Patricia "Pat" Jackson - On St. Joseph CME Church from 1947-1955

"The loyalty and the faith of the congregation at our local church. We are loyal to CME. We know our history and our roots. We know what the expectations are, and we hold ourselves accountable to our connection. We’ve always paid our financial obligations, and we pay them on time. That stems from the dedication of our foremothers and fathers, that gave their everything to this church and its connection. Even when they didn’t have, the Lord provided, so they were always able to take care of what they needed."

This interview is part of the Marian Cheek Jackson Center’s ongoing efforts to document the rich history of local churches and their role in the community. Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Jackson reflects on her experiences and the historical development of St. Joseph’s CME Church, tracing its roots back to the 1940s and even earlier. She discusses the church’s original congregation at Cotton Chapel and the events that led to its destruction by fire, prompting the eventual construction of St. Joseph’s. Jackson provides a detailed account of church archives, the significance of its garments, and the registry of ministers, starting in 1932 with Reverend Joseph S. Miller. Jackson highlights key figures in the church’s history, such as Kennon Cheek, who mortgaged his home to fund the construction of St. Joseph’s, and the roles of various other members in maintaining the church’s spiritual and financial well-being. She also delves into the global connections of the CME Church, particularly its ties to regions in New York, Washington D.C., and Africa. The interview closes with a reflection on the church’s commitment to education and its relationship with Duke Divinity School.