.gif)
As the 19th century closed and the new dawn of the 20th century neared, the City of Columbus, like the rest of the state and nation, was experiencing growth. In January 1899, Rev. S.C. Smith organized Smith Chapel Baptist Church (now known as New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church) in Columbus. The lot where the church stands today was purchased by the La Grange Association for $250 (about $9,000 in today’s economy), and the first cornerstone for the church was laid during Smith’s tenure as pastor.
Smith Chapel plants roots on Preston Street
The church’s growth continued through the leaderships of pastors and spiritual overseers Burley, Vicks, R.W. Simmons and Coleman.
The church made — and reached — numerous goals with Rev. Robert B. Sanders as pastor. Gas, electricity, and air conditioning were installed in both the church and newly constructed educational building. New pews, a pulpit stand and chairs, sacrament and offering tables were purchased and installed, and restrooms and a baptismal pool were built. Sidewalks were also added around the church and the bui lding was bricked. Sanders served as pastor until his death in September 1985.
Rev. G.W. Clark was appointed pastor in January 1986, and it was during this time that the church was renamed New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church.
Clark’s leadership saw the church’s membership increase significantly, which also brought more renovations, the purchase of a church van and the church’s mortgage debt of $27,500 was paid. Clark resigned in 1998 to further his mission with God in evangelism.
Historic church doing ‘a new thing’ Rev. Joseph Hargrove was named pastor of New Greater Smith Chapel in November 1998. Hargrove grew up in the church, and was a member of Holman Street Baptist Church of Houston at the time he was called back to Columbus to pastor.
Hargrove’s leadership in the past 25 years has lived up to the church’s motto “The church where the Lord is doing a new thing.”
In the quarter century with Hargrove as pastor, the church has produced social media and telephone ministries, paid off debts and created a computer and tutorial lab.
Hargrove restructured church departments and the church also joined the 20th Century District Association. New ministries including drama and praise, and the fish and loaves food outreach have grown.
NGSC’s light continues to shine For decades the black church has served more than a house of worship for its members. The role of the black church has been part of the spinal makeup of the community, providing hope, faith, social support, refuge and other services. Hargrove inherited a church with deep roots in the community.
Many of New Greater Smith Chapel’s members have served in city and school government and entered professions including ministry, education, nursing, business, military, technology and music.
Upon entering the doors of New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church on Sundays, attendees are greeted by the unmistakable sound of pianist Dr. Robert Sanders.
A church steeped in legacy, Sanders’ father, Rev. Robert B. Sanders, was among the church’s longest tenured pastors. “The Chapel Church” continues to work in, by and through faith in the Columbus community. Longt ime member Barbara Coleman Waddle said, “One of the most important elements we work to instill in our children is that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the Lord. Through Him, all things are possible and with Him nothing is impossible.”
One of New Greater Smith Chapel’s younger sons in the ministry, Pastor Joel Usher, largely credits the foundation he received in the church for his success.
“The deacons I remember seeing and hearing about, especially Deacon Lonnie Coleman, had a lot of influence throughout the community. Deacon John Axel served on Columbus City Council for years, and his brother Deacon Thomas “Thunderbolt” Axel was a highly decorated Purple Heart recipient in the military. Deacon Percy Coleman managed a local body shop for years,” Usher shared.
“These men definitely made an impression on me as a younger man coming up in the church. Deacon John Axel is actually who pushed me to get involved in my community’s politics and government.”
Usher has served on CISD school board, Columbus Community Industrial Development Corporation, Director of the Columbus Boys and Girls Club, Columbus Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and in 2019 was called to serve as the first African American pastor for Glidden Baptist Church.
For 125 years, this church has beaconed Columbus residents through every major event of the 20th and 21st centuries. From World Wars to The Great Depression, from the Civil Rights Movement to 9/11 to serving as a bridge between city government and city residents, New Greater Smith Chapel continues its legacy of work through faith.
The sanctuary was packed Sunday, Jan. 14 as churchgoers braved cold temperatures to celebrate the commemorative occasion.
New Greater Smith Chapel, like most other churches, has faced its share of concerns to navigate since COVID, however, the Chapel Church continues to serve as a guiding light in the community.
Their legacies of worship and service are in a solid position to carry on for another 125 years.
