Carpenter, Charles William
(born: 1886 - died: 1971)Charles W. Carpenter, born in Stanford, KY, was the son of Amanda and James Carpenter. In 1901, the family moved to Indianapolis, IN, a year after the death of James.
William worked at various jobs during the day and attend public school at night. He was the valedictorian of his 1909 graduating class at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute [now Tuskegee University]. He studied chemistry with Dr. G. W. Carver and was associated with Dr. B. T. Washington and his wife: during the summer of 1908, Carpenter worked at the Washington's summer home on Long Island. He studied theology at Wilberforce and Garrett Biblical Institute [now Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary], completing his studies in 1912.
Carpenter was a minister first in Detroit, later serving at churches in Minnesota, Indiana, and Illinois before settling in Ann Arbor, MI as pastor of the Second Baptist Church for 37 years. He retired on his 80th birthday in 1966.
Carpenter was recognized for his leadership in the community; the Common Council of Ann Arbor passed a resolution commending him for his outstanding community service. He had helped integrate the Ann Arbor Kiwanis and served on the board of directors. He was elected vice president and later president of the Ann Arbor Ministerial Association.
The Charles W. Carpenter Papers, 1909-1970, are at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan. For more see Second Baptist Church Centennial, 1865-1965, by the Second Street Baptist Church (Ann Arbor, MI); and Charles W. Carpenter at Bentley Historical Library website.