The Early Years Sometimes prior to 1885, during the time that black men were first allowed to establish their own church, a band of dedicated Christians organized a church by the name of “THOMAS CHAPEL” stemming from the names of two brothers, C. Y. and Lewis Thomas. They were the only black landowners in the community at the time. Service was held in a small log building located one quarter mile from the Church’s present location. The Rev. Joe James was the first Pastor. Mr. Lewis Thomas was the first chairman of the Deacon Board. Serving on the board with him was his brother Mr. C. Y. Thomas and Mr. Louis Rhindhart. In 1885, Mr. Joe Sherrill was added to the Board of Deacons, having married the former Miss Maggie Thomas. Upon the redevelopment of the original property, the church moved to its present location, and was renamed Clark’s Chapel. Clark was the name of the original property owner. Mr. William Clark was a white friend of the Thomas’s and Sherrill’s. In 1886, the Trustees of Clark’s Chapel attained clear deed from Mr. Clark. Through the efforts and determination of the Pastor, Rev. James, the Deacons and congregation, a small plank building was erected. The congregation continued to grow. Upon the death of Rev. James, the board and members called as Pastor Rev. Lee Ramseur, who served faithfully for approximately eighteen years. In 1904 (August 24th) Clark’s Chapel along with several other Baptist Churches formed the Mountain and Catawba Association. Brother Joe Sherrill and Brother Lewis Thomas attended. When God called home to rest the first Chairman of the board, Brother Lewis Thomas, Brother Joe Sherrill was appointed to serve as the new chairman. Upon the deaths of Brothers C. Y. Thomas and Louis Rhiendhart, four more deacons were added to the board; Brother Joe Lewis, C.Y. Davidson, Dallas Greenleaf and Dave Clark. Rev. Ramseur resigned and Rev. W. S. Sherrill was called to serve for five years. After which, the deacons recalled Rev. L. J. Ramseur who served an additional seven years, then again resigned. Some of his successors were: Rev. Francis Lackey, Rev. Caesor Allison, Rev. Bruce Vanderburg and Rev. Muss Alexander. Time of Growth Then Rev. J. W. Caldwell was called. He served as Pastor for fourteen years. Under his administration, many new members were added, the church enlarged and the first cornerstone was laid by Odd Fellows of the Eufola Lodge. Brother E. D. Sherrill served as church clerk. By 1929, Deacon Joe Sherrill had served more than forty years in an office that he dedicated his life to and served faithfully. At his demise, Deacon Joe Lewis was made chairman of the board of deacons. Thus as the membership increased, so did the board of deacons. Brother D. M. Morrison and Brother Lynn Sherrill were added to the deacon board. In 1935, Rev. J. C. Graham was called as pastor. The church grew under his leadership. Brother Donnie Lewis, and Brother J. C. Sherrill were added to the board of deacons. A building committee was appointed. During this time, Mrs. Catherine Morrison was appointed church clerk. Under Rev. Graham’s leadership, new oak pews were purchased in 1947; a pastor’s study and a choir room were added, a water line was installed, and the ladies bathroom enlarged. As the membership continued to grow, so did the church’s need. Educational classrooms; a fellowship hall, kitchen with modern facilities, carpet for the sanctuary, brick facing and a baptismal pool were installed. The architects for these improvements were Deacon James E. Morrison, Brother O. C. Morrison and the late Omar Morrison. Deacon Joe Lewis passed after serving seventeen years as Chairman of the Deacon Board. In May, 1947, Deacon Lynn Sherrill was appointed as chairman. The church’s growth continued, so more deacons were needed. Deacons, Omar Morrison, Roscoe Morrison, Roy Summers, Everette Moten, and John Watts were appointed over the years. After the death of Deacon Lynn Sherrill in 1968, Deacon Donnie Lewis was appointed chairman. In 1970, the church parsonage was purchased. On May 18, 1975, Rev. Vernon Thompson was called as associate pastor. Rev. J. C. Graham retired on September 12, 1976 having given more than forty years of devotion, inspiration and service to Clark’s Chapel. Its growth can only be attributed to his zeal, efforts