History
The constituting convention of six Negro community churches rejecting the proposal of a merger of the National Council of Community Churches (white) and the Biennial Council of Community Churches (non-white) convened August 31 through September 2, 1951 at Emanuel Christian Community Church, Carrollton Avenue and Lanvale Street, Baltimore, Maryland. This initial convocation was called to order August 31, 1951 by Dr. Wilbur Henry Waters, Pastor of Emmanuel Christian Community Church and 2nd Vice President of the merging Biennial Council. Among the six churches represented by their ministers and delegates were Christ Christian Community Church, Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church, Eastside Christian Community Church, Shiloh Christian Community Church, Emmanuel Christian Community Church, and four delegates representing Douglas Memorial Christian Community Church; all of Baltimore, Maryland.
The following resolutions were adopted:
1. That this body shall become a permanent organization working together for mutual Christian comfort and the helpful exchange of ideas.
2. That this body shall be known as the National Association Council of Community Churches of America and Elsewhere, Inc.
3. That its purpose shall be sponsor the expansion of Negro Community Churches. Vocational Training for boys and girls. Health, Welfare, and Recreational Program to vigorously fight for Civil Rights.
4. That all contributions to the National Body from member Churches will be voluntary. No annual budget will be set up. No officers will receive pay or travel expenses.
5. That we shall not permit or allow ourselves to be drawn into organizational set ups where levies and assessments make up the most important part of their program.
Following in the dynamic footsteps of the founder, Dr. Waters, it is believed that the Community Churches and Council represents the most democratic form of religious workshop in existence today.
Truly a church and council governed by the people, for the people and supported voluntarily by the people.