A Family Matter At Madry Temple Church

When I was putting together information on the churches of New London for this site, Madry Temple Church immediately struck me as having one of the most fascinating histories. After all, how often can you associate a church with watercycles?

The church dates back to the return of founder John R. Madry from service as a sergeant in the Army during World War II. He went into the ministry and eventually found himself in a small Howard Street church, located in a building that had formerly been used for the construction of those watercycles—a combination of a bicycle and boat. The church went from the brink of a collapse to a steady increase in members, and in 1978 it moved to its current location on Manwaring Street. The church has been a family affair since the elder Madry took charge; his son, Jack E. Madry, stepped into his shoes and has been the pastor since 1991.

Madry Temple Church may also be one of the diverse places of worship in the city. Madry said members have arrived from all different types of backgrounds and religions.

“The Bible says where there is unity, there is strength,” he said. “I didn’t want to be personified as a certain type of church. I wanted open doors and windows.”

Madry said he considers it his duty to spread the word of God, and that the cross-section of the community visible every week is a sign of success.

“It meant my message is getting out to all kinds of backgrounds,” he said. “It’s always a different mix of people.”

The church interior is reminiscent of an upset-down boat, the ceiling curving upward to a keel-like edge. At the raised portion in front of the church, a piano and set of drums were laid out. As the start of the service approached, an electric guitar and saxophone joined them.

The music is certainly one of the major strengths of the program. I was lucky enough to be there for a visit by Madry’s daughter, Nakia, who now lives in Virginia but contributes to the service when she is in New London. Her voice is amazingly beautiful and, coupled with the jazzy instrumentals offered by the church’s musicians in another song, the time dedicated to music left me wanting more. Still, the tunes are readily present for the offering and other portions of the service.

The religious lessons turned to some oldies but goodies. The scripture for the day was the famous 23rd Psalm, while Madry’s sermon turned to the story of the prodigal son. Madry said the story can be an analogy for one’s own prayers, noting how the titular son had gone from an attitude of avarice to one of contrition.

“God begins to work with you when you change your attitude from ‘give me’ to ‘make me’…‘make me one of your servants,’” said Madry.

Member Alvin Couloute, who has been in the church about five years, said he enjoys Madry’s lessons and his fellow parishioners.

“It helps me out a lot. It helps keep me in line,” he said. “Everything after that is a blessing.”

Longtime member Daisy Gray had a similar reason for attending the church.

“This is my second home,” she said. “It’s a good spirit here. It’s love shown, very spiritual, and the good word of God is being taught here.”

Services at Madry Temple Church take place at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays.