Christian Chapel Baptist Church History

     In the year 1899, Christian Chapel Baptist Church was organized under the name of Jaw Bone Baptist church. At this time, the church did not have a bell. In order to notify the community they had to beat on a sweep. 

     The first pastor was Rev. Allen Hooper, who served for two years and was called to rest. The second pastor was Rev. Jeff McKesson, who served for three years. After this time, service was rendered by Rev. York Brock and Rev. Ed Williams. Rev. Willie Benderson was elected as the third pastor. Under his leadership, the church adopted a new name, Christian Chapel Baptist Church. During this administration, there were six deacons named: Deacon Willie Harris, Deacon Frank Brock, Deacon Buddy Harris, Deacon Wyatt Smith, Deacon Richard Smith, and Deacon Borden Gibbs.  Additional deacons named after this time were Deacon Jimmy Smith, Deacon Walter Henderson, Deacon Willie Jones, Deacon Robert Jeffries, Deacon John Robinson, Deacon George James, Deacon Silas James, Deacon Joe Feggin, and deacon Alex Smith, Sr.  

     In 1909, Christian Chapel was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1912 by Deacon Richard Smith. Reverend Willie Benderson, remained pastor until the early 1920’s. Following Reverend Benderson’s departure, several ministers visited and served the congregation. Two of these were Rev. G. L. Nickles and Rev. Richardson. Ministerial stability was provided by the fourth pastor, Rev. Willie Rowser who served for a short time. 

     In 1956, the church elected their fifth pastor, Rev. C. H. Williams, who served until 1959. The sixth pastor, Rev. Thomas, served only a short time. The seventh pastor to serve Christian Chapel was Rev. N. R. Rowser. In July of 1960, the church was moved to Monroe Street. Rev. Rowser served until his health failed. The eighth pastor to serve was Rev. Giben, who served only a short time. 

     Following Rev. Giben’s departure, the church elected their ninth pastor, Rev. L. H. Evans. He served until his death in 1978. During Rev. Evans’ administration, Brother Barry James and Brother Williams Scott were ordained as Deacons.

     During the latter part of 1978, Rev. James Brown was elected as the tenth pastor of Christian Chapel. During his leadership, the church grew and expanded. The kitchen, bathrooms and classrooms were added to the building. After serving for four years, Rev. Brown decided to pastor closer to his home in Tuscaloosa. Following Rev. Brown’s administration, the church was again without a pastor and was visited by Rev. Massey and Rev. T. Evans. It was not until Rev. M. A. Walker visited that the church held an election. Rev. Walker was elected as the eleventh pastor. He served for three years. During his term, two brothers were ordained as Deacons: Deacon Willie B. Winters and Deacon James Maxwell. Rev. Walker resigned shortly thereafter. 

     In July of 1985, Rev. Freddie D. Moore was elected as the twelfth pastor. Under his leadership, the Sunday School increased by forty new members. A bible class was organized, the Missionary Society became active, three brothers were ordained as Deacons: Deacon Thomas Chandler, Deacon John Ransom and Deacon Gary Smith. The Deacon Board continued to grow with the addition of Deacon Julian Murdock. Numerous auxiliaries were established, among them were A Junior Choir, the Sunbeam Choir, The Male Chorus, the Junior Usher Board, the Sunbeam Usher Board, a Newsletter staff and Pastor’s Aid Society. The Deaconess Board was also reactivated. Improvements made in the kitchen which included a new stove and air conditioning and heating units. A private bathroom and private telephone line was installed in the Pastor’s Study which was physically moved to the rear of the church. The Fellowship Hall was furnished with new chars which were donated by the members. Also, during this administration, the church mortgage was paid in full. A Scholarship Fund was also established to assist some of the less fortunate members further their education beyond high school. 

    In 1988, building improvements made included roof repairs, major plumbing work and the installation of new carpet in the sanctuary. 

    In 1989, the membership increased by six new members. 1990 saw the addition of sixteen new members. The membership again increased by thirty-four members in 1992. Also during this year, the church hosted its first Gospel Festival, purchased property (four lots) and later decided to use this property for a new church site.

     In 1993, the membership increased by eight members. The kitchen Deacon Willie Winters, was remodeled. A Trustee Board was organized and consisted of Deacon Barry James, Deacon John Ransom, Deacon Gary Smith, Brother Henry Winters, Brother Grady Kelly, Brother William Smith, Brother Eddie Turner, Sister Loretta Moore, Sister Ann Neal Turner, Sister Lena James and Sister Susie Drake. 

     In 1994, the church membership again increased by eighteen new members and the church became incorporated. The church body decided to relocate to the west side of Demopolis and build a new church. Brother Julius Rembert was hired as the general contractor for the new church building. In October 1994, the loan was approved for construction of the new church. On October 16, 1995, the Trustee Board presented to the congregation the option of purchasing additional property that was contiguous to the initially purchased lots.

     On Saturday, January 13, 1996, the church members, friends, and visitors marched from the old church site to the new location at 500 West Decatur Street. Entering the new sanctuary began a week of dedicatory services. The initial services minister was Rev. Walter L. Robinson who was joined by the Plumgrove Baptist Church Family of Tuscaloosa, AL. Saturday and Sunday, Rev. Major Burrell and the Peace Baptist Church dedicated the new church building. The dedicatory services continued through Friday night, January 16, 1996. The new Christian Chapel Baptist Church included a sanctuary which seats approximately 400, six classrooms, a fully furnished Fellowship Hall, a kitchen, a nursery, five bathrooms, a Pastor’s study, a Clerical office, a Baptismal pool and arrival Hood over 2,000 square feet.

     In 1996, the membership increased by thirteen new members. On April 13, 11997, the Cornerstone Service was held. October 31, 1997 saw the addition of Deacon Tony Pittman to the Deacon Board and an increase in the church membership of twenty-five new members.

     In 1997, the church chartered a van, and for the first time in its history, over 20 members traveled to Houston, Texas to the National Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Union (BTU). Also in 1997, the vision of the life center was received with clarity by the pastor. In August 31, 1996, the Trustee and Deacon Boards made a recommendation to the church members to build a Family Life Center.

     On September 16, 1998, the church members gave approval for the building of the Family Life Center. In November, 1998, the loan was approved to build the Center. The year of 1998 concluded with the addition of forty-three new members to the Christian Chapel Baptist Church family.

     In March, 1999, the foundation was laid for the family Life Center, a building that would be some 20,000 square feet. In July, 1999, Eastern Star Baptist Church combined with Christian Chapel for morning worship services. This was an insurmountable feat for the ministerial community.

     The Christian Chapel Church family grew by forty-five members from January 1999 to November 1999. Under Pastor Fred Moore’s leadership of Christian Chapel, two hundred eleven members joined the church family between 1985 and 1999.