About Clark's Chapel Founded 1885
Sometime prior to 1885, during the era when Black men were first permitted to establish their own churches, a devoted group of Christians organized a congregation known as Thomas Chapel. The church was named in honor of two brothers—C.Y. and Lewis Thomas—who were the only Black landowners in the community at that time. Worship services were initially held in a modest log structure, located about a quarter mile from the church’s current site. Rev. Joe James served as the first pastor. Mr. Lewis Thomas was appointed the first chairman of the Deacon Board, serving alongside his brother, Mr. C.Y. Thomas, and Mr. Louis Rhiendhart. In 1885, Mr. Joe Sherrill joined the Board of Deacons after marrying the former Miss Maggie Thomas. As the original property was redeveloped, the church relocated to its present location and was renamed Clark’s Chapel, in honor of Mr. William Clark—the original white landowner and a friend to the Thomas and Sherrill families. In 1886, the trustees of Clark’s Chapel secured a clear deed to the property from Mr. Clark. Through the leadership of Rev. James, the dedication of the deacons, and the faithfulness of the congregation, a small plank church was constructed. The church family continued to grow steadily. Upon the passing of Rev. James, the congregation called Rev. Lee Ramseur as pastor. He served faithfully for approximately 18 years. On August 24, 1904, Clark’s Chapel joined with several other Baptist churches to establish the Mountain and Catawba Association. Since its founding in 1885 and through the guidance of various pastoral leaders, Clark’s Chapel has continued to flourish, remaining a beacon of faith and community in the present age.
Pastors of Clark's Chapel (in order of service)
Rev. Joe Harris, First Pastor Rev. Lee Ramseur Rev. W. S. Sherrill Rev. L. J. Ramseur Rev. Frances Lackey Rev. Ceasor Allison Rev. Bruce Vanderburg Rev. Milas Alexander Rev. J. W. Caldwell Rev. J. C. Graham (1935-1976) Rev. Vernon Thompson (1976-1980) Rev. Charles B. Mingo, Sr. (1980-2012) Rev. Dr. Dietrich Morrison Danner (2014-Present)
Church Clerks
E. D. Sherrill, First Clerk Catherine Morrison (Served 46 years) Geraldine Mayfield Barbara Morrison
Current Deacons, Trustees, Officers, & Ministers
Rev. Dr. Dietrich Morrison Danner, Pastor
Deacon Kevette Weaver, Chair Deacon Jay L. Grimes, Sr. Deacon Williams Jones Deacon Luther Moten Deacon Charles Sharpe, Sr. Deacon David Thompson
Leon Ijames, Chairman JoAnn Davidson Homer Grant, Jr. Nelson Miller Niyin Miller Beverly L. Morrison Herbert Morrison, Sr. Randy Morrison, Sr. Anthony Wellman
Albert Lawrence, Sr., Financial Officer William Morrison, Assistant Financial Officer Barbara Morrison, Church Clerk JoAnn Davidson, Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Rev. Jerome Byers, Minister Dr. Mondraé Williams, Minister of Music
Past Deacons
Lewis Thomas, First Chairman and founding member C. Y. Thomas, founding member Louis Rhinedhart, founding member *Joe Sherrill C. Y. Davidson Dallas Greenleaf *Lynn Sherrill D. M. Morrison *Donnie Lewis Omar Morrison Roscoe Morrison *Roy Summers Everette Moten *A. C. Wellman *James E. Morrison John Watts *John White, Sr. Winford Griffin Cuff Kirkland Clyde Sharpe Walter Waddell Leslie Gray Roy Brown Junious Lesane *denotes Served as Chairman
Past Trustees
Jimmie Murdock William Morrison Tyris Bailey Stanley Connor Billy Ray Morrison Freddie Morrison Albert Lawrence, Sr. Raymond Mayfield Charles James Kenston J. Griffin Evelyn Clarke