By Sister Vickie R. Smith, 9th Episcopal District
The Reverend Richard Collins and members of Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Suggsville, Alabama, celebrated the 149th Church Anniversary on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The guest preacher was the Reverend Marques D. Smith, Pastor of Venable Chapel AME Church Greensburg, Louisiana, who was baptized at Wayman Chapel. Officers and members of Venable Chapel pictured left to right (Lemayal Womack, Lakeyvion Womack, Angela Mackey, Larry D. Womack, Lowouska Womack, Anissa Nicole Womack, Pastor Smith, and Dildred Small-Womack) traveled from the Western New Orleans Baton Rouge District of the Louisiana Conference, 8th Episcopal District to the Camden District, Southwest Alabama Annual Conference, 9th Episcopal District for this joyous occasion. Presiding Elder Antonio Thomas, Presiding Elder Bland Washington, Jr. (Retired), Bishops Erika D. Crawford (143), and Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr. (144) were well represented. We are AME!
Sister Cynthia Wright of Cedar Fork and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Churches served as the worship leader under the theme: “When the Church Caught on Fire.” The scriptural foundation was Jeremiah 20:9. The Reverend Smith expounded on Psalm 145. God was glorified. Amen.
The surrounding community was in attendance, including Minister Genet Horn, Morningstar Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Whatley. Sister Doris Davis Harris and Brother Ricky Davis of Mobile drove up for the worship service. Interstate guests included Mr. Calvin and Mrs. Doris Mack of Florida, Mr. James and Mrs. Linda Barfield Mack of Mississippi, and Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Vickie R. Smith of Louisiana.
Wayman Chapel, Steward, Sister Lizzie B. Brownlee gave a detailed history of the church and its impact on the community as the site of the Race Track School. Wayman Chapel remains a beacon of light to many nurtured in Suggsville and now live across the connection. The congregation began hosting a Suggsville Community Reunion in August 2016 and is prayerfully and strategically planning to build a Suggsville Community Center on the old parsonage and school site. Supporters may contact Sister Brownle at lizziebrownlee@yahoo.com to help Wayman Chapel continue the legacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for years to come.
Photo Credits: Sister Alyshia Robinson
