On October 5, 1924, a group of determined African-Americans came together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to form what we now know as Smith Chapel. Rev. D. William Brown, Mr. and Mrs. David Glover, Mr. and Mrs. Onnie Jones, Mrs. Lila Manier and Mr. Brister Roundtree held the Chapel’s first worship service in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Cowan in Inkster, Michigan. Initially deemed Vernon Church, their advisor, Rev. D. William Brown, became pastor. In 1925, the group was officially organized and chose the name Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church in honor of the late Bishop C.S. Smith. The group purchased a pre-cut church that was erected on Springhill Street in Inkster, Michigan, and the doors of the church were officially opened in April 1925.

 

Smith Chapel underwent a second phase of growth and expansion when Rev. A.D. Evans assumed the role of pastor in 1935. The membership outgrew its facilities, and a Building Committee was formed. In 1936, Mr. Robert Simmons was appointed chairman of the Building Committee and for two years, the men competed against the women in the interest of the building fund. Eventually, land was purchased at the corner of Beech and Walnut Streets.

 

In 1938, Mr. Alexander Simmons was appointed chairman, and the Building Committee initiated a system of raising funds for the new chapel. Committee members made weekly collections on their streets, and overwhelming financial success was achieved as a result of the system. However, the glorious progress of the building program was not without its tragedies. When the walls of the building were completed, a severe windstorm did extensive damage to the west wall. Subfloors and joists were ruined, and membership was greatly discouraged. The work continued with the basement being sufficiently completed on July 12, 1942. A mammoth cornerstone laying, and dedication ceremony was held in 1945, with Bishop Gregg officiating. In 1946, Rev. R.F. Boyd successfully completed the work in the sanctuary, and the congregation was able to utilize the entire building.

 

In 1948, Rev. James A. Aiken became pastor of Smith Chapel. The church continued to grow and by the end of Rev. Aiken’s first year had 290 members. With the assignment of Rev. E.J. Jones as pastor in 1950, pews were installed, and a Wurlitzer organ and piano were purchased. Rev. James A. Dean served as pastor from 1953 to 1958. Membership increased to 400 persons, the brick veneer was completed, and two parking lots were purchased.

 

In 1960, Rev. Matthew A. Lowe became the pastor of Smith Chapel and held the position for 23 years. The church made enormous progress under his dynamic leadership that included the liquidation of all debts, the addition of the multipurpose room, the establishment of a scholarship fund, and designing and instituting an accountable financial system, and was instrumental in services provided by the Wayne County Health Clinic at Smith Chapel. In 1983, Rev. Melvin D. Reed was appointed pastor. During his tenure, he concentrated on improving the spiritual climate and growth in Christian fellowship.

 

Rev. David R. Jarrett Sr. was appointed pastor in 1991 he with his assistants Rev. Everton Montague, and Rev. Michelle Morris continued the church’s legacy of honoring God’s word. In October 1999, Rev. Elvin J. Parker III was assigned Pastor for two years. Rev. Thomas M. Higginbothan was appointed in December 2001. His wife, Rev. Ana Higginbothan, Rev. Barbara Hardaway, Rev. Jerri Porter served alongside Rev. Higginbothan 

 

In August 2009 at the Michigan Annual Conference, Bishop John R. Bryant appointed Rev. Dr. Cecelia GreeneBarr, the first female pastor of Smith Chapel. Rev. Greenebarr with the assistance of Rev. Barbara Hardaway guided Smith Chapel to become debt free. During this time many projects were undertaken such as modernization of the Church infrastructure installing a Wi-Fi network accessible by members and guests. The installation of a new sound system which was donated by Mr. Stacey, a long-term member in his estate blessing Smith Chapel. Finally, new financial software was installed. New windows were installed in the sanctuary allowing for open air along with the installation of a completely new roof (flat/pitch). God blessed Smith Chapel as all was done not incurring any debt for the members of Smith Chapel. Along with infrastructure projects and new ministries began. In this season, the members of Smith Chapel took a pilgrimage to New York City to pray for our country to commemorate the events of Sept 11th. 

