The Origin and History of
JACKSON CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
Coosada, Alabama
One hundred and forty-two years ago, a handful of our forefathers felt the need for a place to worship. The need and the sincerity of these people were so great until it touched the hearts of former slave master, Absalom Jack- son’s son Dr. Walter C. Jackson and his wife Francis E. Jackson to donate one acre of land on November 7, 1878. This was thirteen years after slavery was abolished. It was designated on the deed at this time that the church would be named Jackson Chapel.
A.M.E. Zion Church and deeded to the Trustees James Larry and Daniel Long. No building had been erected on this plot for seventeen years. Services were held under a bush harbor, a few feet from the former site of the old church.
The membership consisted of a few determined and hard- working people. In 1895, a permanent framed building was constructed for worship. The church also served as an elementary school until Sandtown JHS was built. In 1905, a pastor was paid $10 a month, the presiding elder was paid $15 a quarter, and each member paid $1 in general claims per year.
Some former pastors of this church were the following: Carter Alexander, W.L. Edge, Robinson Yeatmen, J.W Wilson, Newman, Williams, Stinson, C. Edge, J.W. Wells, Cook, R.S. Sinkfield, Jenkins, Singleton, Jones, McCroy, Palmar, Prentis, Rowell, Walker, Harrison, W.J Lewis, Booker T. Golly and R.L. George.
Some great accomplishments were made under the pastor- ates of Rev. Sinkfield, Rev. Jones and Rev. Rowell. Under Rev. Sinkfield, there was bricking of the building struc- ture; under Rev. Jones, the first parsonage was built; and under the leadership of Rev. Rowell, the sanctuary was renovated, initial construction of an annex and the pur- chase of pews and a piano. The construction of the annex continued under the pastorate of Rev. Harrison. Under the leadership of Rev. W.J. Lewis, Hardwood was place in the sanctuary, the parsonage was renovated and a completely renovated annex was dedicated by Bishop J.H. Miller.
Under the leadership of Rev. George, the current location at 4885 Coosada Rd. in Coosada, AL was purchased in June 1994 from Millbrook Church of God.
In 2018, Rev. Frank Asumadu was appointed and currently serves as Pastor.
Rev. Gregg Harris currently serves as the Presiding Elder of our District (Cahaba), and Bishop Seth Olartey currently serves as Presiding Prelate.
