The Black Church Foundations of Faith: The Early Pillars

Founded by: Reverend Clarence Mickens and a small circle of community elders.

Corinth Missionary Baptist was established in 1928 as a spiritual home for Black laborers and families who moved to Alamogordo during the town’s early growth. Its influence was immediate and multi-faceted:

The Schoolhouse Church: For decades, Corinth was synonymous with education. It was the site of the Corinth School (often called the Delaware School), the primary educational facility for Black children in the city. The church and the school shared the same philosophy: that spiritual liberation was impossible without intellectual growth.

Cultural Hub: During the 1930s and 40s, when local public facilities were often restricted or unwelcomed for Black residents, Corinth served as the main auditorium for the community. It hosted graduations, political meetings, and "Silver Teas" (social fundraisers) that supported local families.

Decades of Influence: Under long-term leadership, including Reverend James E. Forney who led it for 33 years (recently deceased), the church has transitioned from a site of survival to a site of leadership. After the integration of schools in 1950, the church purchased the school building from the city, literally building its future on the foundation of its educational past.

Founded by: A group of local families seeking a connection to the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) tradition.

Owen Chapel was organized in the mid-1930s and officially formally recognized in 1939. Its founding was a testament to the "kitchen table" movement—the earliest services were held in the private homes of members who were determined to bring a Methodist presence to Otero County.

A Tradition of Justice: Following the AME motto, "God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family," Owen Chapel became a center for civic advocacy.

Civic Integration: The church has a long history of encouraging its members to participate in local government. This legacy is personified by Pastor Warren Robinson (now retired), who served the church for over two decades. His work in the pulpit was a direct bridge to his work as an Alamogordo City Commissioner, ensuring that the needs of the Black community were heard at City Hall.

Kwanzaa and Culture: For years, Owen Chapel has been the city’s primary host for Kwanzaa celebrations, keeping African heritage alive through cultural education and community fellowship.

Founded by: Mother Ella Jackson and Elder L.R. Malone.

While Corinth and Owen Chapel were early Baptist and Methodist anchors, Holy Temple COGIC holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Pentecostal Black churches in the region.

Humble Origins: It was founded in 1924, starting in a makeshift space literally situated between two houses on West 17th Street.

Spiritual Fire: For over a century, Holy Temple has 

provided a high-energy, spirit-filled worship tradition that attracted families from across the Tularosa Basin.

Modern Resilience: Currently led by Pastor Mark Anthony Phillips, the church remains a vocal advocate for the "fundamentals of faith" while adapting to modern outreach through digital ministry and youth mentoring.

In the present day, these churches no longer operate in isolation. They form what local leaders call a "Spiritual Coalition."

The New Generation: Leadership from established churches works closely with newer ministries, such as New Covenant Worship Center (led by Pastor Johnnie Walker). This collaboration has shifted the church’s role from a "safe house" for the Black community to a "service center" for all of Alamogordo.

Joint Initiatives: Over the last decade, these churches have partnered to lead city-wide food drives, Martin Luther King Jr. Day marches, Juneteenth Celebrations and the "Back to School" rallies that provide supplies for local students regardless of race or background.

The Legacy of 1950: The churches remain the keepers of history, reminding the city that Alamogordo desegregated its schools in 1950—four years before the national mandate of Brown v. Board of Education. This spirit of being "ahead of the curve" in justice is a point of pride frequently preached from these pulpits and a history lesson not to be erased 75 years later. 
 

1924: Mother Ella Jackson & Elder L.R. Malone (Holy Temple COGIC)

Contribution: Established the first Pentecostal presence for Black residents. They provided a spiritual home for domestic workers and laborers during a time of strict social codes, creating a "safety net" for newly arrived families from the South.

1928: Reverend Clarence Mickens (Corinth Missionary Baptist)

Contribution: Founded the church and helped establish the Corinth School (Delaware School). He was instrumental in ensuring that Black children had access to education within the protective walls of the church environment, laying the groundwork for the community's future professionals.

1930s: Founding Families of Owen Chapel (AME)

Contribution: Families like the Gregorys (for whom the current Gregory Guest House is named) founded Owen Chapel to bring the AME tradition of intellectualism and social justice to Otero County. They focused on "elevating the race" through literacy and civic awareness.

1950: The Transition to Integration Contribution: During this time, unnamed local pastors worked alongside Coach Rolla Buck to peacefully integrate Alamogordo High School four years before the national Brown v. Board of Education ruling. This proactive stance prevented the violence seen in other parts of the country.

1991 – 2025: Reverend James E. Forney (Corinth Missionary Baptist)

Contribution: A retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, Pastor Forney was arguably one of the most decorated civic leaders in Alamogordo.

Specific Impacts:

Served as President of the Otero Branch of the NAACP.

Led the United Way of Otero County as President.

Mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters for 13 years.

Served as a spiritual counselor to city mayors and was a key voice in naming MLK Drive near the historic Corinth School site.

2003 – 2023: Pastor Warren L. Robinson (Owen Chapel AME)

Contribution: Known for his "Ministry of Inclusion," Pastor Robinson transformed Owen Chapel into the most diverse congregation in the city.

Specific Impacts:

Served as the Police and Hospital Chaplain, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the Black community.

In 2023, he was elected as an Alamogordo City Commissioner, directly representing a diverse community in local government.

Restored "The Gregory House" as a community guesthouse and resource center.

Present Day: Pastor Johnnie L. Walker (New Covenant Worship Center)

Contribution: Represents the "Next Generation" of the Black Alamogordo church.

Specific Impacts: Focused on non-traditional outreach, using technology significant social media You Tube presence and street-level ministry to reach at-risk youth. He serves as a vital link between the historic traditions of the older churches and the needs of modern, urban Alamogordo.

Present Day: Pastor Mark Anthony Phillips (Holy Temple COGIC)

Contribution: A veteran of the US Air Force, Pastor Phillips emphasizes the "foundation of faith" while serving on various community boards, ensuring that the COGIC tradition remains a relevant pillar for the city’s military and civilian families alike.