Garrett Biblical Institute 1948

First National President of “Black Methodists for Church Renewal,” and Former Senior Pastor, St. Mark United Methodist Church, Chicago, Illinois

For nearly 30 years, Rev. Dr. Maceo D. Pembroke, Sr. served as pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago. Having come to St. Mark in 1947 as a student assistant, Dr. Pembroke served as the first national president of Black Methodists for Church Renewal. While pastor at St. Mark UMC, he laid the groundwork for the formation of the St. Mark Manor, a senior-citizen housing facility, presently located in the Chatham community.

Rev. Pembroke also served for a number of years various United Methodist general boards and agencies, including the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Conference on Finance and Administration, the Board of Ministry, and the Council on Finance and Administration of the Northern Illinois Conference.

A graduate of the University of California and Philander Smith College, he was heavily involved in civic and social work, including activities with Operation PUSH (Chicago). He graduated from Garrett Seminary in 1947 and was awarded an honorary degree from his alma mater in 1979. A trustee of Garrett-Evangelical, he was a key figure and leader in the founding and direction of CBE and, over the course of his career, inspired more than 30 young people to enter the ministry.

Dr. Pembroke was a renaissance man: pastor, teacher, mentor, Christian leader, civil-rights advocate, and social activist. Through his life and career, he was devoted to the mission of the church and an inspiration to colleagues and students. His life of service to the church and seminary were a model of integrity and devotion to the cause of theological education and service to the Black church and community.