Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated its 130th anniversary from Aug. 15 through Aug. 20. Though church records only specify it was started in 1893, the church celebrates its anniversary in August.
The three-day event started with a Dine and Donate at Texas Roadhouse in Sanford on Aug. 15. Celebrations continued with a “Worship in Song, Dance & Drama” on Aug. 19, and concluded with a church service on Aug. 20.
Seminole High School’s Drumline and Gospel Choir performed during the event on Aug. 19, while others performed spoken words and dances — making the celebration a community event.
Church Pastor reverend A.J. Davis said a goal for Allen Chapel is to “continue being a shining light in the Goldsboro community.”
Other goals for Allen Chapel include to be, “able to continue to be a partner with the City of Sanford along with its superb leadership in working together to make things better for God’s people,” Pastor Davis said.
Nicole Surjit, co-lead of the Allen Chapel tech and media ministry, said the church was formed in 1893, after 18 members left Saint James AME Church, the oldest church in Sanford, to form a church in their own neighborhood.
“At the time, they were traveling (by foot) several miles away from their community to where Saint James was located. So, they started a congregation closer to home in 1893,” Surjit said.
The original church building was completed in 1894 and sat on Lake Avenue and 13th Street, before it burned down in December 1927.
Surjit said Allen Chapel has overcome hard times since its conception.
“Fires, the death of Pastors during their appointment, membership fluctuations, disagreements, a pandemic, and so much more over the 130 years,” said Surjit. “But the fact that Allen Chapel is still standing, still going, still P.U.S.H.’ing (Praying Until Something Happens) after all this time is a testament to the will of the people and community and to the glory of God.”
Pastor Davis reflected a similar sentiment.
“Allen has a great history and as our theme for this year is, ‘Standing on the Promises of God’ that is exactly what the church has done down through the years,” said Davis. “I believe we are stronger, better and wiser after all these years. Yes, there have been some setbacks, but they have only been setups for a comeback.”
True Health Goldsboro recently held a grand opening for the health center located on Historic Goldsboro Blvd. This makes the ninth True Health center operating in Sanford.
The health center offers adult and pediatric primary care, including vaccinations, chronic condition management, and lab services. Behavioral health services are also offered remotely the True Health Goldsboro.
Janelle Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of True Health, said True Health opened a location in Goldsboro because there was a need for accessible and affordable healthcare services.
“Annually, we survey the communities we serve to review areas of need and based on health outcomes and other socioeconomic factors, it was clear that the Goldsboro residents needed direct access to healthcare and wrap-around services,” said Dunn.
From True Health Goldsboro’s soft opening on July 24 to August 14, there have been about 243 patients serviced.
“Overall, our impact for the Goldsboro community is reduced hospitalizations for preventable illnesses and longer life spans for generations to come,” said Dunn.
As a safety net provider, True Health works with uninsured and underinsured communities to, “provide high quality, comprehensive healthcare at a reasonable cost to everyone,” aligning with the center’s mission.
“True Health’s vision is, ‘Healthy Communities Through Life-Changing Care,’” said Dunn. “In addition to providing high-quality comprehensive healthcare, True Health also aims to screen patients on social determinants of health and provide connections to the necessary resources each individual may need.”
Beverly Wright, Sanford resident, owns the building True Health Goldsboro is operating from and worked with True Health to get the center operational. Wright has been an advocate for True Health, “but most importantly, for the residents of Goldsboro,” according to Dunn.
“Beverly Wright has been an amazing partner to True Health from the very first conversation,” said Dunn. “As our property owner, she has worked alongside us to create a space that is warm, welcoming, and healing to our patients accessing health services.”
Article: https://www.mysanfordherald.com/article/community-celebrates-grand-opening-true-health-goldsboro
breasbuzz.com 