“Seeking spiritual guidance and community?” That’s what many find at Hill’s Chapel. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance in Detroit. Let’s explore its story.
Hill’s Chapel is more than just a building. It is a place of worship. It is a beacon for the community. Its roots go back to a group of devoted individuals with a vision.
The story of Hill’s Chapel intertwines with that of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. In September 1924 Rev. Father Hill and 24 believers united. They organized New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. This took place in a tent. Later the name changed. It honored their first pastor. They renamed it Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Early members included Rev. Ferrell, Rev. W.C. Neal, and Deacon Nobel Jones. Their dedication laid the foundation. They established a lasting spiritual home.
After Father Hill’s resignation several pastors led. Rev. W.C. McNeal and Rev. R.C. Elsley served as co-pastors for a year. The first official worship space was in a Cadillac Motor Company building.
In 1927 Rev. W.S. McGahee became pastor. The church moved to a storefront on Tillman near Kirby. In 1932 Rev. McGahee resigned. Rev. Willis Dunn succeeded him. God blessed Chapel Hill. The church bought property at Williams and Kirby streets. Reconstruction began in 1939.
Rev. Dunn passed away in 1940. Rev. C. Milton Newton from Kentucky became the pastor. The Edsel Ford Freeway’s construction impacted the church property. This led to a purchase of the First Church of the Nazarene site. It was located at Maybury Grand and Hudson streets. A building fund helped with the purchase.
Rev. Newton departed in 1947. The church continued its pursuit. Rev. J. O. Truitt was called to pastor. In 1949 the First Church of the Nazarene site was purchased. Chapel Hill moved there in 1950. Rev. Truitt resigned in 1956.
Associate Ministers, Deacons, and members worked together. They sought a new leader. Rev. Roy A. Allen, Sr., was elected pastor in December 1956. He came from Texas.
In 1961 the church paid off the mortgage on the Maybury Grand property. Urban renewal forced another relocation. The present site was purchased. Groundbreaking occurred. The new church home was dedicated in October 1967. A gym and classrooms were added in 1973. The current mortgage was cleared in 1983. The cornerstone was laid in 1984.
The church expanded further. It acquired property on Joy Road and Yosemite. This became the “Roy A. Allen Sr. Family Life Center”. Chapel Hill Townhouses with 12 units were built on Yosemite. Property was also acquired at 9200 Grand River.
In 1995 Pastor Roy A. Allen Sr. retired. Rev. Dr. R. LaMont Smith II was elected pastor in 1996. Rev. Dr. Roy A. Allen Sr. served as Pastor Emeritus until his death in 2002.
The church certified its first lady Trustees in 1998. They were Sis. Mikki Gracey and others. The church licensed its first female Minister in 2004. Minister Bernice Goldsby began preaching. Christian education was enhanced. A church bookstore and various programs were established.
Chapel Hill’s theme is “Ministering to the Total Person with Serious Commitment”. It engages in outreach efforts. Donations go to local shelters. Food and clothing are provided to the community.
Hill’s Chapel’s journey showcases faith and community. It represents a haven for those seeking spiritual growth. Its history enriches Detroit’s religious landscape. Remember its legacy as you pass by.