THOMAS CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Our History
On the 20th of May 1981, Our founder and organizer, Reverend Velma Hayden held a meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turner, at 309 Avenue G, Copperas Cove, Texas. Those in attendance were Jack Turner, Betty Turner, and Charles Ware. In this meeting, it discussed if there was need of an A. M. E. here in the Copperas Cove area, the name of the church would be Thomas Chapel A. M. E. Church to honor the Presiding Elder F. D. Thomas.
The second meeting was held on June 23, 1981 at the VFW Post No 8577, South Main Street, Copperas Cove. At this picnic meeting was Dr. J. W. Yancy, who was invited by Reverend Hayden to go over the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Those present were Jack and Betty Turner, Virginia Ligion, Jane Cooper (a minor), David and Dora Bress, David and Nicole Clark, Tonya Newton and Franklin Gilmore.
A building was located by Reverend Hayden, and rented from the 100F Lodge for $50.00 per month. This building at 901 North Main Street is the present site of Thomas Chapel. The first church service was held, on the third Sunday in July 1981 and Reverend Hayden invited Reverend Aubrey Pickens to be the assistance pastor. A survey was made available to those attending to be Charter Members of Thomas Chapel. These members are Brother Jack Turner, Sister Betty Turner, Brother Charles Ware, Sister Lurene Edwards, Sister Beverly Ware, Brother Eric Edwards, Sister Bessie Pickens (Rev. Pickens Wife) Sister Jennifer Edwards, Reverend Aubrey Pickens, and Reverend Velma Hayden.
At the Annual Conference held on 29 September 1981, at Anderson Chapel A. M. E. Church in Killeen, Texas, Reverend Aubrey Pickens was appointed as Pastor of Thomas Chapel, upon recommendation of Reverend Hayden, Presiding Elder F. D. Thomas, and Bishop Henry W. Murphey.
Reverend Pickens served as Pastor from September 29, 1981 to October 19, 1984. The Lord truly blessed his ministry.
On 19 October 1984, the five members of Thomas Chapel welcomed Reverend Bertie M. Sworn: Brother Charles Ware, Sister Lurene Edwards, Brother Eric Edwards, Sister Jennifer Edwards, and Virginia Jenkins. The church began to grow. During May 1985, the church purchased two acres of land. The land is located on Boys Ranch Road, Lomas Rodando.
On September 9, 1989, our church site was purchased, at 901 North Main Street groundbreaking service was held for the addition and renovation of Thomas Chapel on the 25th of July 1993. The ceremony was done by Presiding Elder C. A. Jones of the Austin Capital District. Reverend Pickens did the sermon. Thomas Chapel and Anderson Chapel Choirs furnished music. The building reconstruction began November 3, 1993. Reverend Sworn continued to lead, teach and preach at Thomas Chapel until 1995.
Between October 1995, and January 1998 Reverend Carl E. Garmon Sr. was assigned to be the pastor of Thomas Chapel by Bishop John R. Bryant. During his tenure, the land on Boys Ranch Road was paid off. The kitchen and dining room, renovated to include appliances and a marquee was purchased. The following ministries were birthed: Praise and Worship, Spiritual Dance, and Community Bible Teaching at noon Monday thru Friday. This enhanced the overall growth of the church.
From January 1998 to October 1999 Reverend William Quickley was assigned to Thomas Chapel. Leading the congregation with his inspired teaching and preaching.
During his short term, October 1999 to June 2001, Reverend James Spivey added many other amenities to the church include a steeple. Rev. J.E. Spivey established the Thomas Chapel AME Scholarship Fund May 6, 2009. His style of leadership took the church to another level. He was called home to be with the LORD. Reverend Spivey was truly a man of God. We thank God, for the life and ministry of Reverend Spivey, he will be missed.
From June 2001 to November 2001, our interim Pastor and Founder Velma Hayden, lead the church into the Annual Conference with dignity.
In November 2001, Thomas Chapel was again truly blessed with an anointed Pastor in none other than the Reverend Paulette White. Reverend White is truly a God sent women, and great asset to Thomas Chapel, the 10th District and the A. M. E. Connection. Reverend White continues to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, directing the church to reach its full potential. We thank God for this loving, spiritual, patient, and virtuous woman of God. Pastor White, we Love you.
In September 2005 Thomas Chapel was blessed with a double anointing when Rev. Johnny White was appointed as Co-Pastor of Thomas Chapel. With this magnificent two-fold ministry Thomas Chapel has reached new heights and is continuing to climb under the leadership and guidance that God has blessed us with. Reverend Johnny continues through his leadership to encourage us to know and use the spiritual gifts the God has given us.
As we continue to follow them as they follow God Thomas Chapel has been able to move beyond the four walls and truly see and meet the needs of others not only in the community, but in our daily lives. We love you Pastor Johnny
In all the passing years that Thomas Chapel A. M. E. Church has known, we have seen many changes but Jesus has remained the same. The Lord has been our great leader and brought us this far by faith and his unchanging love.