CLARK'S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Sometime prior to 1885, during the era when Black men were first permitted to establish their own churches, a devoted group of Christians organized a congregation known as Thomas Chapel. The church was named in honor of two brothers—C.Y. and Lewis Thomas—who were the only Black landowners in the community at that time. Worship services were initially held in a modest log structure, located about a quarter mile from the church’s current site. Rev. Joe James served as the first pastor. Mr. Lewis Thomas was appointed the first chairman of the Deacon Board, serving alongside his brother, Mr. C.Y. Thomas, and Mr. Louis Rhiendhart. In 1885, Mr. Joe Sherrill joined the Board of Deacons after marrying the former Miss Maggie Thomas. As the original property was redeveloped, the church relocated to its present location and was renamed Clark’s Chapel, in honor of Mr. William Clark—the original white landowner and a friend to the Thomas and Sherrill families. In 1886, the trustees of Clark’s Chapel secured a clear deed to the property from Mr. Clark. Through the leadership of Rev. James, the dedication of the deacons, and the faithfulness of the congregation, a small plank church was constructed. The church family continued to grow steadily. Upon the passing of Rev. James, the congregation called Rev. Lee Ramseur as pastor. He served faithfully for approximately 18 years. On August 24, 1904, Clark’s Chapel joined with several other Baptist churches to establish the Mountain and Catawba Association. Since its founding in 1885 and through the guidance of various pastoral leaders, Clark’s Chapel has continued to flourish, remaining a beacon of faith and community in the present age.