Transcription of an original handwritten document

dated Sunday, Sept 28, 1947

History of Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church

From 1909 to 1946

In January, 1909 the Reverend L. Oliver called together five persons, namely Sylvanus Smith, Lester Pitts, W.M. Pritchett, Sister Lula Carswell, and Pearl Nickols, organized the Edgewood Mission in a little “shot gun” house right in the back of the schoolhouse.. And then we went from there to a tent in the flat now known as Maronia Street. Now our membership had grown to seven with sisters Della Smith and Bessie Mae Bell. The church was chartered Smith Chapel AME Church in honor of one of its founders, Sylvanus Smith with full recognition of the contributions of all founders and to the glory of God.
 
We labored for two years. We stayed with the assistance of St. Philipp’s members that lived out in this section, namely Bro and sister Paul Hamilton, Sister Anna Gaither and Fannie White and one of Turner Monumental members Sister Arleaner Reese.
 
Then Rev. Johnson came, we stood still for one year. We had a wonderful Presiding Elder, Dr. Branch. When we did not have a pastor he would come to us through the week, Sunday evening and kept us encouraged. Then Rev. G. E Curry came to us. Our membership increased and we moved from the tent to Mayson Ave. in Sister Easter Oliver’s yard. She had joined us and did not charge any rent.
 
Rev. Curry put on a rally with Bro Smith, Pitts, Pritchett, sisters Lula Carswell, Pearl Nickels, Rosa Lee Gaither, Della Smith, Bessie Bell, Esater Oliver and with the help of St. Philipp’s members we raised $300 and purchased a lot and built the front of the church on Acton St. At that time we were worshipping under a bush arbor right behind the frame. We worked and prayed and rallied and raised $300 more dollars and were getting ready to start weather boarding. Then Rev. Curry left the state and he stayed away so long we lost out but we did not stop there.
 
We struggled on in tents and houses. Then Rev. G.W Washington came. Bishop Flipper purchased a place on Hardee, a store. We served there a number of years. Then Bishop Flipper left the state, we lost out. Then Rev. Asberry Williams came and stayed a while and left before Conference. Rev. Oliver came onto the faith and looked forward, when the Lord would come to our relief.

The Rev. E.H. Senior came to us and stayed ten years and built this edifice in which we now serve (Foote Street site), (The church became a spiritual pillar of the Edgewood community. Rev, N.H. Scott served as assistant to many pastors.) We are still struggling onward and upward. During 37 years we have had the following Pastors and Presiding Elders:

Twenty-two pastors were assigned to the church during the period from 1929 until 1975.These ministers include, but are not limited to the following: Reverends Patterson, Foley, Riley, W.C. Davis, Peck, McClendon, Carlos Mathis May (1937), Williams, Mitchell, Broomfield, Shiver, Presiding Elders who served during this period Drs. Branch, McFalance, William, Clark, Batter, Lawrence, and R.C. Roman.

History of Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church

From 1947 to 2008

From 1949 through 1972 pastors came and left. The church continued in its mission to respond to the Christian Commission taking seriously the African Methodist Episcopal theme: God our father, Christ our Redeem and man our brother. The church prevailed.
 
November, 1973 proved to be a milestone in our church history. Reverend Lonnie Young was assigned as pastor of our church. Under his dedicated service and leadership we witnessed the mighty works that God enabled us to accomplish.
 
The Urban Renewal program rezoned the area and bought the church property. Rev. Young provided exemplary leadership and gave tireless physical labor in the completion of a new church building.

Rev. Young taught us what working together really meant. His leadership sustained us through serious obstacles and set backs. The frame was completed (but) because of some faulty construction the entire (thing) fell to the ground. Rev. Young encouraged us to press forward. Weeks later a storm caused a tree to fall destroying a major portion of the building.
 
Rev. Young inspired us to keep the faith and we did. Rev. Young was a spiritual role model for the members. Through him we saw on a daily basis an example of the true meaning of a committed life. Dedication service for our present site At 183 Mayson Avenue was held on July 28, 1974.
 
Following the Young years, Rev. J.A. Clayton (1975-78), Rev. L.T. Howell (1978-82), served as pastors. Rev. Young’s legacy strongly influenced our progress.
 
The church succeeded from the AME Connection in 1982. Rev. O.W. DeVaughn served as pastor. In July1983, through a spirit of reconciliation led by Bishop Frederick Tolbert Smith Chapel was reinstated into the Connection.
 
Reverend Kenneth Edward Marcus served as pastor from June 12, 1983 until May, 1988. Accomplishments during his tenure include increased membership, burned the church mortgage, purchased a van, renovated the fellowship hall, restored church rental property, and paved the parking lot.
 
Five pastors: Rev. Terrance Gray (1988-90), Rev. Walter Reynolds (1990-92), Rev. Delman Smith (1992-93), Rev. James Butler (1993-95), Rev. Phillip Bannamon (1995-97), Rev. Ben Fortson (1997-98) and Rev. William Pope (1998-2008) served our church in subsequent years.
 
On the fourth Sunday, May 25, 2008 Pastor Toni Belin Ingram began her pastoral tenure at Greater Smith Chapel. With her assignment we experienced a new hope, a new promise and a new pastor. She has ignited a spiritual revival in the hearts of members and an excitement about kingdom building.
 
Greater Smith Chapel continues to be a source of inspiration to and beacon of hope for the people of the Edgewood, Kirkwood community. Our church family has endured many hardships, enjoyed victories, celebrated births and deaths, joined lives together and most importantly the church has saved souls and shared the joy of Jesus. We have come a long way and are thankful that we serve a God who answers prayer.

We remain faithful, committed, and proud of our noble heritage. We hope that Smith Chapel will always be a place where all can come to have their spirits lifted and their needs met. We, with God, go forth conquering and to conquer. We look back with gratitude; we look forward with great expectations!