In 1938, Rev. W.L. Lee was appointed pastor of Clark Chapel.  On February 16, 1041, after two years of Rev. Lee’s dynamic leadership, dedication and hard work, the church changed its name to Saint Andre Methodist Church and moved to 2400 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO.  In just three years, the church raised money to pay off the mortgage on the Troost building, and on May 7, 1944, the congregation rejoiced in the burning of the mortgage.  Rev. Lee retired in 1952 after serving 14 years as an effective leader of Saint Andrew.

          Bishop E. W. Kelly appointed Rev. C.J. Gray, Sr. as pastor of Saint Andrew from1952 to 1957.  As one of Saint Adrew’s most beloved ministers, Rev. Gray used his organizational skills to set up the church according to the Book of Discipline of the Methodist Church.  An annual musical festival featuring choirs from various high schools was a special highlight in the life of the church.  Rev. Gray’s great love of people permeated the church and brought much change in the life of his parishioners.

          Rev. H.R.M. Hardiman was appointed to Saint Andrew from June 1957 to 1964.  Using his God-given, excellent skills as a carpenter and cabinet maker, Rev. Hardiman build an altar rail in the sanctuary and installed individual communion rails.

Bishop Matthew Clair, Jr. appointed Rev. Junious Hall as pastor from 1964 to 1967.  Rev. Hall was host pastor for the 1965 session of the Central West Conference.

From 1967 to 1968, Rev. Marshall Hodge served as Saint Andrew’s pastor.  Previously, Rev. Hodge served as Director of the Inner-City Parish.

In 1968, Saint Andrew Methodist Church became Saint Andrew United Methodist Church.  Rev. Raymond Hayes was appointed pastor of Saint Andrew from 1968 to 1970.

From 1970 to 1971, Rev. William Trampleasure was the pastor of Saint Andrew with this assignment marking a move towards racial inclusiveness in the Missouri Conference.

Rev. Roderick McLean served as pastor from 1971 to 1973.

Saint Andrew was the first charge of Rev. Maurice Major, who served as pastor from 1973 to 1975. Rev. Major worked well with the youth and organized a Christmas program that provided food, clothes, and presents for deserving children in the community.

Rev. Benjamin Broaden was assigned as pastor of Saint Andrew from 2976 to 1978.  Rev. Broaden and the congregation worked closely together and in a short time paid off some outstanding church debts.

On Tuesday, July 26, 1977 the church building on 2400 Troost Ave was completely destroyed by fire.  In 1978, Rev. Joseph Pilate became pastor, and together with the congregation, planned for securing a new church home.  With the help of Rev. Dr. Dean Case of St. Paul School of Theology, the congregation worshipped for two years until 1979 in the Anne Kresge Chapel at St. Paul.

Rev. C.J. Gray, Sr. returned to pastor Saint Andrew from 1979 to 1981. On Sunday, November 4th 1979, the congregation relocated and worshiped for the first time at its current location of 4601 Benton Boulevard, Kansas City, MO.  With Rev. Gray at the helm, the members were able to pay for the building in less than one year.

Rev. Ommie L. Nelms was appointed to Saint Andrew in 1981 and served as pastor until 1988.  On November 1st 1981, the cornerstone was dedicated at 4601 Benton Boulevard and was laid by the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Missouri with the Most Worshipful Grand Master Lawrence A. Jones in charge.  Under Rev. Nelms’ leadership, St. Andrew made much progress including acquiring a new public address system, new air conditioning in the sanctuary, prayer services, a Men’s Chorus, new collection plates, choir robes, acolytes’ uniforms, as well as organized the Golden Circle.

Rev. John Marshall was pastor from June 1988 to 1992.

Rev. Aaron Madondo served as St. Andrew’s pastor from 1992 to 1995.  Rev. Madondo and his family were from Zimbabwe, Southern Africa and brought a global aspect to his ministry and the members of St. Andrew.

Rev. Coleman McClain served as pastor from 1995 to 1997.

Rev. Ommie Nelms pastored St. Andrew for a second time from 1997 to 2002.  In November 2001, Rev. Nelms led the congregation to a meaningful celebration of St. Andrew’s 75th anniversary.

Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, III served as pastor from 2002 to 2004.

On October 1st 2004, Rev. Kevyn J. Amos was appointed to Saint Andrew, serving until June 2013.  Under his leadership, St. Andrew renovated its Fellowship Hall, upgraded the bathrooms, and made the building accessible and A.D.A compliant for people with disabilities

From June 2013 to 2014, Rev. David A. Gilmore and Rev. Jason Bryles, pastors of Centennial United Methodist Church, were appointed to Saint Andrew.  These two ministers provided pastoral care until July 21 2014 when Rev. Antonio Settles arrived from St. Louis, MO.  Under Rev. Settles’ leadership, Saint Andrew established Partners for Promise, a community connection with George Melcher Elementary School and Genesis School.  Rev. Settles led the renovation of the sanctuary and the church’s patio.

In July 2020, Rev. Jeffrey R. Williams, Ph.D. was appointed to Saint Andrew UMC.  Rev. William’s appointment began at the height of the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic, resulting in the need for streaming Sunday services virtually for over a year and a half.  As a sense of normalcy returned, while continuing to stream the Sunday online worship services, Rev. Williams continued to lead Saint Andrew to a return of in-person worship, weekly bible studies, Sunday School, and holiday festivals targeting neighborhood children.

For the past 20 years, St. Andrew has been steadfast in its commitment to serving the local community through a meaningful partnership with Harvesters Community Network. This enduring relationship is rooted in a shared vision: ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry and that dignity, nourishment, and hope are extended to all. St. Andrew’s Food Pantry stands as a vital lifeline for many individuals and families in our community. Every month, more than 400 seniors, families, and children receive nourishing food, a helping hand, and the assurance that they are not alone in facing hardship. The pantry’s doors are open week after week, welcoming those in need with respect and warmth.

In addition, under Rev. Williams’ leadership Saint Andrew has also upgraded its audio/visual equipment system with a new microphone system, a confidence screen, sound-return monitors and software to enhance the worship service. 

Rev. Williams seeks to build on Saint Andrew’s history of community engagement and outreach.  Together, Rev. Williams, Saint Andrew United Methodist Church and our entire congregation stands as a beacon of faith, community, and enduring service in our city—a vibrant congregation whose roots reach back almost a century.

As we approach our 99th Anniversary on November 16, 2025, and prepare for a grand Centennial Celebration beginning November 16, 2026 and culminating on November 15, 2027, the church finds itself reflecting not only on its rich history, but also envisioning a future filled with hope, promise, and renewed purpose. We thank The Lord for Rev. Williams leadership ushering in another 100 years for Saint Andrew United Methodist Church, its members and the community