and leadership. A Time of Transition On September 26, 1976, Rev. Vernon Thompson was called to pastor the flock. Under his administration, the church programs were revised to inspire and reflect the needs of the community. The deacon board and members voted to hold services every Sunday. (It was previously held only on the second and fourth Sundays). Wednesday night prayer service and Bible study was established, new committees and the Young Adult Choir was formed, the Trustee Board re-organized , new office equipment was purchased and a new Pastor’s study with waiting room was added to the church building. Deacon James. E. Morrison, Sr. and Deacon A. C. Wellman were added to the deacon board. In January 1980, Rev. Thompson resigned to become pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. Rev. Charles B. Mingo served as supply minister from April 1980 to November, 1980 at which time he was called to assume the pastorate. A Man With a Vision Rev. C. B. Mingo grew up and was educated in the Kannapolis public school system. He holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Teamer School of Religion. He is a graduate of the Shaw University Extension Center in Kannapolis. Married to the former Shirley Parks, he is the loving father to three sons and one daughter. During the fourteen years that Rev. Mingo has been our watchman, we have been blessed. (His) speech and (his) preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: . . .that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (First Corinthians 2:4,5). The Beginning of a Vision Miss Geraldine Mayfield was appointed church clerk after assisting Mrs. Catherine Morrison who devoted 46 years of service to this position. June 30, 1986, Deacon Roy Summers was appointed chairman of the deacon board after the death of Deacon Donnie Lewis. Since then, Deacons Winford Griffin, John White, Sr., Charles Sharpe, Sr. and the late Cuff Kirkland were added to the deacon board. In June 1989, Rev. Arthur Mason was ordained as minister. On Sunday, June 25, 1989, the new Sanctuary was dedicated and the first cornerstone of the new sanctuary was laid by Mt Carmel Lodge. In March 1991, Deacon Winford Griffin was ordained as a minister. January 1992, Sister Louise Heaggans was licensed as a missionary Evangelist. March 1992, Brother Walter Waddell was ordained as a deacon. August 29, 1993, Bonzai Caison was licensed as a minister. November 6, 1993 Bro. William Jones was established as a deacon. August 1, 1992 Homer Grant was voted in as a trustee. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost and our leader, Rev. C. B. Mingo, the congregation marched the Fourth Sunday, June 1989 into a new sanctuary. New organizations, new kitchen appliances, a church bus and van, acquired 5 acres adjacent to the church, enlarged parking area, built a Habitat for Humanity House, the old sanctuary updated to a fellowship hail, new tables and chairs for the upstairs fellowship hail tutorial program , full service Children’s Church, new hymn books, Feed The Need food basket, tape ministry, newsletter, Christian Financial Counseling ministry, and a Youth Fellowship program highlight some of the ways God has blessed our endeavors to encourage and facilitate participation in church activities. What the Future Holds Clark's Chapel is poised and ready to spread God's love in the new millineum. With ever-expanding programs in the church and community, the church is now capable of influence far beyond the immediate area. They are reaching more and more people with its tape and video ministry. The acquisition of the Donnie B. Lewis Land Project, 37.4 acres of land, has made it possible to start erecting a $1.5 Million edifice. "You build and they will come." is the message received from God by Pastor Mingo. With God's guidance, this edifice and other church endeavors in the 21st century will be a tremendous asset to the community, the saved and the unsaved. It is just another factor in the continuous effort to accomplish the mission of Clark's Chapel: To minister, teach, and draw others to develop a relationship with Christ through spiritual growth, unwavering faith, loving fellowship, continuous education and steadfast prayer. Click if you missed R.E.A.D.Y. 2007 READY 1999 Photos READY 2000 Photos