The History of Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1906, Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Jones who lived on W. 22nd Street.  The members were given the use of a building on Railroad Street for services with a Rev. Green (known as "Hickory Nut" Green) acting as pastor. He served until Annual Conference at which time the Rev. J.W.  Bennett was appointed pastor.  Later the congregation held its services in a small building on the corner of W. 20th and Nashau - facing Nashau (1921 Nashau).  After purchasing this property, they erected the first church which was dedicated August 11, 1918.  According to the cornerstone which is preserved in the present building, Rev. B.H. Chryer was pastor and the following trustees were in office: D. Rickmayer, E. Davis, N.A. Dixon, E.L. Davis, M. Dixon, P. Jackson, D. Whitaker and A. Garner.

 

The first church building, with repairs, stood until 1951 when under the leadership of Rev. R.L. Brown, Sr., a stucco building was erected.  The trustees were Robert Fleming, James Warfield, James Clark, Willie Odessa Williams, Celeste McKinney, Clara Miller, Ruby Duncan and Honorary President Daisy B. Blount.  Rev. Brown served twelve (12) years, developing a wonderful relationship with the membership and community.  He placed strong interest in the youth of the church, involving them not only on the local, area, and conference levels, but also state and conventional levels. 

 

Rev. J.E. Valentine succeeded Rev. Brown and during his brief administration, the parsonage was renovated.

 

In 1961, Rev. F.D. McDonald became pastor of Wayman Chapel.  Under his leadership, two additional lots were purchased and a new brick church and parsonage were erected.  The new church faced 20th Street and the name of Nashau Street having been changed to Durham caused the address to be 804 W. 20th Street.  The trustees were: James Clark, James Gillard, Joseph Liggins, John McDonald, James McKnight, Celeste McKinney, Charlie Philson and George Smith, Sr. with Robert Fleming as trustee emeritus.

 

When Rev. McDonald was appointed Presiding Elder in 1973, Rev. Joseph T. Garnett became pastor and served until his death on December 27, 1985.  The mortgage and organ notes were liquidated during his administration, clearing the church of all indebtedness.

 

Rev. A.L. Dunn became pastor in January 1986, following Rev. Garnett's demise. Although his brief tenure did not include a physical building he initiated a proposed plan for its future growth and development.

 

Rev. C. L. Boyd was appointed in December 1988 and resurrected the church out of financial demise.  During his administration, another room was added to the parsonage, a copier for the office, new speakers, P.A. System, new carpet, and perhaps, most noteworthy, beautiful new pews were installed in the sanctuary.  Trustees during Rev. Boyd's tenure were Georgia Osborne, Theodus Osborne, George Smith, Charlie Philson, Alfred Thomas, Sherrie Reynolds, Jackie Boudreaux, Bernice Smith, Eddie Jones and Lorenzo Sledge.

 

Rev. M.C. Cooper was appointed to Wayman and began serving on November 14, 1993.  In addition to the physical improvements of the buildings, was the renovating of the parsonage, enlargement of the pastor's study, and purchase of ceiling fans. Among accomplishments are new choir robes, Bible study was revived, orientation classes initiated, and a Tape Ministry was established.   A Toddler's Ministry and Children's Choir was also organized.

 

Many other wonderful pastors of yesteryears may not be credited with any tangible monuments but can certainly be credited with serving the membership and community well, leaving some spiritual legacies.  Among these are Reverends A.W. Harvey, B. Franklin, Wash Anderson, J.E. Stubbs, Reese, B.F. Grovey and A.T. Harris.

 

Rev. Barry Spencer, was appointed to Wayman in February 2000.  Rev. Spencer brought with him a "Spiritual Explosion."  His commitment and desire are to serve and praise God in a more excellent way.  An increase in membership, attendance, finance, and spiritual growth has transpired under his leadership.  Our physical building has taken on a new look with beautiful stained doors and a new roof.  The parking lot, which was under construction when he arrived has now been completed.

 

Rev. James J. McLaughlin was appointed to Wayman in November 2004.  Under his leadership a Contemporary Worship Service was implemented and was held Sunday mornings from 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.  Other accomplishments included the early payoff of the parking lot and the purchase of property adjacent to the church.

 

Rev. Kenneth R. Franklin, Sr. was appointed to Wayman on November 17, 2007.  He has brought an energetic, new attitude of giving, caring, serving and praising the Lord.  Under his leadership our choir increased and Prayer Meeting and Bible Study reactivated.  He displayed a great love for our Youth Department which  became an active  and  viable part of the worship services. The physical property was improved with new air conditioning, insulation and new technical equipment.

 

Rev. Harvey E. McGruder, was assigned as Senior Shepherd to Wayman on November 18, 2012. He came with a willing spirit and a mind to work for kingdom building.  Pastor McGruder implemented the Prophet Ministries which spear-head many of the church's programs and the Media Ministry that publicized via radio and newspaper.

 

On October 25, 2014, the Wayman Chapel family was assigned Rev. Hunt L. Harris, Sr., as the new spiritual leader.  This spirit-filled, faithful shepherd, believed that through prayer all things are possible with God. Under his leadership, weekly Bible study was rekindled. With a combined effort of the members, the church was beautified with new carpet in the sanctuary and new ceramic tile placed in the Fellowship Hall. The kitchen was remodeled with new cabinets, granite countertops and appliances.  A new heating system was installed and major renovations were done to the parsonage. Rev. Harris prayerfully, cautiously, and safely led his flock during the onset of Covid-19 in March 2021 by instituting virtual Bible Study, Sunday School and Sunday Worship Service.

 

On November 5, 2021, at the closing of the Annual Conference, Wayman was blessed with the appointment of Rev. Anthony Felder, Sr. as our newly appointed Shepherd.  Rev. Felder and his family came to Wayman at a difficult time when the Corona Virus Pandemic was running rampant. He did not let this deter him as he hit the ground running.  His main focus is spiritual growth.  He has helped us grow spiritually as we’ve continued our weekly Bible Study, Sunday School and Sunday Worship Experience using social platforms such as  Facebook, Zoom and YouTube. Our theme for the year is “Believe for Greater” as we put forth our best effort to reflect greatness in all we do. Our motto, “Connect, Empower and Serve” will echo this testament. Under the leadership of Rev. Felder, projects have begun to improve the exterior of the church and the parsonage. He is a strong proponent for utilizing the young adults in the planning and implementation of new ministries and community outreach programs. Even though we are still operating in trying times, we are quite confident that with Rev. Felder and the help of our Lord and Savior, Wayman Chapel will be empowered to serve as the Beacon of Light and Hope for the Heights Community.

 

In celebrating our 116th Anniversary, we look back at the past remembering fondly the faithful pioneers of Wayman who, by their dependence on God coupled with their sacrifice and service, made this celebration possible.  As we prepare for the future we CONTINUE TO PRESS TOWARD THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.