our history
In 1911, a frame building was constructed at 405 West 22nd Street, Argenta, Arkansas, under the leadership of Rev. J. L. Covington.
In November of 1984, Rev. Reginald Cleaver was appointed pastor of LEE CHAPEL A.M. E. CHURCH. Rev. Cleaver worked toward promoting a working Church, a missionary church and one that was in fellowship. He was instrumental in reviving church auxiliaries, especially the Sunday School. The Reginald and Vanessa Cleaver Inspirational Choir (RVCIC), the Lee Chapel Male Chorus, and the Cleaver Cherubs were organized. During this period, the Lee Chapel Youth Choir and the Young People’s Department became more active and membership increased.
In November 1998, Rev. Antony O. Hobbs, EdD was appointed pastor of Lee Chapel. Rev. Hobbs serving for two years brought a teaching environment to Lee Chapel. Rev. Hobbs organized a structured Bible Study and Outreach Ministry.
In November 2000, Rev. Clarence H. Guy was appointed pastor of Lee Chapel. Rev. Guy brought a healing environment to Lee Chapel. Rev. Guy’s open and friendly demeanor filled the hearts and lives of Lee Chapel members. A former resident of the Argenta area, Rev. Guy with his lovely wife, Carla, came home to his roots. During the second year of his appointment, The Allen Christian Fellowship was restarted and a Praise and Prayer worship team was instituted. Rev. Guy’s enthusiasm inspired the young people to give back to the community in the youth endeavor of a Pantry Party.
In December 2003, Rev. Bill A. Bowers was appointed as pastor. Rev. Bowers brought with him a spirit of humility. He stated often, "I come to serve and not to be served." His first year was spent getting to know all members of the Church, active as well as inactive. Rev. Bowers was instrumental in ensuring the Church knew its mission and purpose to God and the community. Under Rev. Bower’s leadership, we comprised the Church’s Mission and Purpose and Mission Statement. An outreach ministry was instituted on every 3rd Saturday to reach the masses in the community by witnessing and inviting others to God. Rev. Bowers started New Member’s Orientation to ensure all new members were familiar with history and doctrine of the AME Church. During his second year, he instilled in the membership that if we have faith in God, we could accomplish all things.
In December 2007, Rev. John T. Grissom was assigned to Lee Chapel AME Church. Rev. Grissom has tried to instill in the membership a willingness to find his or her own calling. Being obedient to Rev Grissom’s call to find our own ministry, several new ministries evolved – My Body is a Temple Health & Fitness Ministry, Visiting Everyone’s Needs Together (VENT) and Unemployment Ministry.
In Spring 2012 Rev Bill Bowers was returned to the Lee Chapel family with a new motto--Together we can, with God we will!
In October 2015, Rev. Marcia Burns was appointed to the Lee Chapel family. Rev. Burns began her ministry with us and God has returned her home with a spirit of "Renewal and Restoration". Rev. Burns comes as a servant pastor to the church, encouraging all, that we are empowered through the Holy Ghost to build God's kingdom. Rev. Burns teach and preach praise and prayer and firmly believes that having a prayer life will ensure that the church will come together as a body unified.
In November of 1984, Rev. Reginald Cleaver was appointed pastor of LEE CHAPEL A.M. E. CHURCH. Rev. Cleaver worked toward promoting a working Church, a missionary church and one that was in fellowship. He was instrumental in reviving church auxiliaries, especially the Sunday School. The Reginald and Vanessa Cleaver Inspirational Choir (RVCIC), the Lee Chapel Male Chorus, and the Cleaver Cherubs were organized. During this period, the Lee Chapel Youth Choir and the Young People’s Department became more active and membership increased.
In November 1998, Rev. Antony O. Hobbs, EdD was appointed pastor of Lee Chapel. Rev. Hobbs serving for two years brought a teaching environment to Lee Chapel. Rev. Hobbs organized a structured Bible Study and Outreach Ministry.
In November 2000, Rev. Clarence H. Guy was appointed pastor of Lee Chapel. Rev. Guy brought a healing environment to Lee Chapel. Rev. Guy’s open and friendly demeanor filled the hearts and lives of Lee Chapel members. A former resident of the Argenta area, Rev. Guy with his lovely wife, Carla, came home to his roots. During the second year of his appointment, The Allen Christian Fellowship was restarted and a Praise and Prayer worship team was instituted. Rev. Guy’s enthusiasm inspired the young people to give back to the community in the youth endeavor of a Pantry Party.
In December 2003, Rev. Bill A. Bowers was appointed as pastor. Rev. Bowers brought with him a spirit of humility. He stated often, "I come to serve and not to be served." His first year was spent getting to know all members of the Church, active as well as inactive. Rev. Bowers was instrumental in ensuring the Church knew its mission and purpose to God and the community. Under Rev. Bower’s leadership, we comprised the Church’s Mission and Purpose and Mission Statement. An outreach ministry was instituted on every 3rd Saturday to reach the masses in the community by witnessing and inviting others to God. Rev. Bowers started New Member’s Orientation to ensure all new members were familiar with history and doctrine of the AME Church. During his second year, he instilled in the membership that if we have faith in God, we could accomplish all things.
In December 2007, Rev. John T. Grissom was assigned to Lee Chapel AME Church. Rev. Grissom has tried to instill in the membership a willingness to find his or her own calling. Being obedient to Rev Grissom’s call to find our own ministry, several new ministries evolved – My Body is a Temple Health & Fitness Ministry, Visiting Everyone’s Needs Together (VENT) and Unemployment Ministry.
In Spring 2012 Rev Bill Bowers was returned to the Lee Chapel family with a new motto--Together we can, with God we will!
In October 2015, Rev. Marcia Burns was appointed to the Lee Chapel family. Rev. Burns began her ministry with us and God has returned her home with a spirit of "Renewal and Restoration". Rev. Burns comes as a servant pastor to the church, encouraging all, that we are empowered through the Holy Ghost to build God's kingdom. Rev. Burns teach and preach praise and prayer and firmly believes that having a prayer life will ensure that the church will come together as a body unified.
LEE CHAPEL AME CHURCH
421 WEST 22ND STREET
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72114
[email protected]
(501) 758-1682
421 WEST 22ND STREET
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72114
[email protected]
(501) 758-1682