Mary AME, was formed in the 1920s under the leadership of Dr. John Russell Harvey. Services were held in the home of Dr. Marjorie Stewart Joyner and her husband Robert. Later, the church met at Williamson Funeral Home, then Farren Elementary School at 51ST and Wabash. Cook, founder of the Black Community Churches and the pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church invited Dr. Harvey to join the Alliance of Community Churches. As a community, it would have some of all denominations in its service so that no matter what denomination a person had been, there would be something in the community church services to which they could relate. The members worked very hard to raise the money to build their own church and were able to purchase the lots at 5247-49 South Wabash Avenue. The church was named The People’s Church and Cosmopolitan Community Center. This was the founding of the church on September 23, 1923. Later, the church was renamed Cosmopolitan Community Church. After completing a very successful revival at Cosmopolitan, Dr. Mary G. Evans, who was the pastor of St. John AME in Indianapolis, Indiana, was asked by Dr. Harvey and the Board of Directors to assume the pastorate in 1932. After a long bout with cancer, Pastor Evans passed away on April 12, 1966. After her death, Rev. Richard Keller conducted the services during our year-long pastoral search. Hardy became the pastor of Cosmopolitan Community Church in October 1967 and served for 47 years until his retirement. Pastor Hardy instituted many new church programs including the Hospitality Hour, Conscious Class, Clothing Ministry, Food ministry, Women’s Guild, Greeter’s Guild, Nurses’ Guild, Service Guild, Taping Ministry, Pastor’s Aide, and the church publication The Flame. In September of 2016, Rev. Dr. Eric D. Clopton, Sr. assumed the pastorate of Cosmopolitan Community Church. Clopton comes to us with 20 years of ministerial experience. Some of his ministerial gifts include: teaching, equipping, education, worship/music, and church structure. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Clopton received the call for ministry at a young age. He served as a minister of music from the age of 16 and this passion for worship has flowed into every aspect of his life. Called and purposed by God to preach the gospel and impact the lives of those with whom he comes in contact, Dr. Eric D. Clopton, Sr.’s goal is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, Who glorified His Father by dying for His people. Without shame or compromise, Dr. Clopton has been boldly proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom for more than 20 years in various forms. With a myriad of experience not only in pulpit ministry, but also in church administration and business. God has graced and gifted him with an anointing to educate, equip and enrich the ministry. As a leader and instructor, he is committed to spiritual battle that extends the territory of God into the moral wastelands of this world. Knowing the importance education has in gaining knowledge and practical understanding of the Word, Dr. Clopton earned his Bachelors of Art in Divinity from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary, as well as a Bachelors of Art in Theology from Life Christian University. He returned to Life Christian University to earn his Masters of Art in Theology in 2012 and soon after earned his Doctor of Ministry in Theology in 2014. Dr. Clopton is currently a professor of Biblical Studies on the campus of Life Christian University. Although he has a love and fervor for ministry, his passion for his family is even greater. Dr. Clopton is the husband of Kyra Clopton and the father to three daughters, Erica, Kayla and Kyran, and one son, Eric Jr. FOSTERING CHRISTIAN GROWTH
Restructured Worship Service Program
Instituted a teaching style of preaching that is understandable, passionate and enthusiastic
Fostered continued instruction of the Ministers and Elders under his care
Ordained four Deacons after intense, focused training program
Formalized noon-day and evening bible study classes
Established 5:30am Wednesday morning Intercessory Prayer and Prayer Line
Rev. Dr. Reverend Eric D. FOSTERING CHRISTIAN GROWTH – continued
Promoted Community Evangelism
Instituted Preaching / Teaching 7-Last Words of Christ by Associate Ministers
Formalized New Members’ Class
Promoted increased Sunday School Attendance
Re-instituted Youth Sunday School and the Youth Ministry known as “Cosmo Kids, the Next Generation”
Revamped Media Ministry: using Social Media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, YouTube and email access
Introduced Praise and Worship Team
Introduced Electronic Giving via GIVELIFY & Cash App
Created the Comfort Ministry to help those who are facing grief
Focused on Capital Improvement Campaign Sundays to have directed donations for major church repairs
Initiated accelerated church mortgage payments, which allowed the mortgage to be paid off 12/31/2018? EXPANDING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Dr. Clopton created PROJECT H.O.P.E.: HELPING OUR PEOPLE EXCEL which is a focused means of community outreach which evolved into several worthy projects, including the following projects, many of which are ongoing throughout the year:
H.O.P.E. Back to School Cookout where more than 400 people were fed and more than 200 book bags, filled with school supplies were distributed during the first year. This event continued for its third year in August 2019; Thanksgiving Outreach at St. Matthew House: a shelter for the homeless; Primo Center for Families #4, transitional homeless shelter, where donations of toiletries, household cleaning products and clothing for women, men and children were provided; Collection of and donation of men’s underwear and socks to a men’s transitional shelter; Collection and donation of water for victims of Hurricane Harvey; Provided Job Readiness Seminars for the community; Re-instituted Family Fun Night – Movies, games and open mic. Everyone is invited to this free activities.
