Written by Tanya Terry
Vernon Chapel AME Church is celebrating its 100th-year anniversary, and its congregants enjoyed an uplifting service and fellowship dinner close to Thanksgiving Day! Both offered an opportunity for those present to reconnect and feel the presence of the Lord.
“We’re super excited,” said Tammy Harris-Banks, 1st Lady of Vernon Temple AME Church in Flint and pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Detroit.
Harris-Banks was part of the 100th Anniversary Planning Committee.
She added: “What a major blessing it is to be 100 years in church ministry in the great city of Flint!…We’re grateful for the people of God and for all the pastors that have come before us, whose shoulders we stand on as we serve. My husband serves as pastor, and I serve as first lady there (at Vernon Chapel).”
Rev. Doug Banks is pastor of Vernon AME Church in Flint and 1st Gentleman of St. Paul AME Church in Detroit. Banks became the 23rd pastor of Vernon in 2018 and led Vernon Chapel through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging technology to continue spreading the Gospel and adding new members to the church community.
Rev. Darryl Williams is a former pastor of Vernon Chapel, where he ministered for over a decade. He offered the Word of God at the service. Harris-Banks described the message as “a mighty word.”
Williams became the youngest pastor to lead Vernon Chapel. His tenure saw revitalization of youth participation and engagement in church life, acquisition of a van for transportation to bring more members to church and successful renovation of the church building, including the extension of the Family Life Center.
The Family Life Center very fittingly was the location for the fellowship dinner for the recent and joyous Nov. 24 celebration!
The AME Church, which stands for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was founded on the principles of racial justice, gender equity and economic parity.
Vernon Chapel AME Church undoubtedly operates based on the same values and principles!
The church has participated in back-to-school projects and helped to deliver water to sick or housebound individuals during the Flint Water Crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic the church was very active with sending out masks and took part in the University of Michigan’s “Getting To Yes” vaccination information program. The church members contribute to and offer gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas for community members. Banks said he was also especially grateful for the Cook Women’s Ministry
“Our church has a very strong history of public service,” stated Banks.
He noted Woodrow Stanley, a former Black mayor of Flint, was just one of the many members of the church who greatly helped the Flint community.
In addition, Banks noted other current of previous and current church members who showed they cared about the city. These members include, but are not limited to: Former Mayor Stanley’s wife, Reta Stanley, Former Mayor Karen Weaver and Former 34th House District Rep. Brenda Clack.
“We have a long history of those participating in civil service and public service,” said Banks. “We also have the Rose Henry Scholarship that is given to help our high school graduates attend college, as well as those given to some of our college graduates.”
Banks said the AME Church encourages entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
“The Bible says God has given us the ability to make wealth, and He’ll provide and open doors…We believe this strengthens and empowers the community around us.
“The things we do as far as the elections and polling are open to the community. We believe it does no good for Vernon Chapel to be strong, but the community around us not to be strong. It’s an ongoing and pleasurable thing to reach out into the community.”
The roots of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church trace back to its first worship service held in a storefront on the corner of Rhode Island and Hewelt Streets, in June 1924. Today, the church is located on the corner of Dupont and Gracelawn Streets, where it continues have a positive impact on the Flint community.
Banks said: “We really believe that we want to be Christ-centered and others focused, and we want to help heal the hurt and meet the needs in our community through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all He gave us to do.”
Banks added the church has shifted past the 100, and it’s beginning its second century of service!
