The
Reconstruction of the New Johnson Chapel Church, as told by Willie Beatty, Jr.
“In 1969 the Late Rev. Walter L. Mapson
called the young people together in order to organize the Junior
Church. With a dream of a new church and great ambition, they began
to work towards their first anniversary, which raised $1,600.00.
With only $4,000.00 in the Building Fund, the
Pastor and members decided to make a start towards the new
church. No blueprints were ever drawn, only the foundational
sketch. On the set date for the groundbreaking, our men decided to
meet at five o'clock. Brother Frank Jones, Jr. arrived there a
little earlier. When the others arrived, Frank stated that he had
already said a prayer and began to work. We don't know what he told
the Lord or asked Him for, but whatever it was, the Lord answered. We
never stopped because of rain, or the lack of money, an injury, not even a
smashed finger. Our working hours were from five
o'clock. The foundation was poured in May of 1972. The
walls were finished by December 1972. The rafters were built by the
smallest boys to the eldest men. The day the rafters were to be
placed, the weather report was 80% rain. The crane cost $40.00 per
hour, even if it rained. It would cost $200.00, whether we used it
or not. The chairman called Brother Willie Beatty concerning what to
do, and his words were, "the Lord knows we're working on the church, let
the men come." That day it rained all around the church, but
not at the church. Around six o'clock, it was time to quit, and the
rain came down!
It was always a pleasure for the ladies of
the church to serve dinner on Saturdays while the men worked. The
older men of the community who couldn't do the physical work would keep up the
men's morale with sodas and cookies. People passing by would stop to
lend a hand and also gave donations.
We cannot name all the people who helped us,
but there are some who labored above and beyond the call of
duty. Special thanks to Mr. Julius Hall, who laid the blocks along
with the pattern for rafters. Mr. Benie Lee James, who helped erect
the rafters. Also, Mr. Ganaliel Jones for the purchasing and
installation of the carpet.
‘Our
Father, we pray for a broader vision of the needs of all humanity, and deeper
compassion to fill those needs. Help us to be gentle, walking softly
with one another. Help us to be understanding, lest we shall add to
the world's sorrow or cause to flow one needless tear. Help us to
stand for what is right now. Help us to be as eager to forgive
others as we are to seek forgiveness. Help us to know no barriers of
creed or race, that our love may be like Thine - a love that sees all men as
thy children and our brothers...”’
The
latest expansion was the erection of the fellowship hall
building. The fellowship hall was completed under the pastor at that
time, Rev. Donald Mapson, and dedicated by Bishop George Battle in September of
2002.
The
fellowship hall mortgage was paid off, and the church’s bus was purchased in
2018 by a God-fearing, loving, and dedicated family within our church
family. The mortgage burning service was held on June 25, 2018, and
the rededication service was held on March 10, 2019, under
the direction and leadership of the current pastor, Rev. Dr. Henry
Young. The fellowship hall was rededicated in the name and memory of
Mrs. Beatrice Beatty, who severed this church in numerous capacities, but most
memorable to most were the annual fundraisers for the church and the
community-at-large.