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 HISTORY OF CAMPBELL’S CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

The Beginning

It was about five years after the Civil War, February 8, 1870, that a small group of former slaves, now free men and women, free to worship God as they pleased, came together and purchased an acre of land from Henry Parker and his wife, Fannie (White), for the sum of fifty dollars upon which to build a house of worship. Edmond Pierce, Tim Allen, Robert Denson, and Dean Edwards were signees and the first trustees of the Church. Others, too many to mention by name, played a large part in making the foundation for the church we have today. After a prolonged period of worshipping God under a Bush Harbor, the group was led by Reverend A. A. Bailey to build a little house of worship from slabs. It was named Bailey’s Chapel for their first pastor, and it also served as a schoolhouse for their children.

Through the Years

Growth in membership during the administrations of Reverends Arthur, Lloyd, and Shureman prompted the need for a larger building. Guided by the spirit of God and inspired by the pastor, Reverend Thomas, another chapel was built in 1884. It was dedicated and named Campbell’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for Bishop J. P. Campbell, the eighth Bishop of the A. M. E. Church. A succession of commendable ministers followed, including Reverends Smith, Thomas, Govan, Lewis, and Garner who served our church well from 1886 to 1895. It was during the tenure of Reverend J. W. Overton, from 1898 to 1899, that the property across the road from the old structure was purchased to build the first parsonage. Under the leaderships of Reverends G. Williams and J. Duckett between 1899 and 1906, payments were completed on the parsonage, the church was renovated, and one acre of land in Rascoe Neck was purchased to build another Church. Reverends Wilson and Jones pastored our church from 1906 to 1911. In 1911, Reverend W. K. Howerton came and the Church was remodeled and enlarged with the addition of a choir loft and belfry. From 1914 to January 1943, Reverends Saunders, Sears, Blake, Moore, Foster, Harmon, Young, Beckett, Shaw, Davis, Jones, Long, and Presiding Elder W. E. Davis led our Church. Reverends Middleton and Hicks pastored Campbell’s Chapel from 1943 until Annual Conference in May 1947. Reverends Thomas, Howerton, and Fields served our Church from 1947 to 1955. Under Reverend C. L. Smith’s administration (1955-1958,) the present parsonage was built. Reverends Bell, Wallace, and Lee were appointed between 1958 and 1965. Reverend W. A. Gray was pastor from 1965 to 1967 and plans were made for the building of a new Church leading to the creation of the Campbell’s Chapel Building Fund Drive. After Reverend Gray’s tenure, Reverend D. D. Makell served from May until October 1967.

Phase Two of our building drive was launched during the administration of Reverend W. H. Grant, Jr. (1967-1972). An impressive ground breaking ceremony as held and our fund grew to a total of $21,000.00. Reverend J. F. Mason (1972-1978) was sent to us and Phase Three—the building of our new Church began. After many prayers and hard work, our Church was completed. Sunday, November 18, 1973, led by Presiding Elder C. E. Johnson and Reverend Mason, the congregation marched from the old building to the new building chanting “We’re Marching to Zion.” This was truly a day of much comfort and happiness to the Campbell’s Chapel Church family. Reverend R. C. Pittman served as our pastor from 1978 to 1979.

During Reverend L. E. Scott’s first tenure from 1979 to 1981, we launched a Mortgage Liquidation Drive and God blessed us to succeed in this endeavor. On December 7, 1980, the Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held with Bishop John Hurst Adams officiating and delivering the message, “From Mortgage to Mission.” Reverend Scott also implemented and actively participated in our Cemetery Beautification Program. The Memorial Fund was established to provide money for the continued upkeep and beautification of the Cemetery.

