Bluffton Church Celebrates Historic 150th Anniversary

Campbell Chapel AME Church, a local landmark in Bluffton, celebrated its significant 150th anniversary at the beginning of July. Parishioners and friends gathered for a week filled with church services featuring guest speakers, family night get-togethers, a game night, and a festive Saturday gala.

A Week Full of Celebrations

Special guest Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., the presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, opened the celebrations on June 30 with an empowering sermon. On the final Sunday, U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn addressed the congregation.

Further, the church hosted the CCAMA Renaissance Gala held at Pinckney Hall in Sun City Hilton Head. The robust event played host to the congregation and friends, featuring Rev. Donna De Voe Baker as guest speaker and Entertainment by Akintunde, a Dove Award-winning comedian.

150 Years of Rich History and Growth

The Campbell Chapel AME Church was built in 1853 for the white congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In a remarkable sequence of events in 1874, nine former slaves purchased the church building for $500. With this pioneering act, they established a crucial place of worship for the black denomination known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church spreading through the South.

The church’s name, Campbell Chapel AME, was chosen in honor of Bishop J.P. Campbell who was the presiding bishop of South Carolina at the time. The past 150 years has seen the church grow and evolve, remaining an active part of the local Bluffton community. The church congregation has indeed seen significant growth over time, which led to the decision to purchase additional land and build the current church building.

A Legacy to Carry Forward

While the 150th Church Anniversary celebrations may have concluded, church leaders remain committed to continuing its influential legacy. Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black, who has led the congregation since 2015, reiterated the importance of carrying forward the Church’s legacy of faith, service, and love. The future indeed looks bright, and the congregation is united in its purpose and vision of what the next 150 years will bring.

Reflecting on the historic milestone, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr said, “This 150th Church Anniversary is a testimony of God’s power and grace. For 150 years, God used ordinary people to do extraordinary work.” He remains excited and hopeful for the future, wondering eagerly about the influence and positive change the next 150 years will bring for the congregation and the wider community.

Clyburn who was the last guest speaker for the celebrations sparked an intriguing philosophical note, highlighting the crucial role people of faith play in fostering the fundamental goodness upon which the country’s greatness thrives.

A History to Remember

The original Campbell Chapel AME Church was officially recognized for its rich history and societal impact, being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 after a thorough research and documentation process.

As the congregation looks ahead to the future, they are deeply inspired by their historic 150-year journey and the influential legacy they carry forward. The Campbell Chapel AME Church stands as a beacon of hope, serving as a vivid reminder of the power of faith, unity, and resilience, and the transformative society-wide change they can catalyze.

HERE News is proud to have been a part of this monumental occasion and looks forward to reporting the ongoing successes of Campbell Chapel AME Church in the years to come.