History |
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The earliest records of the History of The Little Ark Baptist Church begin with the establishment in the year 1876. Little Ark Baptist Church like many African American churches have roots that go back to the times of slavery. In 1876, just 10 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Antioch Baptist Church in King George, Virginia, under the leadership of Reverend John Fleming, granted permission to a small group of members to form a congregation at the northern end of the county. This birthed the Little Ark Baptist Church. The land upon which the church was founded was purchased from Mr. George Dunlop, at a purchase price of $25.00 per acre. In the same year, the congregation selected its first pastor, the Reverend John Dunlop, he served faithfully for three years. The leadership mantel was carried by both itinerant guides and shepherds, few were formally educated, undeterred they forged on, with a vision and a desire to further educate themselves and serve God as they pleased. A new church was eventually erected after a disastrous fire during Reverend W.H. Hickerson’s pastorate. His pastorate lasted until 1913, a period of 34 years. From 1913 until 1918, the church survived with many interim speakers fulfilling many speaking and preaching events. Other ministers who accepted the leadership of Little Ark Baptist Church include; Rev. Walter E. Porter, he served for four years. In 1922, it was the beginning of a new era, this began the pastorate of Augustus Lewis. He was a graduate of the Howard University School of Religion, he led this local congregation until the year 1926, The fifth pastor called was Rev. George Carter. He served for 25 years until his death in 1952. During the period of Rev. Carter’s leadership, he called Rev. Dr. John Chapman, as Assistant Pastor in 1951. Dr. Chapman became Pastor on July 9, 1952. and his pastorate spanned over 40 years. Dr. Chapman and Little Ark made major strides to bring major improvements, and membership growth. Dr. Chapman served until his death in 1992.
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