Steward Chapel AME Church

Steward Chapel African Methodist Church has never strayed from the course chartered by Richard Allen. Since its founding in 1865, Steward Chapel has been involved in the struggle for spiritual as well as social freedom. Even its founding was imbued in controversy.

According to a letter by the late Captain S. A. Lockhart, dated October 1908, the original church burned completely in 1869. This led the members to search for a place to worship. The first location was at New and Pine streets in what was then the old Temperance Hall. They then held meetings in City Hall before moving to temporary quarters in a local Armory.

Eventually, a location for the new church was selected and a deal was made with Mr. Jack White, president of the Macon Western Railroad. A cash payment of $500.00 had been made before Mr. White discovered that a church was to be erected on the land. He wanted to withdraw the contract and refund the down payment, but the officers and members of Steward Chapel refused and paid the balance through loans from individual members. The cornerstone was laid on April 5, 1889, and on October 10th of that year, the membership marched from the Armory into the new church.

Throughout the years Steward Chapel has stood as a beacon of light in a world of darkness. When other organizations bowed to public pressure and avoided the sometimes turbulent battle of equality, Steward Chapel stood as a symbol of unyielding determination. During the Civil Rights Movement of the late 50’s and early 60’s, Steward Chapel became a center for religious, political and social change. Three occasions stand out as supportive evidence of Steward Chapel’s historical significance to Macon and Middle Georgia.

On the first Sunday in July of 1954, the noted educator Dr. Benjamin E. Mays was guest Speaker. Dr. Mays explained the importance of the Supreme Court decision in the Brown vs. Topeka, Kansas Board of Education case. This decision led to the desegregation of all public schools. This event still stands out as of our race’s greatest victories.

In October of the same year, the women of the church sponsored the renowned Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as their Women’s Day speaker. According to the church records, there was a capacity crowd that morning with individuals from Macon and surrounding communities in attendance.

Probably the most significant testimonial to Steward Chapel’s never-ending battle for equality for all mankind occurred in 1957. On September 19th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made his only major speech in Macon, Georgia at Steward Chapel. Over 600 people braced a downpour of rain to hear Dr. King’s sermon entitled: “There is No East and No West.”

Steward Chapel African Methodist Church has been a force to be reckoned with in the battle for religious and social freedom. As long as there is a soul to be saved, it will continue in the fight because its members recognize and understand the doctrine: God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit our Comforter, Humankind our Family.