Reverend E. Terrell was assigned to us from May to October 1981. Following his term, Reverend L. E. Scott was reassigned to our Church for four more years. In January 1985, we launched a long-range Church Improvement Drive and celebrated our One Hundred Fifteenth Church Anniversary in November with special anniversary services and a souvenir journal. Reverend L. A. Cousin was our pastor from 1986 to 1987. During his administration, more church improvements were made including upholstering the pews, installing new carpet in the Sanctuary, and paving the Church parking lot. Reverend V. L. Ricks, Sr. came to us in May 1987 and we continued our Church improvements and reorganizing where the need arose. New lights were installed in the Sanctuary, the Pastor’s study was renovated, ceiling fans were installed in the Choir Loft, and a new roof was put on the Church. Also during Reverend Ricks’ administration, the Gospel Choir was organized, Wednesday Night Bible Study/Prayer Service was reactivated, Tutorial/Mentor Program began, and the Scholarship Fund was initiated. The Youth Department’s “Stepping for Christ” Step Team” for ages six through nineteen was started, Bibles and Hymnals were bought for the entire Church, and the Ricks/Newby Golden Age Choir was organized. A successful drive was launched to complete payment on the loan. We celebrated the Loan Liquidation Debt Retirement with an impressive program on April 28, 1996 with Presiding Elder Paul Clifford Adkins delivering the sermon. Reverend H. E. Jefferson was assigned to our Church on May 11, 1997 with a vision that included technologically preparing us for the new millennium. We purchased a computer system, acquired financial management and membership software, obtained Internet service, and upgraded the copier. Those advances enabled us to be more informed and better organized. Various programs were implemented during Reverend Jefferson’s tenure, such as, a Church Library System, Angel Ministry, Endowment Fund, Ministry to Women, Campbell’s Chapel Methodist Men’s Club, Honors and Academics Club, H. E. Jefferson Women’s Club, and the Praise Dancers. Other innovations during this period included the placement of security lights around the Church, installation of a security alarm system, construction of a sign with flowers at the cemetery entrance, and surveying of the cemetery acreage.

Campbell's Chapel Today

Our current pastor, Reverend L. R. Daughtry came to us in May 2000 with much enthusiasm and excitement. Under Reverend Daughtry’s leadership, we started an additional Adult Sunday School class, initiated “Acts of Love” fellowship for members’ bereaved families, and launched a Building Fund Drive. On October 27, 2001, Rev. Delores P. Wooten was ordained at the Mid-Year Conference. She became our first Local Ordained Deacon and first female minister. We also erected a memorial plaque on the old Church steps at the Cemetery where we hold Annual Memorial Day service. We purchased a new computer system and a new copier, installed new lights in the choir loft, and placed additional fluorescent lights in the Fellowship Hall. Other new programs that began include Rev. Little People’s Choir (RLP), Floral Club, Hospitality Committee, Softball Team, and the Summer Youth Excursion Program that annually takes a week-long trip. In 2005, a complete record of the Cemetery’s grave marker inscriptions was documented by the Gravesite Survey Task Force. This information, along with digital photographs of selected markers with intrinsic artistic and/or historic value, will be placed in a database that will become part of a formal Archeological Survey.

Most recently, Phase One of the Church expansion/renovation project was implemented. A new roof, gutters, facial board, trim, and eaves were installed and cosmetic improvements, including painting, were made in the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and auxiliary rooms. We know that our work in the Lord’s house is never finished. While working in God’s service, we are climbing Jacob’s ladder with every round going higher and higher. We are striving to achieve greater participation, growth, faithfulness, and love among all members for each other and for our Church. Our journey has not always been bright, but we can truthfully say, “Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come, that it was grace that brought us safe thus far and grace will lead us on.” God has been our guide through the years. We will continue with God as our Divine leader as we labor in his vineyard until that great day when He says, “Well done thou good and faithful servants.”

The church has a facebook page located at CCAME Church, Carrollton VA Facebook

 Church Information  The Right Reverend A.J. Richardson, Presiding Bishop

Reverend James P. Beatty, Presiding Elder

Reverend L. R. Daughtry, Pastor

Reverend Delores P. Wooten, Local Decon

Sunday School 9:30am

Sunday Morning Worship Service 11:00am

Holy Communion First Sunday

Address

20279 Brewers Neck Blvd, Carrollton, VA 23314-9702

Phone

1 757.238.2246