$80 and a Dedication to Church and Community: The Story of Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church
(Written by Field & Main Bank with the help of members of Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church)
Throughout the church’s 147-year history, there have been tough times, joyous times, and times that clearly fortify the glory of their mission. With the help of current church members, we’ve compiled a timeline of important events that highlight their journey, starting with the humble beginnings in 1840:
1840-The African Baptist Church organized in the basement of the First Baptist Church on Center and Elm Street. It is important to note that during those times, people of color had previously worshipped in secluded places and fields. They were now allowed into the building at a local Baptist church which at the time, housed an all-white congregation.
1845-The African Baptist Church developed into the First Baptist Church for the African Community.
1847-The leadership of the city of Henderson issued an order that the Black community was allowed to hold their religious services on Friday nights until 10 pm and every Sunday until sundown. The church followed these orders until they were repealed on July 27th of that same year, when they were only allowed Sunday services. Soon, the congregation would find themselves without a house in which to even worship. For 21 years, the Black and White community members worshipped together until ties were severed after the Civil War.
1866-The African Baptist Church was made to leave the basement of the First Baptist Church on Center and Elm Street and asked to rely upon their own resources. Without a dollar to sustain them, the church had nowhere to hold their worship services. A committee was appointed in January 1866 to secure a place of worship for the church. On February 8th of that same year, a contract was signed with the old Methodist Church at the corner of Elm and Washington Street. This contract was to allow the African Baptist Church to hold their services in the building. They were now to be called the First Baptist Church.
1867-Rev. Lewis Norris was called to be the pastor of the church on October 23, 1867, and served for eight years. He resigned from his position in the church after internal division arose.
1874-Rev. L.B. Evans and some forty-four members of the First Baptist Church decided it was time to leave the church in hopes they could begin their own. With letters of membership dismissal from the First Baptist Church and a few hundred dollars, their church came to be known as the Fourth Street Baptist Church in Henderson. Rev. Lewis Norris, who had remained in Henderson, became the pastor.
1879-The Fourth Street Baptist Church purchased a corner lot on First and Adams Street and services were held there until the church burned in 1884. Only three cushioned pulpit chairs were saved.
1884-The Fourth Street Baptist Church burned in 1884. Only three cushioned pulpit chairs were saved. After the fire, members of the church worshipped in Turner’s Woods by candlelight and then in various member’s homes until they found a new place of worship; the Old Pollard building on First and Green Street.
1885-Shortly after their move to the Old Pollard Building, a new pastor was called to serve, Rev. Tobe Gardner. Rev. Gardner stayed as pastor from 1885-1887.
1887-The present ground that Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church now stands on was purchased for $80.00.
Present day
Fast forward over a century to 2018 when the church began to renovate its beloved sanctuary. The first step of a major renovation project took place with the restoration of the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary. The second phase, which took place in 2019, saw the replacement of the windows in the remainder of the church. The third phase began in 2020 with the outside of the church building being cleaned, repaired, and painted. The inside of the building is currently being renovated and they anticipate the renovation being completed in 2021.
The church was instrumental in the naming of a local school building – the Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center – after one of their adored church members. Ms. Thelma B. Johnson, who passed at the age of 103, made a large impact on the Henderson community and our Commonwealth. She called Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church her place of worship.
There is no doubt the church has seen blessings and hardships during its 147 years of existence. But they remain steadfast – fight the good fight – and have come out on the winning side many times.
Our community is better because of churches like Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church. With each church service they share this message:
“Our history is rich, our present is bright, and future looks promising. The same God that has brought us this far is able to keep us. To God Be the Glory as we ENTER INTO THIS BUILDING TO WORSHIP AND DEPART TO SERVE”
And boy, do they ever fulfill it. Field & Main Bank is thankful for the hard work and dedication of the members of Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church. We have had many opportunities to serve our community alongside them and their dedication to Build Community is extraordinary. We are lucky to serve in a community where churches like theirs exist.