Wade Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Hillsboro TX
Hillsboro Texas - Member of the Paul Quinn (PE) District, Northwest Texas Annual Conference, Tenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
History of Wade Chapel
The Webmaster is trying to collect as much information as possible about the history of Wade Chapel AME Church or the ministers that served Wade Chapel. If you have any information about our history or the Ministers, or Members, please contact Reverend Paris (817-202-8044).
You might have only a small bit of information, but when collected with the information supplied by others, we can write a complete History of the church.
Contact Reverend Paris (817-202-8044).
1860 - The Beginnings
A Layman named Wade Rutherford began holding church service in a brush arbor on the lot at the present address of 203 McDonald Street in Hillsboro. From what is known of Rutherford, he was from an AME background. Rutherford sought help from Dr. F.W. Render, then the Dean of Theology at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, a school under the auspices of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. From this guidance, Wade Chapel ws established as an AME Church.
1891 - 1914
1891 The First Building
The first church building was erected on the lot where the church services had been held, and Reverend R. C. Bell became the first pastor of the congregation. The church was named for its founder, Wade Rutherford, and it was dedicated by Bishop B. F. Lee. In 1914, the church building was destroyed by a storm.
1916 - 1967
1916 The Second Building
A Second building was erected at 301 1/2 Church Street under the leadership of Reverend R. C. Walker. This structure stood until 1967 when it, along with two other black churches, was destroyed by unknown arsonists.
1970 - Present
1970 - The Third Building
A third building was dedicated under the pastorate
of Reverend W. D. Turner. Reverend R. T. Thomas was the Presiding
Elder, and Bishop O. L. Sherman was the Presiding Prelate.
On August 3, 1986
a Mortgage Burning Ritual was held under the leadership of Reverend D. W.
Emanuel, Presiding Elder C. C. Johnson, and the Right Reverend Rembert E.
Stokes. This building is the present site of Wade Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
1990 - 2003
Under the leadership of Reverend C. E. Franklin, Reverend E. R. Billips, and Reverend B. C. Freeman, Sr. church maintenance continued, and they led the church spiritually.
2003 - Renovation
In 2003, Reverend Norman Baker was appointed pastor of Wade Chapel. Under his leadership, the church liquidated its existing debts. Church improvments included the installation of a new air conditioning unit and the purchase of musicial instruments and office equipment. Additionally a system of computerized record keeping was begun. Presently the church is in the process of renovating the interior of the church. The floors were tiled, and new funiture and new ceiling fans were installed.