Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was once a relatively small rural congregation formerly known as Rowe Hill Church.  The exact date of the church’s origin is unknown, but according to information and data gathered from older members of the church the church had its beginning in the “bush arbors” during the 1870’s.

A small group of dedicated people met in the “bush arbors” and worked patiently to win souls for Christ.  A small wooden church was built on a piece of property given by Reverend Moses Butler and Sister Sue Staley.  Reverend Moses Butler was the first known pastor of the Rowe Hill Church.  The name Rowe Hill was later changed to Butler Chapel Church.

A small, one room school was organized by the church, and it was also given the name Butler Chapel.  It was located directly behind the small wooden church.  The school operated until the early 1930’s and later condemned, and a public school was built.

Church membership increased and a larger wooden church was built.  Members worshiped in the second church for many years.  A list of pastors during the early years included:  Reverend Butler, Frierson, Gamble, McFadden, Randolph, Gallishaw, Felder, and Pleasant.  Early presiding elders included:  Elder Robinson, Green, and Sumter.  Early church officers included:  Mrs. Sue Staley, Mrs. Irene Jeffcoat, Mrs. Hattie Felder, Mrs. Jane Colter, Mrs.  Jane Price, Mr. Benjamin Price, Mr. Edmond Colter, Mr. Joe Colter, Mr. John Oliver, Mr. Charley Durant, Mr. Bill Miller, Mrs. Nancy Miller, Mr. P.D. Watkins, Reverend Thomas Miller, Mr. Caleb Butler, and Mrs. Annie Williams.

As time progressed, members pursued their vision of beautifying the kingdom of God. This led to the construction of a modern block church.  The block church was built under the leadership of Reverend Jesse Thompson during the late 1960’s.  The church continued to grow spiritually and physically. Air conditioning and heat made the sanctuary comfortable for worship service.  Pastors serving during this era included:  Reverend D.E. Charles, Fogle, Blackwell, Robert B. Cooper, John L. Davis, Robert L. Cleckley, and George Randolph.  Presiding Elders included:  Alonzo Middleton, Hutchinson, B.P. Boston, and W.J. Baxter.  Church officials included:  Mr. Dave Green, Mr. Peter Johnson, Mrs. Annie Johnson, Reverend Willie Bailey, Mr. Fred Mack Jr., Mrs. Hartsie Dash Miller, Reverend Lucia Rowe, Mrs. Justeen Dash, and Mrs. Pearl E. Myers Mack.

Butler Chapel became a member of the Limestone Circuit and met every first and third Sunday for worship service and every Sunday for Sunday School.

New ministries were organized.  Sis. Mary Whaley organized the Willing Workers in 1983 and Sis. Alene Maple organized a Bible Study class in 1955.  Young people became actively involved in the worship services by becoming class leaders, members of the Junior Steward Board and Trustee Board, inspirational speakers, and worship leaders.  Rev. George Randolph was instrumental in implementing these innovative spiritual activities.

In Decembern 1994, Reverend Patrick Mellerson and his family were sent to lead the congregation.  The church continued to move forward under his leadership.  The church developed many new initiatives and a variety of service-oriented organizations.  Bro. Andre’ Whaley organized Outreach Wednesday; B.C. Courtesy Girls were organized by Sis. Rebecca Bartelle, and the Latter Day Saints Choir was directed by Sis. Shirley Gooden.

On March 31, 1994, our church was destroyed by arson.  God, in His mysterious power, opened up a window from heaven and poured out a blessing that Butler Chapel members could not fathom. After this heinous crime, Miss Alonya Butler, the granddaughter of Mrs. Ruby Butler, a dedicated member, overheard a very important conversation on the  burning of churches. She immediately informed the church pastor about the National Council of Churches. Pastor Mellerson took flight and out of tragedy came triumph. Suddenly, we were receiving financial support from all over the United States. Under the pastorship of Reverend Patrick B. Mellerson, our current place of worship was built.

The church purchased 7.5 acres of land on U.S. Highway 178 (North Road), to be located on a major highway. This was a vision of Brother Lucius Mack, a longtime member. Preliminary contacts and planning for the rebuilding began in June of 1996.  The actual hands-on-work began in March 1997 when the first group of volunteers arrived from Bethel A.M.E Church, Bristol, Pennsylvania. Volunteers came from far and near to assist in the building process under the direction of our church member and building Contractor, Brother Marion Mack. The volunteers were young and old and of different races,  denominations and nationalities. They were all people who believed that love should not be stated in words only, but should also be shown in deeds.  The National Council of Churches, along with the United Council of Churches, National Council of Black Churches, Church of the Brethren, and the Catholic Church spearheaded the joint effort of acquiring funds and volunteer labor for the rebuilding of the church.

During our rebuilding process, Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church located on the Kennerly Road, Rev. Huggins, Pastor, Mrs. Davis, and other members allowed us to use their church as a place of worship until we were able to move into our new sanctuary. For that, we shall always be eternally grateful. We also salute our sister church at that time, Prodigal A.M.E, for their support.

On January 11, 1998, our new sanctuary was dedicated to the “Glory of God.” Our presiding Elder, W. W. Miller, and our Presiding Bishop, The Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, participated in our Dedication Celebration. Our new sanctuary can accommodate over 300 people. We have a kitchen, library, pastor study, church secretary office, Sunday school rooms, choir room, piano, organ, and a sound system that can record and videotape our services. In November 2001, we named our Fellowship Hall- “Patrick B. Mellerson Fellowship Hall.”

