The Rev. Carroll R. Chambliss, Sr.: An AME Scouting Legend
Carroll R. Chambliss, Sr., and his twin brother, Carey J. Chambliss, Sr., were born on May 29, 1925, in Jackson, Mississippi. He and his sister, Nora Lou, and four brothers, Jessie Jr, Francis, Leonard (Leo), and Carey, grew up as members of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi. His mother, Nora Robinson Chambliss, an accomplished pianist and music teacher at Jackson College, served as the church secretary at Pearl Street AME Church during Carroll Chambliss’ formative years. His father, Jessie R. (J.R.) Chambliss, Sr., an accomplished businessman, community leader, was respected and well-known as a dedicated layman at Pearl Street and throughout the Connectional AME Church. One of J.R.’s most recognized accomplishments was the founding, operation, and support of Pearl Street’s Scouting program which began with the establishment of Boy Scout Troop 51 in 1932.
Carroll, his four brothers, and most of his childhood friends grew up in Troop 51 during the 1930s. Carroll became an outstanding student and athlete at Lanier High School in Jackson, where he and his twin brother were graduated in 1944. During this time, Carroll also met and married the love of his life, Christine Knew Chambliss, during World War II when Carroll served in the U.S. Navy. All of his brothers also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Thanks to the prayers of their family, church, and many others, all five Chambliss brothers survived World War II and returned home, continued their educations, and started their own families.
Upon graduating from Wilberforce University after his service, Carroll became a minister in the AME Church, preaching in the St. Louis, Missouri-area. In 1956, he re-entered the U.S. Navy as an officer and became a member of the Chaplain Corps. He was the only AME Chaplain in the U.S. Navy when he joined the Corps. He immediately recognized this fact as an opportunity to grow African Methodism throughout the Armed Forces of the United States. Throughout his Naval career, he maintained a very high level of activity and involvement with the AME Church at the highest levels. He became a confidante and advisor to bishops; and in many cases, his diplomatic and negotiation skills were sought in resolving major issues before the AME Church.
During his Naval career, he continued to advance as an officer in the Corp. When he retired in 1988, at the rank of Captain, he had advanced to the Pentagon.
Being a prolific writer, Chaplain Chambliss wrote many articles for The Christian Recorder and other AME publications during his pastoral and Naval careers. These writings provide an introspective view of much of the Church’s history from 1950-1980. Many of his writings are summarized in his book, The Church of My Choice.
Carroll and Christine became the proud parents of four boys: Carroll Randolph Jr., Frank Chambliss, Christopher Chambliss, and Phillip Chambliss. All the Chambliss sons were outstanding athletes, with Chris playing major league baseball with the Cleveland Indians, World Champion New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves during the 1970s and 1980s.
When I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, and throughout my adult years, whenever my Dad would say your Uncle Carroll is coming, there was always instant excitement for me. This charismatic, energetic, highly-motivated, and religiously-grounded person with his equally charming soulmate, Aunt Christine, were a dynamic duo for African Methodism and always a joy to be around. They were interested in my progress and activities, our overall family’s progress and activities, and the progress of Pearl Street.
Indeed, the AME Church is the church of Chaplain Chambliss’s choice. It is also mine.
Milton J. Chambliss is a Scoutmaster for Troop #51 at Pearl Street AME Church.
