Reverend Dr. George W. Carter, Jr. became the second pastor in the latter part of 1924 and served until 1926. He was born in New Orleans, LA. He attended public schools in New Orleans and graduated from New Orleans University. He earned degrees from Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA, and Boston University, Boston, MA. As was the case of his predecessor, he too was active in the organization of the Methodist Church. In 1930, he became a member of the Louisiana Conference and served as Superintendent of the Peoples Community Center and the New Orleans District. Four years prior to his death he served as the pastor of First Street Methodist Church in New Orleans, LA. He died on July 13, 1965.

 

 

Reverend John Wesley Thomas, Sr. was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on February 14, 1892. He became the third pastor on or about 1926 and served until 1928. He was one of three sons of The Reverend J.S. Thomas. All three sons served as Methodist Ministers. Rev. John W. Thomas was considered by most of his parishioners at Taylor and elsewhere as a church builder as well as a pastor and minister. He appealed to the public for funds to pay off the indebtedness of the Taylor Church building, the parsonage debt, a day school for young people and a community center. Early in his career, he declined positions to serve at higher levels in the Methodist Church hierarchy in order to continue what he felt was his most meaningful work of pastor and church builder. Later in his career, he served as District Superintendent in the Georgia area from 1946 until 1956. His last assignment was pastor of Fourth Street Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA, where he served from 1956 until his passing on December 12, 1958.

 

1928 – 1941

    

Reverend H.T.S. Johnson became the fourth pastor in 1928 and served until 1941. He was born in Tarus, LA, on September 13, 1871, to parents who had been slaves on a plantation. His father was a highly skilled machinist and Baptist deacon, while his mother was a “mid-wife.” Both held responsible positions on the plantation. He was given a well-rounded education by the parents and teachers in their small town and later received his A.B. and B.D. degrees from college. Before coming to Taylor he served as a minister and administrator in the Methodist Church in several states. He was dedicated to his faith, committed to his congregation, involved in religious and civic affairs, and was farsighted. He led the fight locally in the interest of minorities and black people for jobs, such as: bus drivers, bridge-toll collectors, custodians, streetcar operators, street workers and educators. The results of his efforts were felt to be effective long before the formal protests of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. Taylor’s membership grew from a small number to over 150 members during his tenure. After his retirement from the ministry in 1940, he resided with his family in Berkeley, CA until his death on September 5, 1962.