The Founding and Early Years

The roots of Johnson Chapel trace back to the early 1870s when a group of devoted believers—Sis. Laura Bell Trice, Bro. Shelby Hardin, Bro. Wardie Wren, and Rev. Robert Wren—established the church's first building. Initially, services were held in homes, but as the congregation grew, they sought a permanent place of worship.

Mr. Richard Johnson, a generous landowner, granted the congregation permission to build a church on his land, leading to the establishment of Johnson Chapel. Among its early leaders were Bro. Cap Clark, Bro. Sam Hersey, Bro. Paul Shack, and Bro. Willis Allison, who served as deacons, and Rev. Jerry Cummings, the first pastor of the church.

However, trials soon followed. Mr. Milton Temple, a neighboring landowner, objected to the church!s gatherings, claiming they were disruptive. He erected a fence that restricted access to the building, forcing the congregation to seek another location. In a show of divine providence, Mr. Ula Willis provided an acre of land across Highway 45, where the members rebuilt their church using materials from the original structure.

Tragedy struck in 1942 when the church was mysteriously destroyed by fire. Undeterred, the congregation clung to the promise of 1 Corinthians 2:9, believing God had greater plans for them. That same year, Sis. Lizzie Smith, grandmother of Sis. Beatrice Partlow, sold the church its current land, securing Johnson Chapel!s future.

A Legacy of Leadership and Growth

Under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Smith, the congregation envisioned a more permanent sanctuary. Construction began in 1972, but before its completion, Rev. Smith was called home to be with the Lord on February 10, 1973, after 22 years of service.

In April 1973, Rev. Henry Gladney was elected pastor. His tenure saw tremendous growth, including the construction of a fellowship hall, the purchase of a church bus, and the introduction of Vacation Bible School in 1981. Under his guidance, Johnson Chapel transitioned to full-time worship services. After 19 years, Rev. Gladney resigned in March 1992 to accept a pastoral role in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Later that year, Rev. Marvin J. McWhorter—affectionately known as Pastor Mac—was elected pastor. For 31 years, he led the congregation with wisdom and dedication. Membership soared, reaching over 350 members, and Sunday School enrollment surpassed 150 students. The church expanded its ministries, including Children and Youth Bible Study, Adult Bible Study, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and New Members' Classes.

Pastor Mac's vision of a Christian Life Center became reality when the church acquired land from Sis. Beatrice Partlow in 2001. By 2013, construction had begun, and in 2015, the Life Center was officially dedicated. Bro. Q.P. Foster, who had longed to see this vision realized, was called home in 2010, but his faith and contributions were honored through its completion.

In 2018, the church celebrated further progress, paving its parking lot and dedicating a renovated church bell as a memorial to past trailblazers. That year, Minister Kelsey Trice delivered his first sermon, marking a new chapter in the church!s ministry.

Resilience Through Challenges

As 2020 began, COVID-19 disrupted traditional worship, leading Johnson Chapel to launch the Hour of Power, a virtual service reaching members across ten states. By June 2021, in-person worship resumed in the Christian Life Center, with services continuing online for those unable to attend. In 2022, the congregation returned to the sanctuary, with virtual services remaining an option for those at home, traveling, or working.

The year 2023 brought change as Pastor Mac announced his retirement, effective October 1, 2023. Though saddened, the congregation embraced the transition. In July, the church paid off the Life Center, and two new deacons—Bro. Fredrick Huddleston and Bro. Daryl Young—were added to serve alongside the dedicated Deacon Ministry, which included Bro. Carl Trice, Bro. Tom Henry Lyles, Bro. Eugene Partlow, Bro. Robert Birks, Bro. Charles Trice, Bro. Cecil Dilworth, Bro. Michael Joiner, Bro. Lee Neal, and Bro. John Armour.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Throughout its history, Johnson Chapel has been blessed by devoted pastors and deacons who laid the foundation of faith. Some past deacons included Bro. Lee Booker, Bro. Mack Trice, Bro. Fate Mosely, Bro. Elax Clark, Bro. Wesley Armstrong, Bro. Lee Wren, Bro. Tom Hersey, Bro. Eddie Burns, Bro. Arch Edmond, Bro. Spencer Jackson, Bro. Hessie Trice, Bro. Mose Haynes, Bro. Condolious Lyles, Bro. Jessie Partlow, Bro. Richard Trice, Bro. George Foster, Bro. Hosea Foster, Bro. Robert Foster, Bro. Henry Gardner, and Bro. Amos Atkinson.

Some former pastors who led Johnson Chapel include Rev. George Allen, Rev. O.S. McGaughy, Rev. Mose Gates, Rev. W.H. Herdon, Rev. Marion Hill, Rev. R.D. Chambers, Rev. T.B. Montgomery, Rev. Anthony Word, Rev. John Trice, Rev. Robert Wren, Rev. John Bowdry, Rev. Lee Baskins, Rev. James Lockridge, Rev. L.H. Birge, and Rev. Henry A. Gladney.

In early 2024, Johnson Chapel found itself without an official pastor. Minister Kelsey Trice and Rev. Carl Dabbs faithfully led Sunday services and Bible studies. Meanwhile, the Deacon Ministry, under the leadership of Chairman Deacon Lee Neal, sought a new pastor while continuing to pray for God!s guidance.

During this time, the church mourned the passing of Mother Annie Foster. Following a period of reflection, Mother Beatrice Partlow was named Mother of the Church.

To honor Pastor Mac's legacy, the Family Life Center was renamed the Rev. Marvin J. McWhorter Christian Life Center, with an official dedication ceremony.

A New Chapter Begins

In March 2024, after much prayer and deliberation, the congregation overwhelmingly elected Rev. Dr. Jeffery A. Gladney as the new pastor. His installation service took place on May 5, 2024, officiated by Pastor Mac, who was honored with the title Pastor Emeritus.

Since Dr. Gladney's arrival, new members have been baptized, and Wild Out Wednesday (W.O.W.) children & youth Bible study, led by Rev. Kelsey Trice and Sis. Tabatha Trice, has flourished, drawing over 60 youth from Shannon, Nettleton, Verona, and Tupelo.

The church's social media ministry has expanded, reaching new audiences through Facebook and YouTube. The Outreach Ministry has surpassed expectations, bringing God!s word to countless individuals beyond the church walls.

Looking Forward with Faith

As Johnson Chapel embarks on its next chapter, we reflect on over 150 years of unwavering faith, perseverance, and divine blessings. Psalm 34:8 reminds us: #Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

Through every challenge and triumph, Johnson Chapel stands as a beacon of God's faithfulness. With hearts full of gratitude, we move forward, trusting in His divine plan for the years to come.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!