 

In August 2017, Rev. Cindy Carr Rudolph was appointed to serve as Pastor with Rev. Barbara Hardaway assisting her, during this time many members returned to Smith Chapel and others joined during this time. Rev. Rudolph re-established ministries and set Smith Chapel on a course of being focused on God’s purpose and mission for his church. Rev. Rudolph established the “Wednesday Soul Food Service” along with providing the children a sermonette each week during morning worship. Rev. Rudolph led Smith Chapel celebrating the church’s 95th Anniversary. At this time Rev. Rudolph completed projects such as replacing carpet throughout the church, painting of the sanctuary, along with the Pastor’s office being renovated with new furniture (donated by a generous member). Rev. Rudolph was quickly promoted to become the Pastor of the largest AME church in the Michigan Conference. 

 

In October 2019, Rev. Katrese Kirk McKenzie was appointed Pastor With Rev. Barbara Hardaway assisting her.   Rev. McKenzie (Pastor K) quickly made an impact on the young people of Smith Chapel continuing with the children’s sermonette each Sunday as well as expanding outreach in the community. During this time, March 2020 became a new day as we could no longer meet in-person due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Smith Chapel never stopped having services but pivoted to virtual services. During this time all church ministries shifted to virtual meetings, Pastor K also became very creative hosting many activities virtually such as Children’s Christmas Movie Night, Family Black History Virtual Movie Night, Children’s Virtual Church School, Good Friday – Resurrection Sunday Virtual 72-hour Prayer Call – led by many Prayer Warriors every 30-minutes, Mother’s Day “Bloom Where You Are” Virtual Activity. Once we were able to gather for worship Smith Chapel conducted services on the Parking Lot often having an Ice Cream Truck serve members and guests after service. Smith Chapel continued to enhance the church infrastructure during this season such as Digital Sound equipment (donated by a generous member) allowing for professional recording of services that are offered globally via FaceBook, YouTube, and Zoom. 

 

In October 2021, Rev. Twylla B. Tarver was appointed to Smith Chapel, serving with the assistance of Rev. Barbara Hardaway and (Retired Pastor) Rev. Stanley Sims. Pastor Twylla is the current Pastor of Smith Chapel coming to Smith Chapel personally calling all members. The church remained unable to conduct services in the sanctuary due to the global pandemic, but Pastor Twylla found a way to make an impact with the church congregation and the community of Inkster. Within a few short months Pastor Twylla made certain that local families in need received Christmas toys, clothes and food partnering with local agencies. Pastor Twylla kept Smith Chapel connected virtually also recording services distributing by all social media possible. Pastor Twylla collaborated with sister AME churches and provided a virtual New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service. 

 

The church was blessed to return to in-person services in March 2022.  God blessed Smith Chapel through Pastor Twylla and the Outreach Ministry allowing for the church to be a blessing in the community. During the Holy Season 2022 Smith Chapel distributed bicycles, toys, games, and clothes to families in the church and community. A big event was held at Smith Chapel that made all aware that God had restored and opened the doors back for worship. Many activities have taken place since the congregation returned to the Lord’s house. Currently, Pastor Twylla has led the congregation forming a Capital Fund Campaign (CFC) that seeks to be blessed by God to raise the monies needed for many projects at Smith Chapel. Our number one project was replacement of the stairs at both the front and parking lot entrances with a dedication ceremony on October 8, 2023.   Pastor Twylla introduced to CFC the idea of creating an “Inksteropoly” game as a fundraiser that highlights the history of Inkster.  So much excitement came from this project and after several months of planning and designing the game is now complete and ready for sale.  The game allows for an opportunity to walk down memory lane and reminisce on the wonderful times spent in Inkster Michigan.

 

August 2023 brought great excitement when Pastor Twylla B. Tarver was reappointed as the Shepherd of the flock of Smith Chapel.   Serving with Pastor Twylla is a retired AME Pastor and a son of Smith Chapel Rev. Stanley Sims. 

 

In preparation for our 99th November 2023 the realization of a vision for Smith Chapel has been seen; God has shown himself mighty and strong as always. The Smith Chapel Media Ministry with the support of so many, conducted a virtual fundraiser that contributed monies to allow for the installation/upgrade of media equipment – higher-speed internet, PTZ camera and monitors throughout the church. With the donation from a faithful and dedicated member, that finally levels Smith Chapel AME Church up prepared to reach the masses both within our walls and outside the walls as we know the church goes beyond the building. 

 

“Smith Chapel is Walking into a New Season, Walking in Faith, Walking as a Team, and Walking in Love TOGETHER!!!”

 

As we approach 100 years of service to God and His people, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for ‘(Smith Chapel) those who love him.” 1Cor 2:9