Bringing the Word to Life

In 1881, this historical church was organized by a portion of the membership of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, the mother church of African Methodism in Houston, Texas. Due to lack of transportation to the First Ward Area, the desire to have a church of this denomination in the Chaneyville Community prompted a group of ten people to formulate plans which led to the organization of Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The organizational meeting took place in Francis Harper School located at the corner of Center and Court Streets on July 10, 1881. The proposed new church would serve both the West End and Chaneyville Communities which later became known as Sixth Ward. The congregation named the church in honor of the first pastor, Rev. Louis Brown.

The congregation grew rapidly. At the 1881 Texas Annual Conference in Galveston, Texas, the report reflected eleven members. The first convert was Martha C. J. Washington, who later became Mrs. C. J. Smith. The first baby to be baptized was Minnie Hardley Calvin. The Literary Report on the First Sunday showed 15 members, 2 teachers and 55 books. There were four Trustees: Alfred Pipkin, Henry Fields, John W. Hubert Sr., and Mark Lafayette; three Stewards: Alfred Pipkin, Cyrus Smith, Hosea Butler; four Stewardesses: Jan Pipkin, Jane Washington, Nancy Smith, and Ann Brown; and two class leaders: Alfred Pipkin and Hosea Butler.

The congregation and officers immediately made plans to secure a permanent place to meet for worship. Rev. Louis Brown, Alfred Pipkin and Henry Fields took responsibility for the legalities. For the price of $50.00, Rev. Louis Brown purchased lot #8 of block #3 in the John Brashear Addition. The site was Washington Road now known as Washington Avenue. The pastor gave the purchased land to the church as a gift. Presiding Elder Rev. F. Cozier announced the gift to the trustees of the church at the first Quarterly Conference on April 22, 1882.

A small church building was started under Rev. Brown and completed under the pastorate of Rev. Tony Perry. The membership grew and this building was later remodeled under the pastoral leadership of Rev. G. W. Anderson. Rev. P. C. Hunt and congregation completed payment of the mortgage debt. Under the leadership of Rev. F. W. Wright, the first parsonage was erected on the back section of the church lot.

In 1917, the original edifice and parsonage were destroyed by fire. In the fall of the same year, Rev. P.D. Sadler was sent to Brown Chapel and oversaw erection of a new church at the cost of approximately $10,000.00. In 1923, Rev. L. J. Sanders came to Brown Chapel. Under his pastorate, Brown Chapel paid the mortgage in total. Rev. Sanders was responsible for converting the church into a two story building and bought the parsonage at 1811 Wichman Street in 1925.

In 1933, Rev. R. C. Walker was sent to Brown Chapel and served four years. He revived the Christian atmosphere with his spiritual sermons and fatherly advice. During his tenure, the membership increased. Several auxiliaries were organized and headed by faithful workers. A water meter was installed. The Senior Choir was the first choir in the city to purchase black tailored robes.

Rev. L. C. Graves was sent to Brown Chapel in December of 1939 and served ten years. In 18 months, the mortgage debt of $4,000.00 was paid in full. The parsonage was remodeled and furnished at the cost of $1,800.00. A church beautification project was started which included bricking to the exterior of the church building at a cost of $12,500.00.

Rev. R. T. Thomas was sent to serve in 1949. He served well. During his pastorate, a new parsonage was built.

In 1957, Rev. E. D. Johnson was sent to Brown. He served for eight years. Under his leadership the membership grew. The remodeling of the church included rearranging the pulpit, raising the choir stand, adding a new ceiling and wall paneling in the sanctuary, purchasing a new organ and installing a new air conditioning system. In the fellowship hall, the pastor’s office was added, the kitchen updated and new folding chairs were purchased. The parsonage was remodeled. Brown Chapel also hosted the 93^rd Session of the Texas Annual Conference in October 1959.

Rev. Joseph T. Garnett was sent to pastor Brown Chapel in 1965. Under his leadership the Young Adult Chorus and Children’s Choir were organized. Land adjoining the church was acquired for a parking lot, carpet was laid in the sanctuary, and new furniture was purchased for the parsonage. The 104^th Session of the Texas Annual Conference was held at Brown Chapel in November 1970 during Rev. Garnett’s administration.

In 1973, Bishop John H. Adams assigned Rev. E. C. Gibson to pastor Brown Chapel. Under his leadership, the membership increased and the mortgage was paid in full. Central heating and air conditioning was purchased for the fellowship hall. The floors were re-tiled, the finance office and classrooms received new carpet, the kitchen was remodeled, and new office furniture was purchased for the fellowship hall as well. Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Gibson donated a set of candelabras in memory of their daughter Rosalyn Kay Gibson. Property was acquired for a second parking lot. A grand piano was purchased and new light fixtures, carpet and stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary as part of a beautification program. Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Wilson generously gifted Brown with a lighted cross in memory of their parents, Rev. and Mrs. R. C. Walker and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wilson. Also, a neon sign was donated to the church by Mr. & Mrs. Roscoe Hill.

