On December 5, 1957, a group of interested black citizens that called themselves the “Building Committee” met to discuss the possibility of constructing a building to be used for civic, church, and community meetings for youth and adults.  A second meeting was held December 10, 1957 and organized the Christian Citizen’s League.  The following officers were elected:

 President:                                            Rev. T.G. Howard

First Vice-President:                       Mrs. Hazel M. Thomas

Second Vice-President:                    Mrs. Stella Grubb

Corresponding Secretary:           Mrs. Maria Penn

Financial Secretary:                        Mrs. Amanda E. Dehart

Treasurer:                                              Mrs. Alma Watson

 The idea to build a community center was introduced by Rev. T.G. Howard in the summer of 1959 when he called a meeting of local citizens to discuss the possibility of such a project.  The response was favorable and plans went forward for the project.  Mrs. Stella Grubb was appointed to head the project.

 The Christian citizen’s league and the Mary White Buford Women’s club, jointly sponsored a fund raising campaign for the project which lasted two years.  A total of $6,000.00 was donated by the public, businesses, etc. the Pulaski town council donated $2,000.00 and a loan was secured from a local bank for the $14,950.00 building.  Lots were purchased on Altoona Street and the building was constructed by George Phelps, contractor, and was dedicated May 16, 1965.

 The building was named the T.G. Howard community center in memory of the late Rev Thomas G. Howard who conceived the idea.  Rev. T.G.  Howard served as pastor of the New Century United Methodist Church and Superintendent of, Bristol district East Tennessee Negro Methodist Conference.  Rev. T.G Howard lived in Pulaski for twenty years. 

Courtesy of:    (A History of The origin Of the Black Citizens of Pulaski …. Chauncey Harmon Sr. 1986)