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.”
Article: https://www.mysanfordherald.com/article/allen-chapel-ame-church-celebrates-130th-church-anniversary
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