American Baptist Churches.
A Lasting Partnership in Faith and Service.
Edna Martin Christian Center was founded through the vision and support of the American Baptist Churches and continues to grow with their guidance today. Together, they share a commitment to uplifting families, strengthening neighborhoods, and living out the gospel through community-focused programs and compassionate outreach.
Our History,
Edna Martin and Baptist Church partners.
EMCC has been a Home Mission of the American Baptist Churches since 1946.
American Baptist Churches: A Legacy of Faith and Service
American Baptist Churches USA (ABC) is a mainline Protestant church body with over 1.3 million members across the country. Tracing its roots back to the formation of the First Baptist Church of Providence, Rhode Island in 1638, ABC was founded by minister Roger Williams, who is credited not only with being the founder of the Baptist movement in America, but also the founder of the state of Rhode Island and the first highly visible public leader to call for the
separation of Church and State in the newly forming country.
Today, in addition to supporting nearly 5,000 member congregations, ABC also operates several mission-oriented societies including the American Baptist Home Mission Society and American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. Edna Martin Christian Center is 1 of 26 ABHMS neighborhood centers that are spread across the United States, from West Sacramento, California to Bangor, Maine and even Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Edna Martin’s Partnership with the American Baptist Church
Beginning in 1946, the heartfelt ministry and hard work that Edna Martin poured into her Eastside Christian Center in the Martindale-Brightwood community of Indianapolis attracted the attention and support of the American Baptist Churches (ABC). The Center soon earned an official designation as a Home Mission of the Church.
This recognition allowed Mrs. Martin to expand her work beyond caring for children after school, creating programs that also addressed the needs of parents. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she traveled extensively to rural ABC congregations across Indiana to share her mission and invite church members to get involved.
Her message especially resonated with women’s groups, who maintained close communication with Mrs. Martin. They organized donation drives for goods and wish-list items that she shared as needs evolved over time.
During a period of rising racial unrest and tension between Black and white communities in Indiana, these relationships were particularly meaningful, offering a path forward where people of all backgrounds and skin colors worked together in mutual support of those lacking access to opportunity.
Legacy of Growth
and Support.
As a Home Mission of the American Baptist Churches, the Eastside Christian Center continued to grow to meet the needs of area residents, culminating in the realization of a long-held dream. On June 20, 1965, the Center dedicated a new building at 1970 Caroline Avenue. The construction of the I-70 highway had displaced Mrs. Martin’s original Center, and ABC’s support made her dream of site ownership a reality. Following Mrs. Martin’s passing in 1974, the Eastside Christian Center was named in her honor. Now, 50 years later, the organization thrives, staying rooted in the legacy of Edna Mae Barnes Martin.
ABC’s steadfast support for Edna Martin and the organization that became the Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC) has continued for nearly 80 years. Congregations across Indiana and northern Kentucky consistently bless EMCC with direct donations of food, clothing, and financial gifts, helping families striving to lift themselves out of poverty.
Donate Today!
Edna Martin Christian Center began in 1941 when Edna Martin, a 43-year-old trailblazer, rented a one-room apartment and started a daycare to support families. She fed children, taught them about Jesus, helped parents with life skills, and inspired others to give back. The Center grew under the American Baptist Churches in 1945, and Edna continued uplifting the community until her passing in 1974.
Today, we continue her mission in Martindale-Brightwood. We rely on generous supporters like you—please consider donating to help us carry on this important work. Thank you!
