In 1882, a beacon of faith arose amidst the aftermath of the Civil War. Right here, the Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church, originally named Lewisville Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, was founded. Anthony Hembry, a former slave, along with six other charter members, established this spiritual haven in Lewisville, Texas. This town boasted the largest African American population in Denton County at that time. Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church quickly became a vital social center, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the community. The church’s name was later changed to honor Bishop Isaac Lane. The congregation initially held services in homes and brush arbors, true to the tradition of many post-Civil War African American churches. It wasn’t until 1908 that they finally built their own modest frame structure, a physical embodiment of their enduring faith. Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church wasn’t just a place of worship; it fostered the creation of other C.M.E. churches in the region. The church faced trials in the mid-20th century, as the demographics of Lewisville shifted. Urbanization led to a decline in the African American population, and the church’s membership dwindled. Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church, however, persevered. Through the generosity of other C.M.E. churches, donations, and the unwavering devotion of its members, it weathered the storm. A renewed sense of purpose and a flourishing ministry in the 1990s breathed new life into the congregation. By the turn of the 21st century, Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church had not only survived, but thrived, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. It stands today as the oldest African American church in Lewisville.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to