Imagine believers gathering in open fields. It might have been homes or barns. They sought a place to worship. You are now standing before Wright Chapel AME Church.
Wright Chapel AME Church history began in the early to mid-1800s. Believers held services anywhere they could. They sought a space to worship freely.
Very little is documented about Wright Chapel Church’s early years. Many stories have faded. Ancestors who lived during those times have passed. However a few documents offer some understanding.
In 1851 church trustees bought a small property. The price was 5 dollars. It was a moderate sum then. It is unknown if a church building was ever constructed there.
An event adds mystery to the history of Wright Chapel AME Church. In January 1865 about 22000 Union troops moved into the area. This was between Gravelly Springs and Waterloo. Property destruction was widespread. Many wooden structures were dismantled. They used the lumber for shelters and firewood. Churches were included. So if Wright Chapel was built in the 1850s it was likely destroyed.
Today Wright Chapel AME Church stands. It is a testament to faith and perseverance. The church serves as a spiritual beacon in San Francisco. It stands as a reminder of its humble beginnings.