Chapel Hill Missionary
Baptist Church
CHAPEL HILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
The Chapel Hill Baptist Church was organized by people who came together to share their knowledge of the Bible and learn about brotherly love from one another.
In 1887, the Sunday School of Chapel Hill Baptist Church was founded. There was no church building; therefore, members met and held sessions in a little brush arbor approximately three miles from the city limits of Huntersville. Brother John Alexander was elected Superintendent and served for five years. A minister did not serve the church at this time. The Sunday School group grew, and Brother John Alexander was elected the minister of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Brother Macmehan was elected Sunday School Superintendent.
In 1900, the Reverend W.H. Davidson became the minister, and Brother Mack Alexander became the Sunday School Superintendent. At this time, the membership was small and mostly adults. The membership continued to grow, and in 1920, the Reverend S.B. Barber rebuilt the church. Sometime between 1900 and 1920, the members of Chapel Hill Baptist Church formed a choir. During this time, Brother Andy Houston was elected and served many years as both Sunday School Superintendent and choir leader.
During those days, Sunday School was the main attraction of Chapel Hill. The Sunday School continued to grow and became quite large. As the years passed, the church became famous for its “high-quality” Children’s Day programs and for the fine singing of its choir. Brother Lewis Berry was Sunday School Superintendent for some time. Around 1934 or 1935, Brother Tate Harris became the next Superintendent and choir leader. Both of these men served well as the head of the Sunday School department. Then, Brother Harvey Hanes and Brother James Trapp served as Sunday School Superintendents, respectively.
In 1949, Sister Olivia Holman served as Superintendent of Sunday School, followed by Deacon Vicque Bryant, who served in that role in 1954. Three Sunday School classes were taught by Sister Lillie Berry (Class #1), Brother William Holman (Class #2), and Sister Idella Nesbit (Class #3). The secretary, at that time, was Sis. Sarah Brown, the treasurer, was Sister Minnie Gibson, followed by Brother Watson, and the minister was Reverend S.B. Brown.
Reverend S.B. Brown served as the church’s full-time minister until May 1961. Five years later, in 1966, Reverend James Heath became the pastor of Chapel Hill Baptist Church and served until 1969. Brother James Trapp and Sister Etta Connor were the choir leaders. In August 1969, Reverend Kay F. Gamble became the pastor of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Brother Thomas Whitley was the Sunday School Superintendent. After the death of Brother Thomas Whitley, Deacon Odis Whitley was elected Sunday School Superintendent. Sister Betty Caldwell served as the church secretary, and the Gospel Choir began under the direction of Mrs. Hazelene Morris.
On the 4th Sunday in December 1980, the Reverend Charles N. Gray was installed as the pastor of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for 31 years. Chapel Hill’s very own, Paul Fait Gibson, Sr., was ordained to ministry in December 1979. He served as assistant pastor from December 1979 until his death on February 3, 2011. Reverend Darnell Whitley served as associate pastor from 1989 to 1996.
During Reverend Gray’s tenure, Deacon Curtis Trapp served as chairman of the Deacon Board; Brother Larry Mayhew served as chairman of the Board of Trustees; Deacon Horace Morrison served as Sunday School Superintendent and president of the Note Choir; and Deacon Dale Smith and Deacon Larry Houston served on the Deacon Board. Under Reverend Gray, Deaconess Barbara Smith, Sister Gloria Anderson, and Sister Elaine Gibson each served as church secretary.
On February 17, 2013, Reverend Quinn C. Rodgers was installed as lead pastor of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Under Pastor Rodgers’ leadership, the church grew in spirit and in membership. Pastor Rodgers was very youth-oriented and believed in innovative ministry. Under his leadership, the church was moving towards a global ministry. Sis. Diane Thompson served as the church secretary.
On March 6, 2016, Reverend Al Williams was installed as the Lead Pastor of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church experienced continued growth and spiritual development. A strong emphasis was placed on enhancing the music ministry to cultivate a worship experience that was both impactful and engaging for the congregation.
In May 2024, the Reverend Jeffrey T. Stevenson was elected Senior Pastor of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church and officially began his tenure on the first Sunday of May. His leadership was formally celebrated during his installation service on September 28, 2024. Since accepting the call to serve on the Hill, Pastor Stevenson has emphasized spiritual growth, community engagement, and leadership development within the church. His vision centers on strengthening discipleship, expanding outreach to the surrounding community, and equipping members to live out their faith through service, stewardship, and ministry. Under his leadership, Chapel Hill continues to build upon its rich legacy while moving forward with renewed purpose and commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and serving the community's needs.