The Gary District of the CME Church has a great history and one that has birth many leaders and ministries that has blessed the CME Church and the communities where many of the churches are located. In 1958, Bishop J. Claude Allen was assigned to the Third Episcopal District of the CME Church.  Because of Bishop Allen’s commitment to church growth, the areas in and surrounding Gary Indiana grew. It was during Bishop Allen’s tenure that the Michigan/Indiana Region was formed. The region would consist of all churches in the North part of Indiana and all churches west of Battle Creek Michigan.  Out of that formation, the Gary District would be birthed. The churches would consist of Israel, St. James, Carter Memorial, Layman Chapel, St. Mark, Allen Chapel, J. Claude Allen, Metropolitan and Wheeler Chapel. Rev. Samuel A Sea, was appointed as the first Presiding Elder.  Since that time, the Gary District has become a major voice in the Third Episcopal District and continues to maintain the commitment to ministry first started by Bishop Allen. The district is grateful to the many elders, pastors, ministers and laity, who have utilized their gifts and graces to make the Gary District what it is today.  As we move forward into the future, our prayer is that the Gary District continues to grow as a district and look forward to where God is going to take us.