Edna Martin Christian Center History

The Edna Martin Christian Center was established as the East Side Christian Center by Ms. Edna Martin in 1941.  She began working with low-income children after school in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.  In 1946 the Center became a home mission of the American Baptist Churches, USA.  Until 1964 she operated the Center in a two-story house on Arsenal Ave. 

In 1965 a new building was built at 1970 Caroline Avenue, which is the current location of the Center.  Programs were expanded to include day care, senior citizens, classes, and sports.  Ms. Martin passed away in 1974 and shortly afterwards the Center was renamed the Edna Martin Christian Center. 

Rev. Frank Alexander became the Executive Director, succeeded in 1980 by Rev. Dick Padrick.  A housing rehab program was begun in 1984. 

Dr. Larry Lindley became Executive Director in 1989.  The Center was instrumental in the formation of the Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation in 1992 and the Community Resurrection Partnership in 1996.  In 2001 the Edna Martin Outreach Center was established at Genesis Plaza to enable the Center to be more effective in providing social services.

Fact Sheet
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