In 1989, Brown Chapel AME Church was designated as a historical site by the Texas Historical Commission. This honor highlights Brown Chapel’s significance to the Sixth Ward area and the Houston Community.

In 1990, Rev. Ruben D. Braziel was sent to Brown Chapel. During his 22 year tenure, he earned the Doctor of Divinity Degree. Under his leadership, Weekly Bible Study, Nutrition & Exercise Ministry and a Singles Ministry were initiated. The Young People’s Division (Y.P.D.) of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Lay Organization were revitalized. A Drama Ministry, Liturgical Dance Ministry, a curriculum based Children’s Church School, a homeless feeding Ministry, and a Recycling Ministry began. Weekly donations from the membership were sent to assist in the purchasing of Richard Allen Plaza, the Tenth Episcopal District Headquarters Building in Dallas, Texas. Also, under Rev. Dr. Braziel’s administration, the church grounds were enclosed by a wrought iron fence. In 1998, the church acquired the property on Center Street described as lot #4, block #3 for a price of $45,000.00. In May 2001, Brown Chapel was selected as the site for a TV Movie based on the life of M. C. Hammer. Members of the choirs and congregation were featured in the film. In 2002, the entire lower level of the church was remodeled; new flooring, new office furniture and computers were purchased following damages from Tropical Storm Allison.

In October 2006, Brown Chapel hosted the 3^rd Session of the newly reconfigured, 140 year old Texas Annual Conference. The bar was raised for future host churches because of the detailed hospitality of never-before-amenities for those who attended this conference. A parcel of land on Court Street described as lot #11, block #3 was purchased and paid for in full under Rev. Dr. Braziel’s management. Major repairs including installation of trusses and foundation leveling were completed to support the structure. In 2012, an outside drainage system was installed.

Altar-ware consisting of a solid brass cross and pair of candle holders was donated by Beatrice K. Mackey in memory of her brother, Henry Kennedy. Also, as granted in her Last Will and Testament, Brown Chapel became the owner of the home of Willie Mae Graves. Mrs. Graves, long time faithful and loyal servant, was a stewardess, trustee emeritus, and life member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the A.M.E. Church.

In November 2012, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie assigned Rev. Salatheia Bryant-Honors to lead Brown Chapel. In 2013, the first “Walk on Washington and Unity Sunday were held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During her second year, she earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree. In November of 2014, her husband, Rev. Reginald Honors was assigned as the co-pastor. During the Honors’ tenure many thought provoking and inspiring sermons were preached, new ministries birthed, and heighten emphasis placed on Christian Education. Some of the new ministries started under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Honors included Youth Ministry, Prayer Support, Shepherd’s Care and Outreach. The expanded emphasis on Christian Education included a summer Mid-Day Bible Study lead by associate minister, Rev. Annie McGilber, the appointment of a Christian Education Committee, and celebrations and materials developed surrounding the liturgical calendar. A new sound system and video monitor were installed in the sanctuary to enhance the worship experience and a website and Facebook page were created to give Brown a social presence. In 2014, Brown also became an annual supporter of KTSU Radio. Other services rendered have included donations to local schools, emergency efforts and an annual Back to School Blessing which benefitted the children of Brown and the community.

Rev. Leonard Lee, a vibrant powerhouse spiritual leader, was appointed Pastor of Brown Chapel by Bishop McKenzie in October of 2017. Since his arrival, the church body has witnessed and benefitted from his strong work ethics and unique ability to inspire and encourage members to expand their spiritual and financial growth. He demonstrates exceptional knowledge and interpretation of scriptures as they relate to daily living. His sermons are electrifying! And, the newly incorporated 6:00 am week day morning Prayer Line calls provide a much needed daily spiritual lift. Under Rev. Lee’s direction, the Fellowship Hall has been revitalized and updated as a result of damages incurred from Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, members donated new doors to beautify the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall; an unused space was converted to a prayer room; and the foyer received an uplift with new pictures and monogrammed chairs. Also, the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic motivated the use of technology that allowed for virtual participation that spawned an increase in membership and worship attendance. Members are excited about the noteworthy spiritual guidance and genuine spirit exhibited by Rev. Lee as we collectively give gratitude to our brave visionary founders and “Bring the Word to Life.”

Lest we become discouraged, we need to remember that a little band of men and women living in a small community, with limited resources, started this great church of our “Faith.” We too can say, “All things are possible if we only believe.”