OUR HISTORY

 

In the late 1940's and early 1950's Bishop Frank M. Reid Sr. sensed a need to plant a church in the Greenview Community. Greenview was the community where African-American World War II Veterans settled in the Columbia Area after the War. The soldiers started their families in Greenview.

 

Rev. Lee M. Seward was sent to organize the congregation, but when he arrived in the community he was surprised by the amount of young people. He organized the church and daycare in 1953 as a way to minister to the families in the community.   The history of the V.V. Reid Nursery and Kindergarten is synonymous with the history of Reid Chapel A.M.E. Church. Rev. Seward served faithfully and retired from the AME Church as a Presiding Elder. The 2^nd Sanctuary built in the 1970's was renamed the Lee M. Seward fellowship Hall. Rev. Seward was a faithful member of Reid Chapel until the Lord called him home in 2018.

 

Rev. Arthur L. Holmes was the second pastor from 1956-1957.  He introduced the beginning of a financial management system to eradicate the church's liability.

 

Rev. Reuben S. Turner was assigned as the third pastor from 1957- 1964.  The first Gospel and Sunbeam Choirs were organized under his administration.

 

Rev. J. W. Witherspoon was the fourth pastor from 1964-1969.  The church elected its first Board of Trustees while he was pastor.

 

Rev. A.M. Bonner was appointed as the fifth pastor from 1969-1974.  The highlight of his tenure was the construction of the old sanctuary. It was dedicated on October 29, 1972. 

 

Rev. Eddie Mays became the sixth in 1974.  During his term, the Women's Missionary Society organized the first Family Day observance in the history of the church.

 

Rev. Melvin Richardson became the seventh pastor in 1975. He served until his death in 1989.  His accomplishments were many.  Under his tenure, the church paid off its mortgage eight years in advance.  A bus and two vans were purchased, and the church expanded its community outreach programs.  He organized the M. Richardson Scholarship Club for the church's college bound high school graduates. Under his leadership the school began to grow rapidly.

 

On May 10, 1989, Rev. James R. Glover became the eighth pastor of Reid Chapel. Under his pastorate numerous organizations were established.  His most exhilarating and challenging experience was the construction of our existing sanctuary and the Ruth C. Simons Family Life Center.  In addition, a new wing was added to the school to house the VV Reid Elementary School and several parcels of land were purchased. The V.V. Reid Nursery and Kindergarten was expanded and the V.V. Reid Elementary School opened with ten (10) classrooms, a cafeteria and library. The elementary school program started with grades 1-3 and grades 4 and 5 were added consecutively. Rev. Glover continued the legacy of those who came before him.

 

On December 4, 2004, Rev. Norvel Goff, Sr., was appointed as the ninth pastor of Reid Chapel.  During his tenure, a renewed spirit was witnessed which resulted in increased attendance and growth in membership.  With his commitment to hard work and leadership: necessary renovations were done to the school and church; new ministries were organized, and the mortgages were paid off on the Church and the Ruth C. Simons Family Life Center. The infant program at the school started.

 

Rev. Carey A. Grady was appointed to Reid Chapel on November 14, 2014. He takes the Preaching & Teaching Ministry seriously.  The following initiatives have been started: the 7:00 AM Morning Prayer Line (December of 2014), Christmas Gala, Martin Luther King Trip to Atlanta, Pizza with the Pastor, Motorcycle Bike Blessing, Greek Sunday, African American Read-In, Youth Wax Museum, Midnight Basketball, the Food Share Program, the Reid Chapel-Greenview Community Garden and the Midlands Organized Response for Equity and Justice (MORE Justice). V. V. Reid has received the DSS Block Grant in the amount of $180,000, a DSS technology grant in the amount 50,000. The Central Carolina Foundation Grant 30,000. Rev. Grady's presence in the community is known and felt.

 

The Mission of Reid Chapel AME Church is to Express the Love and Will of God through Worship, Work and Wisdom of God; through the Preaching, Teaching and Creative Art Ministries, Evangelism, Discipleship, Stewardship, Social Justice, Economic Development and Community Outreach.  To God Be The Glory!!!