Russell Memorial C.M.E Church was founded in 1902 in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stroud on Chapel Hill Street (now Kent Street) under the leadership of Rev. Joseph S. Miller.

            The congregation soon outgrew this setting, and the first structure was purchased, which was called King Chapel.  In the early 1930's the church leaders worked toward expanding.  A brick structure was built on Matthew Street, and the name was changed to St. Matthew C.M.E. Church.

            On December 11, 1949 under the pastorate of Rev. W. A. McEwan, the church building was burned during the morning worship service.  On December 13, 1953, a newly erected edifice was opened for worship at 703 South Alston Avenue.  The name of the church was changed to Russell Memorial C.M.E. Church.

            Russell Memorial has been strengthened by the leadership of a successful line of outstanding pastors/shepherds, preachers/teachers.  Our present pastor, Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr. was assigned in July 1999.  Several ministries have been revitalized, reactivated, reenergized, and reorganized.  Our vision, "Vision 2004", is to erect anew state of the arts Worship Center, Administrative Center, convert present sanctuary into a Dining/Banquet Center, and convert the present annex into a Multi-Purpose (Choir) Room.

            Russell Memorial is a member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  The C.M.E. Church was founded December 16, 1870 by a group of 41 former slaves in Jackson, Tennessee.  Our denomination operates four colleges - Miles College, Birmingham, AL; Paine College, Augusta, GA; Lane College, Jackson, TN; and Texas College, Tyler, TX; and, one seminary, Phillips School of Theology, Atlanta, GA.  The C.M.E Church, also has eight (8) General Departments; and ten (10) Episcopal districts with conferences in U.S.A., Africa, Haiti, and Jamaica.

            Our church is in the Durham District of the Carolina Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District.  Rev. Louvenia R. Coleman is the Presiding Elder of the Durham District.  Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, is the Presiding Prelate of the Carolina Conference of the Seventh Episcopal Church.