Church subsequently became part of the New York Conference, Hudson River District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, which was presided over by Bishop William Jacob Walls. The name of the church was changed to Walls Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in honor of Bishop Walls and in appreciation for his love and interest in the church. Over the years, the church membership grew under the leadership of each pastor. As new members joined, the spiritual life of the church deepened. All of the original members who laid the foundation now rest from their labors.

Under the leadership of Rev. Warren Brown, a building fund was started and the erection of the present structure was completed in May 1972. The new church was evidence of “Faith in Action”. It was designed for ease of access to any of its rooms, including the sanctuary, by the elderly and the disabled.

Walls Temple has served under Pastors: V. B. Waters, A. McSpaulding, J. H. McMullen, E. J. O’Neal, Paul J. Stroud, C. O. Newton, Cameron W. Jackson, Mrs. E. Anthony, Warren M. Brown, Gregory Pitts, E. M. Williams, Earl R. Cheek, Donald Holness, Sherwin O. Greene, Thyrone Perdue, J. Edward McKinnis, E. B. Slaughter, Robert Linder, Oscar L. McLaughlin,  Vivian A. Fanklin, Barry Hill, and Alphonso H. Meadows, Jr. (present); Presiding Elders:C.C. Williams, E.M. Williams, Joseph D. Kerr, Gary W. Burns, Allen Brown, James M. Clark, Ruby J. Smith, and Alphonso H. Meadows, Jr, (present); and Bishops: William Jacob Walls, Herbert Bell Shaw, J. Clinton Hoggard, George W.C. Walker, Sr., George E. Battle, Jr., Roy A. Holmes, and the present Bishop Dennis V. Proctor.

Today, Walls Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a part of the Western New York Conference, the Albany District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.