Welcome to Irving Chapel A.M.E. Church

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Our History 

The history of Irving Chapel dates back to 1848, the first light that shed in the mind of one slave owner named Dr. John Beaufain Irving.  The site in which this church stands on was purchased by Dr. Irving in 1846 from Mr. Kensington.  Dr. J. B. Irving gave this church to his slaves in order that they might congregate themselves together, not only to gain strength, but to worship God.  The original chapel was built around 1848, by Dr. John B. Irving, M.D., author and humanitarian for his plantation slaves. 

In 1909, Irving Chapel was destroyed by fire.  A new church was built back in the same location on its original site in 1910.  Historical significance lies in the humanitarianism of Dr. Irving.  The building was rebuilt in another wooden frame and stood from 1910 to 1975.  The white cinder block building which stands today was started by Rev. James Coakley and completed in 1975 under the administration of Rev. Arthur White, Sr.

            The Fellowship Hall was started under the administration of Rev. Bartley, in 1986, who passed from life to death while serving as a pastor and completed by the Rev. Robert Stokes in 1990. The following ministers served as pastor of Irving Chapel:  Rev. Mellette, Rev. Purks, Rev. McClam, Rev. D. C. Johnson, Rev. Rollerson, Rev. Thompson, Rev. Washington, Rev. Tolbert, Rev. Lark, Rev. Boston, Rev. W. O. Williams, Rev. James Coakley, Rev. Arthur White, Sr., Rev. Robert L. Bartley, Sr., Rev. Robert Stokes, Rev. Bernard Whaley and the Rev. Hoover Footman, Rev. Henry Pinckney, Rev. E.J. German, Rev. Lowell Greene, Rev. Joseph Cobin, Rev. Harvey Sutton, Rev Sylvester Morton and now Rev. Debra Smalls-Gardner.
    According to the history of Irving Chapel, 1848 to 2019, one hundred seventy two years has passed.
    By the grace of God, the church is still standing on a rock that will never give away.