A Dollar In The Plate: Walls Temple AME Zion Church

There’s something of a building and construction theme to this church. It’s right there in the name: Walls Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The program showed a wall being torn down with the words, “‘Going’ Beyond the Walls.” Its accompanying Bible passage from Isaiah talks of the rewards of worship, including a metaphor about setting the foundations of new generations.

And then there’s the sign above the sanctuary entrance: “Chrisians Under Construction.”

Rev. William D. Wilson, pastor of the church, said the sign alludes to the congregation being shaped in the Christian image.

“We’re not perfect yet, but we’re striving,” he said.

The church pews lead down a gentle slope to the altar, over which there is a tapestry of the Last Supper as well as a banner celebrating the church’s centennial in 2003. Off to the side were an organist and drummer, who provided soft background music for much of the service.

In addition to the familiar components of scripture readings, hymns, and a responsive reading, the service included a recitation of the church mission as well as the Apostles’ Creed. Prior to the announcements regarding church business, Wilson’s wife—Phylis Wilson—reflected on how the church and God had helped her throughout her life.

“We have a lot to be thankful for, and we have a lot to praise God for,” she said.

Wilson’s sermon spoke about the “divine conjunction” of the phrase “Life is difficult, but…” He said Christians are not immune to hardship in life, but are able to complete the phrase with “…God is good.” He said it is up to people which side of the phrase they want to focus on and whether they wish to engage in self-pity or focus on their blessings and perseverance.

“It doesn’t matter how you started, how you began, but it does matter where you end up,” he said.

Wilson also said God does not reveal himself except in difficult situations. He said the Bible is full of imperfect characters shaped by God, and that one can find faith in everything from these stories to modern examples such as healing from an illness.

“I know that He will make a way out of no way for me,” said Wilson.

Bill Haley, who has attended the church for 26 years, said he enjoys the spirit among the congregation.

“When the spirit comes through, it goes to a different level and it’s nothing you can describe,” he said.

Jane Bernoudy, a conference evangelist at the church, attended during the 1970s and 1980s and returned to the congregation when she moved back to New London in 2008.

“We’re like a family,” she said.

Regular Sunday services at the Walls Temple AME Zion Church start at 11 a.m. During the summer, the services begin at 10 a.m.; this change goes into effect on May 5.

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