Our Story

Not knowing the exact date, but during the summer of 1908, the first Sunday School was called together by Father Peter Lomax in the former home of W. J. Fisher.  Acting as superintendent was Sis. Lula Lomax Spearman with only two little boys, Tillman and Richard, in attendance.  They were the first Sunday School students at Allen Chapel and thus from humble beginnings a church was born.  On the following Sunday, the Sunday School turned out in full with Bro. W. J. Lomax as superintendent.  Worship services were held by one of the local ministers, Bro. Harry Wardlaw of Little Zion A.M.E. Church.
After a few months of services the church was organized by the Presiding Elder, Reverend B. J. Ramsey. Reverend D. S. Brooks served as the pastor.
After serving during the year of 1908, Reverend D. S. Brooks carried the mission into the Annual Conference.  The conference sent Reverend T. W. Wideman as pastor for the year 1909.  For several months, until the church was built, worship services were held at John’s Creek Baptist Church. 
Construction of the church began and a few months later was completed in August 1909.

The name of the church, Allen Chapel, was given by Sis. Lula Lomax Spearman.  It was accepted and approved by the members of the mission.  The opening hymn for the worship service was hymn #10, “Whosoever Hearest Need Not Delay” from the Gospel Hymnal.  The invocation was given by Father Peter Lomax.  The first hymn lined by the pastor, Reverend T. W. Wideman, was “Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee”.  Prayer was also offered by the pastor.
Later the cornerstone was laid by the Presiding Elder, Reverend C. B. Gilliard in the year 1916.

Pastor Julius D. Crawford accepted God's call into ministry June 2004, licensed December 2004, and preached his initial sermon January 30, 2005.  After being convicted by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Crawford knew things were going to change for him.  The things he has experienced throughout his lifetime has prepared him to be the minister God called him to be.  Because of life's challenges it has made him a better servant for the Lord.  Being a mentor to some and a friend to all is his calling.  He also works with Special Needs children in the Abbeville County school system.  As a teacher a light shines through displaying the love, understanding, and commitment he has to his students.  He can be found, even when he's struggling with something, to have a grin on his face and joyous  laughter echoing throughout the church.  He stays humble before the Lord and acknowledges Him in all that he does for without God...

No one knows what tomorrow may bring, but while we can we will continue to uplift the name of Jesus and serve our community in spirit and truth.  We strive to be a guiding light to those who are lost, confused, alone, or seeking something but not quite sure what.   Church School, Worship Services, Bible Study, Small Gatherings, and other ministries are working to spread the Gospel in our community.  Youth Tutoring, Senior Citizen, and Community Awareness programs are in the works.  Whatever your talent come be apart of something that is growing in the name of Jesus!