WARD CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH HISTORY
Ward Chapel was founded in 1910 when the Reverend J.W. Garner and a few AME’s living in South Kinloch, Missouri, were worshipping in a tent on the old street car line. They felt a need for an African Methodist Episcopal Church in the community where they lived. In 1914, Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was erected on the corner of Monroe and Scott Streets in Kinloch, Missouri.
Reverend J.W. Garner was the first pastor and some of the Charter Members were: Henry and Mary Bass, Charles & Lucy Dixon, Charley and Dora Jones, Lillie Wright, Brother Mayo, Georgia Roberts, Ella Tomlinson, Mamie Perkins, Sam Bruner, Reverend and Mrs. Alexander Brandon. Reverend Garner served as pastor for four years.
The following ministers then served as pastors at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church: Rev. J.W. Baker (two years), Rev. A.B. Green (four years), Rev. Theodore Morrison (five years), Rev. A.C. Clinton (four years), Rev. John L. Williams (two years), Rev. John H. Haines (one year), Rev. S.R. Stanley (two years), Rev. H.H. Matlock (four years), Rev. J. W. Lacy (two years), Rev. Earl Bagby (four years).
In November, 1951 the church burned and the congregation worshipped in Boyd’s Funeral Home until the basement was built in 1953.
Rev. M.M. Matthews succeeded Rev. Bagby and served four years; Rev. L.P. Parker, one year; Rev. E.E. Holiday, one year. Rev. Harvey L. Vaughn Sr., the Presiding Elder served as pastor until he sent Rev. E. Lewis Branch as supply pastor. Rev. Branch brought Ward Chapel into the Annual Conference. In 1959 Rev. Matthew A. Watley was assigned as pastor. During his nine years as pastor, the church was completed and a new parsonage was erected. As the church was being constructed, the congregation worshipped at Wade’s Funeral Home and the Y.M.C.A. Rev. Watley was succeeded by Reg. G. Mansfield Collins who served six months.
The following pastors were subsequently assigned: Rev. Douglas A. Johnson (three years), Rev. Glenn C. Nelson Jr. (three years), Rev. R.T. Whiters (two years), Rev. Richard A. Chappelle, Sr., General Secretary was assigned by Bishop H.H. Brookin as supply pastor, Rev. Paul Harris (nine months), Rev. Samuel L. Bradford (four years), Rev. Richard A. Chappelle, Sr. (one year).
Reverend Ann Owens MacDonald was assigned by Bishop H. Brookins in 1983. Under Rev. MacDonald’s administration and pastorate, the mortgage was liquidated on the church at 5700 Monroe in Kinloch and was sold to the Airport Authority. Ward Chapel relocated to 11410 Old Halls Ferry Rd, Florissant, Missouri in 1990 and the congregation worshipped in the house on that site until the new church was built.
On June 21, 1992 the Cornerstone Laying and Dedication Service for the new church building was held. The Rt. Rev. Vinton R. Anderson, Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District was the Chief Celebrant Officer with the Rev. O’Neal Hayes Brown, Presiding Elder, St. Louis-Cape Girardeau District presiding. Rev. Ann Owens MacDonald served as pastor for the next twenty one years.
An annex and fellowship Hall, The Ann Owens MacDonald Family Center, was added in 2002. This Hall serves as a place for members to fellowship and sponsor events and as a rental facility for community events. Ward Chapel purchased an additional property on Chambers Road in Moline Acres, Missouri and developed a Day Care Center which is currently under lease as Rising Star Learning Center.
In 2004 Reverend Marvin E. Sullivan was assigned by Bishop John R. Bryant to serve as Pastor. Under his spiritual guidance and leadership the church continued in saving souls and bringing others to Christ. Community service through the food pantry, Room-at-the Inn, and the monthly nursing home ministry continued.
Reverend Gregory K. McLeod, was assigned by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and began service in January, 2012.
Reverend Karen Anderson was assigned in November 2012 by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, the second female to serve Ward. Under her leadership and spiritual guidance there has been a renewed spirit of worship, engagement and evangelism. Additionally she led the successful blending of Immanuel AME with Ward Chapel. Several new ministries were birthed including Women Empowering Women for Leadership; Health and Wellness Ministry, Friday Fire Youth Night. Through her leadership the church has been in the forefront of social justice issues in St. Louis. The future looks bright for Ward Chapel.