The “written account" history of the Green Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was documented in 2011. Accounts were given by senior saints of the church, members of neighboring communities, historians, and newspaper articles.

 

Accounts date to the 1820's. For some, it reflects time past, for others it is history not learned in textbooks, but rather passed down from generation to generation. During this time period, it was mandatory that they had to worship with their masters but seated away from them being constantly watched. They longed for the day whereby they could worship freely. They longed to have the opportunity to have an organized worship and a place to serve God.

 

Finally in 1861, faith and patient waiting was realized. They built a makeshift building from trees while they prayed and sought a permanent house to worship. The answer to their prayers came by means of Needham and Stephany Hickman whose parents were James and Sarah Hickman. Land that was promised to James Hickman is inherited by Needham and Stephany. According to verbal accounts, Needham gifted the land for the church while Stephany gifted land for a cemetery.

 

The church, Green Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is named in honor of Jim Greenfield (owner of land that the makeshift building was erected) and the cemetery would be named The Hickman Family Cemetery.

 

Imagine, if you will, walking and riding in a cart pulled by a mule, taking the train to get to church, worshiping in a building without electricity, heating a wood stove, and in the summertime, hoisting the windows with a stick for a cool breeze while making paper fans.

Restrooms were located outside of the church; pews were arranged so that men sat on one side and women on the other (this seating arrangement ended in 1965). Music was rendered from the sound of patting your feet and clapping your hands as they sang Hymns, giving praise to God. It was mandated by parents that children attend Sunday School, the eleven o'clock service, recite bible verses, attend BTU and other services.

 

Picnics were held outside between two trees during the summer. Members brought food boxes that contained a full course meal. Revival was held during the fall of each year and Baptism was held at Tucker's Share Landing, known today as Tucker's Creek. Prayer Service was held on Wednesday nights and provided a means to give hope, encouragement, and strengthen them to the situations they endure.

 

A rebuilding project took place in 1946 and an annex was built in 1961 giving the church its structural appearance today. Other improvements were made throughout the years to update and improve the church building. The most recent structural change took place in 2C ; which included the rebuilding of the annex, additional restrooms and office rooms.

 

We celebrate 162 years of existence. We have overcome many challenges, many disappointments, and many endeavors, we have truly Come this far by Faith and God's Grace and Mercy will carry us onward.

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