“Ever wondered how a small group’s dream could blossom into a vibrant church?” Abundant Life Faith Temple’s story begins with a seed of faith. This seed was planted in the hearts of thirteen dedicated Christians.
In October 1955 these thirteen members of the Helping Hand Club sought a church home. They wanted to stay together as a group. Meeting at Deacon and Sister Andrew Benson’s home on Arndt Street and Elmwood they discussed their options. Mother Collins suggested organizing their own church. Sister Naomi Powell proposed Reverend Welton Williams as pastor. The group agreed and extended the invitation. After praying and consulting with his pastor Reverend P.M. Martin he accepted.
Sister Fannie Reynolds suggested the name Williams Chapel Baptist Church. The group agreed. Soon after they moved to a one-room storefront. It stood on the corner of Arndt and Ellery Streets. On December 1 1955 Pastor P.M. Martin and Zion Hope Baptist Church officially organized Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Welton Williams became the pastor. The church had 23 members. Trustee James Baldwin registered the church with the State of Michigan.
Within three months the congregation outgrew the storefront. Exactly one year later in December 1956 they marched to 3111 Elmwood Street. Growth defined the church’s early years.
The Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church continued to expand its reach. In 1962 the church launched a radio ministry on WQBH. By 1964 the mortgage for 3111 Elmwood was paid off. In 1969 Pastor Williams envisioned building a new edifice. Groundbreaking occurred in 1970. Williams Chapel Day Care founded by Pastor and Mrs. Williams opened in 1971. The sanctuary of the new edifice was completed in 1972. Dr. Nellie M.H. Williams began a Through-the-Bible-Study group in 1979. By 1980 the mortgage for 3100 Elmwood was paid off. In 1983 plans for a ministry in Port-Au-Prince Haiti began. The Williams Chapel Church/School building was completed and dedicated in 1985. Further renovations were completed in 1995. In 1997 renovations finished at 3111 Elmwood housing Ross Hill Academy. Ross-Hill Academy opened in 1999 with 302 students in grades K-8. In 2001 a new site was added for upper-grade students at 317 Harper.
On January 1 2006 Pastor Welton Williams passed the leadership to his grandson Reverend James C. Jones. Reverend Jones became pastor. Reverend Welton Williams served as Founding Senior Pastor. Under Pastor Jones’ leadership new worship and fellowship initiatives began. The educational wing was dedicated to Dr. Nellie M.H. Williams on July 29 2007.
The Publication Ministry released its first Yearly Calendar in 2008. In 2009 Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church became The Chapel LIFE Church. Founding Pastor Welton Williams passed away in 2010. His life love and legacy were celebrated October 29 and 30. The Chapel LIFE Church Family & Friends Live Recording occurred in 2011. First Fruit Giving was initiated by Pastor James C. Jones in 2012. The Chapel LIFE Church Production Team presented “A Chapel LIFE Christmas” in 2013. The Zoe LIFE Recording Studio was constructed in 2013. A small group explosion of Bible Study classes took place in 2014. In 2017 The Chapel LIFE Church became Abundant LIFE Christian Church. The change was filed with the State of Michigan on March 14.
Online Virtual Worship service Abundant LIFE Live began in 2019. It was available on all social media. This expanded the Abundant LIFE Christian Church membership nationwide.
Abundant LIFE Christian Church continues with Pastor James C. Jones. The church’s mission guides all ministry endeavors. From its humble start to its current form Abundant Life Faith Temple stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. Its story is still unfolding.