How about we step back in time to the origins of Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church? This church began with humble roots. In 1886, a group of Christian believers gathered in the home of Brother and Sister McGuire. Their address was 995 Delgany Street in West Denver. This marked the start of the West Side Mission.
Reverend James Thomas Smith served as Campbell Chapel’s first pastor. He worked hard alongside the members. Soon, they purchased a house at 33rd and Larimer Streets. They renovated the property. It then accommodated a sanctuary and living space for the pastor. At that time, the West Side Mission was renamed Paul Quinn Mission. The church experienced rapid growth.
After Rev. Smith’s retirement, Bishop Thomas H. D. Ward assigned Rev. John Turner as pastor. Reverend Dr. Paul Hubbard was the Presiding Elder. It was under Turner’s leadership that the Paul Quinn Mission was renamed Campbell Chapel AME Church.
In 1940, under Reverend Bingham’s leadership, Campbell Chapel acquired its current building. They bought it from the Holy Redeemer congregation. Later, in 1969, under Reverend D. C. Coleman, the church expanded. They purchased a parsonage at 2815 Dahlia Street. They also acquired a manse at 2801 Monaco Parkway. Furthermore, they invested in a 24-unit low-income housing complex. It was located at 22nd and Humboldt Streets.
Under Reverend Dr. Ezekiel Habersham’s guidance in 1981, the Richard Allen Foundation was established. Church members financed the foundation. This allowed the church to borrow money at low interest rates. These funds supported further projects and developments.
Throughout its history, many individuals have served as pastors of Campbell Chapel. Reverend James Thomas Smith served from 1886 to 1890. He laid a solid foundation for future leaders. Reverend John Turner followed from 1890 to 1894. He oversaw the renaming of the church.
Other pastors include Reverend Jordan Allen. He served from 1895 to 1896. Then came Reverend Paine from 1896 to 1898. After him was Reverend Sanders from 1898 to 1900. Reverend Pope served briefly in 1900. Reverend McField also had a short term in 1901.
The church had no appointed pastor from 1902 to 1904. Reverend Williams then took over from 1904 to 1906. Reverend Bray followed from 1906 to 1907. Reverend A. M. Ward served two separate terms. The first was from 1907 to 1909 and the second from 1915 to 1916.
Reverend Washington led from 1910 to 1915. After him was Reverend I. S. Wilson from 1916 to 1921. Next was Reverend C. C. Hicks from 1921 to 1924. Reverend Daniel Hill served from 1924 to 1926. Reverend McKnight led from 1927 to 1928. Reverend R. H. Harbort followed from 1928 to 1930. Reverend Harry Bingham was pastor from 1930 to 1938. Reverend A. A. Moore served from 1938 to 1940.
Reverend E. D. Chappelle I took over from 1940 to 1943. Then came Reverend A. H. Hamilton from 1943 to 1951. Reverend D. C. Stevenson led from 1951 to 1960. Reverend D. C. Coleman served from 1960 to 1973.
Reverend Jacks was pastor from 1973 to 1976. Reverend Prince Albert Williams, Sr. followed from 1976 to 1978. Reverend Matthew Watley served from 1978 to 1979. Reverend Albert Fontenot, Sr. was an interim pastor in 1979. Reverend John Ruben Williams led from 1979 to 1981. Reverend Dr. Ezekiel Habersham served from 1981 to 1990.
Reverend John L. Shaw, Sr. was pastor from 1990 to 1999. Reverend Roger Jackson followed from 1999 to 2002. Reverend Charles Ferris served from 2002 to 2005. Reverend Regina C. Groff, Ph.D., led from 2005 to 2009. Reverend Jesse Brown was pastor from 2009 to 2010. Reverend Pamela Myrtis Mason served from 2010 to 2013. Reverend Andrew L. Simpson followed from 2013 to 2016. Reverend Jennifer S. Leath, Ph.D., served from 2016 to 2021. Rev. Charles Wright is the current pastor, starting in 2021.
Campbell Chapel AME Church continues to thrive. It welcomes all who seek fellowship with God. The church offers worship services every Sunday. It also provides opportunities for study and prayer throughout the week. Campbell Chapel remains a beacon of faith and service in the community.