In 2001, God continued to bless us under the leadership of Reverend Johnny R. Byrd and First Lady Sis. Sharon Byrd.  Butler Chapel became a station church where worship service is held every Sunday.  The church flourished with new ministries.  The Butler Chapel Young Men’s Association was organized under the leadership of Bro. Hercules Mack.  The Sanctuary Choir was formed under the leadership of Bro. Andre Green and Acolytes were added to the worship service under the direction of Sis. Jacqueline Mack. The liturgical dancers were organized under the leadership of Sis. Talicia Green.

Officials of the church for the 2009-10 year comprised of the Steward Board: Bro. John Bartelle, Sis. Shirley Gooden, Bro. Joseph Glover, Treasurer, Sis. Sandra Lowman, Bro. Andre Green, Bro. Marion Green, financial secretary, Sis. Lizzie Nelson, Bro. Oscar Mack, Bro. Stanley Mack, Bro. Andre Whaley, Pro Tem, and Sis. Mary Whaley, Secretary.  The Trustee Board included: Trustee Board Chairperson, Bro. Hercules Mack, Secretary, Sis. Hessie Davis, Treasurer, Bro. James Harrison, Bro. Johnny Jamison, Bro. Joseph Green, Bro. Lucius Mack, Bro. Robert Johnson, Sis. Ruby Crumel, Bro. Clarence Lowman, Bro. Marion Mack, and Bro. David Mintz.

The year 2005, the Annual Conference sent us Rev. George E. Hicks, along with his lovely wife, Dr. Bettie Hicks, and their family to become the shepherd of the flock. The church gained a Mass Cchoir under the direction of Bro. Andre Green, A Give-Away Ministry led by Sis. Essie Mack, liturgical readers, and the appointment of a Christian Education Director, Sis. Mary Whaley. Pastor Hicks generated a sense of spiritual love and care for the entire congregation. 

Reverend Helen G. Zeigler became the pastor of Butler Chapel AME Church during the 2006 conference year.  Pastor Zeigler believed firmly in church school, building strong youth programs, and traveling ministries.  There were five choirs, a praise dance group of youth carefully trained in expressing worship through movement, and other programs and events aimed at promoting dedicated discipleship.  Pastor Zeigler reinstated the Junior Steward Board during the 2010 church year. Junior Stewards included: Karla Glover, Jackie Mack, Peggy Johnson, Cathi Mack, Linda Mintz, and Harry Williams.  Pastor Zeigler believed in preaching the word of God and building the kingdom of God through worship, praise, song, and dance.

We thank God for the many trailblazers who came our way and caused our church to be enriched in so many spiritual ways.  Sis. Flossie W. Mack, Sis. Olivia Edmonds, Sis, Annette Johnson, Sis. Alene Maple, Bro. Robert Baker, Bro. Samuel Johnson, Bro. Sheck Mack Jr., and Bro. Curtis Dash all passed away during the last decade and have left a void in the hearts of the church family.

In spite of trials and tribulations, most descendants of the original members have remained a vital part of the church due to a common interest, faith in God, love for the church as well as love for one another.

Butler Chapel Church’s exceptionally fine facilities accommodate local, district, and conference events involving our kitchen staff led by Sis. Margaret Mack, church members, friends, and other local personnel.  Our church is a family of smiling faces and members who are willing to serve through the strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To God Be The Glory!

During conference year  2010, Rev. Dr. Saint Julian Snider, III and Sis. Gwendolyn C. Snider became our spiritual leaders.  They were instrumental in moving the church in an innovative direction.  During his tenure, Sis. Rebecca Bartelle was named a WMS Torch Lighter member, and Sis. Gwendolyn C. Snider became a Life Member of the WMS.  Rev. Snider renewed the acolyte’s ministry that increase the involvement of the youth in the church service.  He also introduced the Baccalaureate Service for all of our high school and college graduates.  This program was spearheaded by the Christian Education Department.  Rev. Snider was compelled to assure that our church  members were correctly informed about the Doctrines and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  He appointed Sis. Mary Whaley as the Pro Tem of the Steward Board.  Rev. Snider served as our pastor for four years.

During the 2013 Conference Year, we were blessed with the leadership of Rev. Dr. J. L. Hunter and Sis. Avone Hunter.  He brought about an unprecedented transformation. Using a narrative method, he taught us God’s word using very astounding subjects.  He even taught our youth using mini sermons that correlated with the regular church sermon.  Youth religiously sat on the front seat to interact with Rev. Hunter.  He always gave them verbal praises and accolades for their participation.  Most importantly, we want to please our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.  AMEN!

During the 2018 Conference Year, The Reverend Dr. Lavern Witherspoon and his lovely wife, Sister Julia Witherspoon, were appointed to lead the Butler Chapel A.M.E. Church congregation.  They were and still are a breath of fresh air who were willing to make a difference in other people’s lives through thoughtful and considerate attitudes.  He immediately reinstated Bible Study on a weekly basis and added a prayer line at 12:00 noon every Tuesday.  He also conducted a workshop on the duties of the Stewards.    

In addition, he presented a series of workshops on Coping with Death, Grieving, and Dying.  It was well received by church members as well as community members.  Additional spiritual programs included Maundy Thursday during Holy Week which commemorates the Last Supper and Jesus washing the feet of his disciples - an act described in the Gospel of John, Chapter 13, as Jesus teaches His disciples to be servants.

Due to the corona virus pandemic, we have had to use technology to continue our church services and church meetings through telephone conferences.  Our main objective is to keep our members and the community closer to God, safe, and healthy. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Church History - Butler Chapel AME Church

African Methodist Episcopal Church

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