PEOPLE BUILDING PEOPLE

The original property was purchased in 1867 and was recorded in the land records in 1869 by Basil and Mattie Owings for the purpose of building a place of worship. Oral history states that the original and first church was located at the corner of the property and was used as a Mission Chapel. More than likely the Mission Chapel was held in a person’s home, until the church was built in 1891 and completed in 1892. The property also has a cemetery with thirty nine visible markers.  The cemetery holds the remains of the descendants of Captain Salem Avery. In 1892 the cornerstone was laid. This suggests that the second church was built and the congregation in existence as early as 1892, and additions were made in 1955 adding brick to the original structure.  The original windows are still intact. One stained glass window with the inscription of James Cheston does appear dates 1898 - 1917. Dr. James Cheston was a dedicated member of the Church and a well-respected citizen within the white community.

 

Today, the church has not been altered or changed. The original floors, windows, pews, steeple and other fixtures are intact. The original roof is in need of emergency repair. Judah Temple Ministries is the successor from House of Prayer.  The congregation is of mixed races and is used predominately by the black community. Worship services are held on Sunday mornings and church social events, weddings and funeral services are being held in the church. The cemetery has remained intact and it is not being used for burials. The earliest known burial that occurred with the original tombstone is of Thomas A. Bull b.1827 d.1896.

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Additionally the descendants of Captain Salem Avery are also interred in this cemetery. There are 39 visible tombstones, which includes a tombstone of Lewis Taylor Ford b. July 26, 1894 and enlisted August 8, 1918 private, Company G 56 Pioneer Infantry; Company B 62 Pioneer Infantry August 25, 1918; Co H 4th Infantry September 10, 1918, France September 23, 1918 until death, died of pneumonia on October 13, 1918 in France.