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Martin's Chapel Baptist Church

History of Martin's Chapel

 ''All Roads Lead to Rome; 
All Roots Lead to Martin's Chapel Baptist Church.'' 

Since 1909

  • History of Martin's Chapel

    In the early 1900's, Reverend Willie Murray Wilson, a traveling minister, came to Alamance County to a community called Pleasant Grove, located off of Highway 119 in Mebane, North Carolina. Reverend Wilson, along with four other pioneers, brothers Joe Martin, Johue Martin, Julius Martin and Exodus Martin had a beautiful dream to organize a church. 

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    A generous landowner donated four acres of land nestled with huge oak trees. It would become the initial site for delivering "The Word".

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    Reverend Wilson preached under the trees when the weather permitted, and at other times traveled to various areas of North Carolina to preach his spiritual message. Later, doors opened for Reverend Wilson at the Durham School House, known later as the Martin School House, and today as Pleasant Grove School.

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    In 1909, the dream held by Reverend Wilson and the four Martin brothers became reality. A seed was sown with the divine guidance of God. Nurtured by the leadership of Reverend Wilson, the roots of the church sprouted and blossomed into Martin's Chapel Baptist Church. The church was named in honor of Samuel F. Martin, who had donated a portion of land for a burial ground. The church was initially a one-room wooden structure, where services were offered at least once a month. Reverend Willie Murray Wilson was named the founder and pastor of Martin's Chapel Baptist Church.

  • The Years During
    Reverend Willie M. Wilson's Ministry
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    Many people contributed to the growth of the church once its doors opened. Although early church records were destroyed by fire on June 24, 1918, some key historic information under the leadership of Reverend Wilson was preserved by those who helped to shape the development of the church, and provides us knowledge of the following: 

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    •    As early as 1915, it was recorded that Brother E. C. Martin served as the first clerk for one year, recording church developments and decisions. It is believed that Brother Bartimus Jeffries succeeded in the position.

    Others who served as church clerks, included Brothers A.W. Jeffries (1916-1917), Augustus V. Jeffries (1918-1922), Thomas Jones (1923-1955), and Alonzo Parker (1956-1965).

    • Brother John Dixon was licensed to preach (1917).

    • Ten men were ordained as Deacons. Brother Willie Burnette being the first ordained in 1918, followed by Brothers Lacy Burnette, Otis Burnett, Shephard Burnette, Walter Burnett, Augustus Jeffries, Bennie Lee Jeffries, Worth Jeffries, Thomas Jones, and Alonzo Parker.

    • Church Auxiliaries played a vital role in the spiritual life of the church. The first auxiliary, the Usher Board was established February 25, 1916, with the appointment of two ushers, Brothers B.J. Jeffries and Brother John Dixon. Nellie McAdams and Louise Burnette Corbett were appointed the first female ushers in 1940.

    • As membership increased, the number of ushers also grew. The Senior Missionary Circle was organized in 1948, as was the Senior Choir. Important to note, both auxiliaries continue to function strongly today, supporting the administrative policies of the church.

    • The Sunday School was organized, and Deacon Augustus Jeffries served as the teacher.

    • Church worship service was held on the second Sunday of each month. Revival service was held one week annually, with both afternoon and evening services.

    • In 1960, due to health concerns, Reverend Wilson resigned as church pastor. Guided by the Almighty God and scripture teachings from the Holy Bible, he established a church with a vision to nurture the religious needs of the congregation, while addressing the social and civic needs of the community.

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  • The Years During
    Reverend Andrew Chavis' Ministry
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    In 1961, Reverend Andrew Chavis, Assistant Pastor, began to serve the church in a ministerial capacity and in 1962, was elected as the second pastor of the church. 

    • Brother Joseph Parker was called by God into the ministry, licensed and ordained.

    • Brothers Tom Burnette and Hubert Graves were ordained as Deacons.

     

    Assisting the Pastor as Church Secretaries were the following:

    Deacon Alonzo Parker (1960 - 1965)

    Deacon Hubert Graves (1966 - 1973)

    Brother Elmer Jeffries (1974 - 1975)

    Brother Charlie Miles (1976 - 1977) 

    • The first Junior Missionary Circle was organized in 1963.

    • The Tempie of Light Choir, the Young Adult Choir, and the Male Choir were organized in 1971.

    • Plese Corbett served as the Sunday School Superintendent.

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  • The Years During
    Reverend Ronald H. Brooks' Ministry 
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    On April 8, 1977, Reverend Ronald H. Brooks was elected third pastor of Martin's Chapel Baptist Church, and served until 1993. 

    • Brothers Walter Burnette, Charlie Miles, and Jasper Jacobs were called into the ministry.

    • Brothers Coy Burnette, Claude Corbett,

    • Roger Dixon, Richard Enoch,Walter Miles and

    • Renaldo Watkins were ordained as Deacons.

    • Sister Cozette J. Jeffries was elected to serve as the first female Church Secretary (1977 - 2016).

    • Deacon Hubert Graves served as the Sunday School Superintendent.

    • In 1978 a fellowship hall was added to the church buildings.

    • The first Pastor Aide was organized in 1983.

    • The first kitchen committee was formed in 1983 and Ruth Burnette served as President.

    • The church continued to grow and prosper. The schedule for church worship changed to every second and fourth Sunday.

  • The Years During
    Reverend Albert Morrow's Ministry 
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    Reverend Albert Morrow was elected as the fourth pastor of Martin's Chapel Baptist Church and served from 
    1994 through 1997. 

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    Brothers Clarence Burnette, Jerry Graves, and James (Jim) Jeffries were ordained as Deacons.

  • The Years During
    Reverend Doctor Henry Simmons' Ministry 
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    • Brother Donnie Parker and Sister Linda Daye were called into the ministry in 2000.

    • Brother Stephen Springs was ordained as a deacon.

    • Sister Cleo Williamson served as the Sunday School Superintendent.

    • The schedule for church worship service changed to every Sunday of the month.

    • Renovations were made to the church - i.e., the foyer was enlarged, restrooms and classrooms were built and stained-glass windows, new carpet, and pews were installed.

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