Clayborn Temple

History of Clayborn Temple

Clayborn Temple in many ways reflects the interconnected and complex racial history of the city of Memphis itself.  Sitting at the corner of Hernando and Pontotoc Streets, the Romanesque Revival structure was completed in 1892 as the new location of Second Presbyterian Church.  Over the next half-century, this all-white congregation continued to grow and, anticipating further expansion in the future, Second Presbyterian moved further east to its current location at the corner of Poplar and Goodlett Streets.

In 1949, Second Presbyterian sold the church to an African American congregation affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) denomination. At this time, the building took on the name Clayborn Temple in honor of local bishop John Henry Clayborn. Clayborn Temple became a center for civil rights activities in the 1960s and remained a vibrant church for the rest of the century.

In 1968 the Sanitation Workers' Strike began when two Memphis sanitation workers were killed while at their jobs. At the time, the city's response revealed the neglect and abuse of the Black sanitation employees. As a result, civil rights and labor activists gathered in the church to organize and plan. With the help of Clayborn’s pastor and his own printing press, they created the renowned “I AM A MAN” signs which are recognized as an emblem of both civil and human rights. For over two months, thousands of people marched with these signs from Clayborn Temple to City Hall aiming to improve the pay and conditions of sanitation workers. Clayborn Temple also hosted speakers to inspire and motivate protesters. In early April, Dr. Martin Luther King was scheduled to speak at Clayborn, but on April 4, a sniper murdered Dr. King at the Lorraine Motel nearby. Though his death was tragic, sanitation workers continued the strike for two weeks until reaching a deal with the City Council. Their effort concluded at the same place it began: Clayborn Temple.

Clayborn Temple closed in 1999 and fell into disrepair. It reopened early in the mid-2010s hosting special events, live performances, and as a meeting space for local and national organizations. However, the condition of the building required extensive restoration for continued use. The community and preservation organizations are working to restore the building and its legacy. 

Clayborn Temple   294 Hernando St Memphis, TN 38126

clayborn.org