In the first decade of the 21st Century, Andrew Chapel continues to move forward with abundant blessings and the graciousness of God. Much has been accomplished because of Him; yet a special urgency to forge ahead with the commission God commands of us reminds us to keep our eyes focused on the purpose for our being. To that end, we forever give endless thanks to God for a glorious past as rich as that of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church.
Our History
The History of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church
With God as their guiding spirit and source of strength, dreams of a place for worship became a reality when a small group of dedicated families started Andrew Chapel Baptist Church in 1889. Sharing a deep abiding faith in God manifested through worshipful gatherings beneath the shelter of what was called a “Bush Harbor,” prayers of thanks and songs of praise gave birth to the first edifice.
An existing record shows that early leaders came up with the idea for starting Andrew Chapel, including Deacon Andrew Hasben who donated the land on which the “Bush Harbor” was located. As the faithful families continued to gather for worship, God continued to bless Andrew Chapel and growth in membership prompted the need to purchase land to build a church.
After 37 years of worship beneath the “Bush Harbor,” the congregants’ desire for a church structure became a reality when their first framed structure was built on Big Buck Boulevard in 1926.
The next house of worship was built in 1971 under the leadership of the late Pastor Leroy Taylor. As God’s blessings continued to be evidenced by constant growth in membership and resources, that mortgage was burned eight years later, on September 15, 1979
From its modest and very humble beginnings in 1889 through July 1995, Andrew Chapel had eleven pastors. They were the late Pastors Ancrum, N. C. Nix, H. D. Sharperson, W. K. Rickenbacker, Thomas Owens, Eddie Davis, Jethro Toomer, J. J. Abney, H. W. White, L. M. Tyler, and Leroy Taylor. We remember these men with enormous appreciation for their hard work and commitment laid the foundation for the church’s longevity and rich legacy that continue today well into the 21st Century.
As it is written in Jeremiah 3:15, “. . . I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you knowledge and understanding,” Andrew Chapel was blessed with its twelfth pastor in July 1995 when God sent Pastor Donald E. Greene, Jr. Pastor Greene not only came with an anointing from God but also with his vision and a goal-oriented plan which encompassed mission and work that would span his first ten years at Andrew Chapel. As the number of worshipers continued to blossom, the need for a larger church to accommodate a growing membership became an urgent priority on Pastor Greene’s action plan.
With a vision that also included a new facility to house the Andrew Chapel Christian Academy, an independent school open to children in Pre K-3 through 6th grade was established in 1998 and accredited in 1999.
Prayers for a new site were answered in 1999 when 33 acres of land were purchased on Highway 301 North, Five Chop Road.
Under Pastor Greene’s leadership, plans for a new building commenced. The 33-acre property includes a five-acre pond, a two-story house that serves as the Andrew Chapel House of Ministries, and the present modern edifice. The edifice is an 18,000 square-foot building that includes a seating capacity of 700 for the congregation, 5 spacious aisles, an 80-seat choir stand, a spacious vestibule, a nursery, a reception area in a three-office suite, and a design conducive to the addition of balcony seating.
On Sunday, April 29, 2001, only four days after leading the Andrew
Chapel Church family in a 24-hour prayer fast in preparation for the dedication of the new building and to thank God for His many blessings, as well as devoted energies and commitment of many, the first official worship service was held in the current edifice. The dedication services for the beautiful brick building were held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2001.
The second phase of construction on Pastor Greene’s action plan began in 2002. On April 11, 2004, the Andrew Chapel Church family and friends gathered to thank God for His continuing blessings and to dedicate the Andrew Chapel Baptist Church Fellowship Center to Him. This 9,800 square foot multi-purpose facility houses the Andrew Chapel Christian Academy and Sunday School. It has 11 classrooms, a combined computer lab/library, a full-service kitchen with a pantry, a multi-media center, and an open area that is used as the school’s cafeteria and banquet center. The facility has a 300 seat capacity that is used for community seminars, workshops, graduation ceremonies, children’s functions, and other church-related fellowship activities. To God Be The Glory for this marvelous space that’s used to nurture fellowship among the Saints.
Today the membership at Andrew Chapel has increased to over 500. An increase is also evident in the education, training, discipleship, special interests, and service ministries. There is surely much for everyone to do.