About Us
Church Staff
Pastor Elaura James-Read
Rev. ELaura Q. James-Reid is a third-generation pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the proud mother of Caura Reid. A sixth-generation CME member, Rev. James-Reid proudly continues her family’s legacy of faith and service.
A lifelong Memphian, Rev. James-Reid graduated as valedictorian and of the historic Manassas High School, where she was also crowned Miss Manassas. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Spelman College, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Memphis. She served more than 19 years as a middle school math educator and department chair with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, receiving recognition for excellence in teaching and educational leadership.
Her true passion, however, lies in ministry and advocacy. Rev. James-Reid is committed to servant leadership, preaching a gospel rooted in justice and grace, and standing against all forms of oppression and suppression. She actively partners with community and faith-based organizations such as the local branch of the NAACP, MICAH Memphis, Free the 901, and Churches United in Christ to advance equity and opportunity for marginalized communities.
Rev James Reid is currently enrolled at Perkins School of Theology as part of the teach-out plan from the now closed Memphis Theological Seminary, where she maintained straight A’s and was named the inaugural Autura Eason-Williams Memorial Scholar for her dedication to social justice. Recently, she was named Pastor of the Year for the First Episcopal District of the CME Church. Within the first, she serves as Administrative Assistant to her Presiding Elder, Chair of Social Concerns, and is the first female to serve on the Joint Board of Finance—continuing her lifelong commitment to faith, education, and community transformation.
