In 1898, this church was found by the Rev. J. Robinson. For thirty-years the Church was known as Robinson Chapel, named after the founder. Robinson Chapel was located approximately 100 yards behind the existing building to the left of the cemetery. The land was loaned to Robinson Chapel by the Taylor family of Winnabow. They released all rights to the land if the activities on the land remained Church related.
In 1928, the Church’s name was changed to Christian Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, this name was taken from the original name given to St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Wilmington, NC in 1865. In 1882, St. Luke was then named its present name. Christian Chapel AME Zion leadership at the time it was renamed consisted of the Rev. A. J. Hooper and The Board of Trustees members including brothers Ervin Harrison, Willie Holden, Charlie Holden. Dave Holden, Arthur G. Bellamy, and Rev. John L. Allen. The old church remained in that same location for 37 years.
During these years many souls were saved, and many souls were revived. Those seeking Christ went to the moaner’s bench and would remain there until the Holy Spirit came upon them, even if it took all night. The mothers of the Church would sometimes go home and make coffee to return and find the moaners still on their knees. The moaners were praying for the Lord to come into their hearts.
The first choir was established in 1958 under the leadership of the Rev. J.J. Vaught. Sister Mary Lou Williams was the first choir president and succeed by Sisters Estelle Drayton, Faye Hankins, Coretha Holden, Velva Jenkins and currently Loretta James. Sisters Alfaya Holden and Bessie Bounsell were the first ordained deaconess with sisters Mary Bellamy and Elizabeth Kelly succeeding. Currently, sisters Vesta Ree Bellamy, Eva Bell, Willa Clarida, Loretta James, and Coretha Holden (Emeritus) are serving on The Deaconess Board.
Most of these brothers and sisters have gone on home to heaven. Down through the years Christian Chapel has had many pastors. Here are a few of Christian Chapel’s pastors:
Rev. J. Robinson, Founder
Rev. Hooper
Rev. Johnny Johnson
Rev J.J. Vaught
Rev. Pridgen
Rev. George Burney
Rev. Harvey Bowens
Rev. Van S. Freeman
Rev. Benny Mallitt
Rev. George Hines
Rev. Walter Mapson
Rev. H. Brown
Rev. Welbon Cox
Rev. James Nichols
Rev. William Ballard
Rev. Morris Mitchell
Rev. Arnold Pearce
Rev. Jesse Davis
Rev. Carrenia Shaw
Rev. Karen G. McCracken, Present Pastor