Centenary Church was so named in 1865, anticipating the cornerstone laying of a new building in the next year, at the centennial of American Methodism. This project represented the reunion of two Methodist congregations which had grown from a single root. Their origin was a series of prayer services held in the home of Joseph Manning in 1814, which soon evolved into worship at a meeting house obtained from an Episcopal congregation.
When the large Centenary Church building had been occupied, following its dedication in 1868, the membership continued to grow. By the end of the century, four groups had been sent out in all directions to found daughter Methodist congregations: Tabernacle (on the west side) was formed in 1872. High Street (south side) was formed in 1874. Chenango Street (north side) took root in 1878. And Fairview (east side) was founded in 1898.
In recent years, the "mother church" in the heart of Binghamton began to lose members. Population had shifted away from the urban core, and with declining participation financial strength also ebbed.
On January 1, 1995, Centenary Church began to worship with Chenango Street Church--one of its former "offspring." Pastors Minnie Davis and Gary Doupe shared responsibility for the combined ministry. When Pastor Davis accepted an appointment in the Western North Carolina Conference, July 1, 1996, Dr. Doupe became the pastor of both congregations. The churches have united in ministry and mission and look toward a common future.
Worship services of the Centenary-Chenango Street United Methodist Community are held at 10:30 AM each Sunday and at 6:00 PM each Wednesday. Sunday School for all ages meets at 9:30 am each Sunday. Eucharist is celebrated the first Sunday of each month and every Wednesday. Home Communions may be arranged by calling the pastor at (607) 722-9276. The pastor is also interested in learning of other needs for pastoral support.
Although we expect to sell the former Centenary building on Court St., we do not intend to abandon our ministry to people in the heart of Binghamton. A weekly "satellite service" is held each Thursday at 8:30 pm for residents of the Binghamton Housing Authority on the 10th floor of 45 Exchange St. A service is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:30 pm at 110 Chenango Place. Centenary will continue to have the city at its heart.
Our combined ministry reaches out to include all people in the love of Christ. We invite present and former members and all interested friends to join with us in discerning and doing the tasks to which God calls us--as a people reconciled to its Creator and its neighbors by the Spirit of Jesus.
