Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

In 1955, thirteen hopeful Christians gathered at the intersection of Arndt Street and Elmwood, seeking a spiritual home. Right here, at what would become the Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon and Sister Andrew Benson opened their doors to this Helping Hand Club. Their dream was simple: to find a church where their small group could stay united. Sister Naomi Powell suggested a young preacher, “Little Williams,” as their pastor. The group agreed, and Reverend Welton Williams accepted their call, beginning a rich history for Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The original thirteen members, including Deacon Andrew Benson, Sister Naomi Powell, and Sister Lizzie Collins, along with ten more souls, including Dr. Nellie M.H. Williams and Reverend O.D. Williams, officially organized Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on December 1, 1955. They started in a small storefront at the corner of Arndt and Ellery, suggested by Sister Fannie Reynolds. The congregation rapidly grew under Reverend Williams’ leadership. Just a year later, they moved to 3111 Elmwood Street, the very spot where we stand today. In 1962, Williams Chapel began broadcasting its message of faith over the airwaves on WQBH radio. By 1964, the church had achieved a significant milestone, paying off the mortgage on 3111 Elmwood. Reverend Williams’ vision continued to expand, leading to the groundbreaking for a new building in 1970. This expansion included the creation of the Williams Chapel Day Care in 1971, founded by Reverend and Mrs. Williams. The new sanctuary was completed in 1972, further solidifying the church’s presence in the community. The years that followed brought continued growth and accomplishments. Dr. Nellie M.H. Williams established a popular early morning Bible study group in 1979, and the mortgage on the new edifice at 3100 Elmwood was paid off in 1980. Williams Chapel even extended its reach internationally, initiating a ministry in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, in 1983. By 1985, a new church and school building was completed, marking a new chapter in Williams Chapel’s story. Reverend Welton Williams’ legacy of faith and service continued until 2006, when he passed the leadership to his grandson, Reverend James C. Jones. Reverend Jones further expanded the church’s mission. He dedicated the church’s educational wing to Dr. Nellie M.H. Williams in 2007, a fitting tribute to her lasting contributions.