Marietta Chapel

Marietta Chapel AME Church History:
In the Year 1891, yearning to grow spiritually, new devoted Christian souls began holding prayer meeting on Wednesday nights at different homes under the leadership of Brother George McClarity and Preacher J.F. Jones. The meeting was nondenominational. The group gradually attracted others who also felt the same spiritual need. Later, a request was made by Rev. Adolphus Elements for membership in the CME Conference, where they remained only a short time before withdrawing. In 1908, a suggestion was made by Rev. J.C. Jones that the brethren should organize into an official church body. Mr. Sam Mosely had a plot of land for sale on Jones Avenue in the section of town called “Louisville” which the members readily agreed to purchase. At this time the church was called McClarity Chapel. In 1910, Brother McClarity moved with his family to a house in front of the present Marietta Golf Club and Conference Center located on Powder Springs Street; known at that time as Glovers Woods. Here, the brethren continued praying and growing spiritually stronger with the preaching of Rev. Jones and Rev. Elemens, who were also serving as preachers for the community while alternating as leaders of the little flock. Later in the year 1910, Rev. J.S. Jones suggested that they request membership in the A.M.E. Conference. The church was entered into the conference as McClarity Chapel A.M.E under the ministry of Rev. S.W. Cook. The church has had many pastors who have served us during these 102 years. All of them have made contribution to our church. Today, we will only cover a few of them. Rev. G.W. Davis was appointed to this church Feb. 16, 1956. He attended the Conference was Marietta Chapel Church members who presented their budget in full. Rev. Davis served in the church for nine months.
Rev. S.T. Huey was appointed to this church on December 3, 1961. Under Rev Huey ground was broken for this building we are in today. The building was constructed for $30,000 and the purchase price was only $300. The organ and chimes were purchased at the time. Rev. Charles W. Bennett, a pictorial historical yearbook was published, Padded seats were added to the pews and stained glass windows were installed. Other repairs were also completed; Rev Charles Bennett served for seven years. Under the ministry of Rev. Michael A. Jones, several of our members were given “Good Citizenship Awards.” There were certified by the State Secretary, Max Cleland. He also brought Rev. Ernest L. Gordon in to the church to serve as associate Pastor as well as Youth Director. Rev .Jones was with us from June 1993 to June 1995. Rev. Gloria C. Bennett was appointed to Marietta Chapel in May 1998. Under Rev. Bennett’s leadership, the church had new sanctuary lights and fans installed, painted the church, added a new roof and acquired a new 15 passenger van to transport members. Rev. Bennett served as the pastor for eleven years. Rev. Joseph W. Comeaux was appointed to Marietta Chapel in May, 2009. Pastor Comeaux is a dynamic spiritual leader. He is a visionary and speaks great things into existence for the Marietta Chapel AME Church Family. Pastor Comeaux thinks big, it is this faith and belief that will move our church in a new direction. Already in this short time, we have made strides in the Lay, Missionary Ministry, Youth ministry and Usher Board. The church has completed major repairs internally and externally. This great church, as you experience it today, could not be without the love and commitment of the pastors and members, who have each enriched the ministry in some way.