Our History
THE HISTORY OF THE WAYMAN CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Deeply rooted in the growing development of the city of Temple, Texas, historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church epitomizes the expansion of African Methodism in Central Texas.
Wayman Chapel was organized in 1885 on a spur of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroads four years after the railroad arrival to Temple, Texas in 1881. This One hundred thirty-five year old congregation was organized by Rev. George Conner and trustees Dock Lacy and Green McGrew. The church pioneers recalled a tiny wood framed building that faced north on Avenue D. The structure in 1885 was simple in design and was a frame construction.
The coming of additional members brought on growing pains, thus in the spring of 1912, the Wayman Chapel church called a church conference for improvement and indebtedness. The evidence of these proceedings are in the Bell County Archives.
Wayman Chapel has been a leading factor in the moral and religious life of Temple for more than 130 years. Thus, it has stood as one of the landmarks of culture and society within the city of temple. It stood for 132 years, not only as a landmark, but served as a school for the Temple Public Schools and later a day Care Center. The constant growth in membership and finances gave vent to a vision for a more accommodating place of worship. The present structure was erected under the leadership of the late Rev. L.M. Sanders and the Board of Trustees at a cost of $65,000. After much struggling and borrowing, the debt was liquidated and a parsonage was purchased under the leadership of the Rev. George E. Brown.
During the past 133 years of its organic life, a long line of the most able men the African American race has produced have occupied its Pulpit as Pastor, two of whom were elected Bishops: Rev. G.B. Young and Rev. E.J. Howard. Other great pastors included: Reverends Watson, Gentry, Adams, Bryant, Crones, Taylor, J.A. Jones, H.F. Tyree, J.S. Slaughter, L.J. Sanders, W.D. Miller, L.M. Sanders, J.W. Bennett, A. W. Williams, E.E. Moody, J.L. Alexander, George E. Brown, G.H. W. Walker, A. Johnson, W.E. Greene, L.C. Browning, B.S. Lane, M.H. Vanhoose, E. E. Coates, B.H. Lucas, D.F. Harris (under which the lower complex was renovated and the groundwork for Wayman Manor Apartments was initiated), V.T. Herron (where Wayman Manor was completed), L.E. Ausbie, W.B. Langham, L.R. Emanuel (where a third renovation was conducted whereas the stain glass windows and cross were added), W.L. Brown, F.L. Hayden, Velma Hayden, James Greene, Revel B. Simpson (a fourth renovation was completed with the adding of pews, the remodeling of the kitchen, and the addition of the handicap ramp) and Rev. Allen D Edwards who was sent to help lead our congregation to greater heights. Under Rev. Edwards’ administration, a fifth renovation effort has begun. The congregation re-carpeted the sanctuary; completed the restoration of the parsonage. The removal of the old parsonage occurred on March 6, 2020 which paved the way for a new parking lot. Painted the lower level of the church and purchased new furnishings for the dining area.
The forefathers of Wayman Chapel built the church on the solid rock of Christ Jesus. Many times the storms of life have raged but through each storm the faithful ones have cried out: “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. We dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name!”
Deeply rooted in the growing development of the city of Temple, Texas, historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church epitomizes the expansion of African Methodism in Central Texas.
Wayman Chapel was organized in 1885 on a spur of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroads four years after the railroad arrival to Temple, Texas in 1881. This One hundred thirty-five year old congregation was organized by Rev. George Conner and trustees Dock Lacy and Green McGrew. The church pioneers recalled a tiny wood framed building that faced north on Avenue D. The structure in 1885 was simple in design and was a frame construction.
The coming of additional members brought on growing pains, thus in the spring of 1912, the Wayman Chapel church called a church conference for improvement and indebtedness. The evidence of these proceedings are in the Bell County Archives.
Wayman Chapel has been a leading factor in the moral and religious life of Temple for more than 130 years. Thus, it has stood as one of the landmarks of culture and society within the city of temple. It stood for 132 years, not only as a landmark, but served as a school for the Temple Public Schools and later a day Care Center. The constant growth in membership and finances gave vent to a vision for a more accommodating place of worship. The present structure was erected under the leadership of the late Rev. L.M. Sanders and the Board of Trustees at a cost of $65,000. After much struggling and borrowing, the debt was liquidated and a parsonage was purchased under the leadership of the Rev. George E. Brown.
During the past 133 years of its organic life, a long line of the most able men the African American race has produced have occupied its Pulpit as Pastor, two of whom were elected Bishops: Rev. G.B. Young and Rev. E.J. Howard. Other great pastors included: Reverends Watson, Gentry, Adams, Bryant, Crones, Taylor, J.A. Jones, H.F. Tyree, J.S. Slaughter, L.J. Sanders, W.D. Miller, L.M. Sanders, J.W. Bennett, A. W. Williams, E.E. Moody, J.L. Alexander, George E. Brown, G.H. W. Walker, A. Johnson, W.E. Greene, L.C. Browning, B.S. Lane, M.H. Vanhoose, E. E. Coates, B.H. Lucas, D.F. Harris (under which the lower complex was renovated and the groundwork for Wayman Manor Apartments was initiated), V.T. Herron (where Wayman Manor was completed), L.E. Ausbie, W.B. Langham, L.R. Emanuel (where a third renovation was conducted whereas the stain glass windows and cross were added), W.L. Brown, F.L. Hayden, Velma Hayden, James Greene, Revel B. Simpson (a fourth renovation was completed with the adding of pews, the remodeling of the kitchen, and the addition of the handicap ramp) and Rev. Allen D Edwards who was sent to help lead our congregation to greater heights. Under Rev. Edwards’ administration, a fifth renovation effort has begun. The congregation re-carpeted the sanctuary; completed the restoration of the parsonage. The removal of the old parsonage occurred on March 6, 2020 which paved the way for a new parking lot. Painted the lower level of the church and purchased new furnishings for the dining area.
The forefathers of Wayman Chapel built the church on the solid rock of Christ Jesus. Many times the storms of life have raged but through each storm the faithful ones have cried out: “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. We dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name!”