Hurst Chapel's 100-Year History
Hurst Chapel AME Church is now celebrating its 100th year here in Riviera Beach. The church was established in 1923 located in what was then the northern part of Kelsey City (Now Lake Park). It was a one room log cabin house.
Hurst Chapel AME Church is now celebrating its 100th year here in Riviera Beach. The church was established in 1923 and located in what was then the northern part of Kelsey City (Now Lake Park). It was a one-room log cabin house. Eric Bostic has a subscription to Newspapers.com where he found the 1923 deed listing in the Palm Beach Post, a Warranty Deed issued from the Currie Investment & Title Guaranty Company to “trustees of Hurst Chapel AME Church” for Lots 1 and 2 of Block 1 within the First Acrehome Park Addition to Kelsey City. Through the years the congregation grew with new families and new additions to families already at Hurst Chapel. Today, the church is a true cornerstone within the community. It offers many ministries such as Parenting classes, tutorial for school children, male fellowship and mentoring, Girl Scout and Boy Scout meetings, food pantry, and partner with other community resource organizations to assist those in need within our surroundings. Services are held throughout the week and on weekends promoting spiritual growth. Organizations throughout Palm Beach County utilize the Fayson-Mitchell Multi-Purpose Christian Center for various events. Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the place to be. The church has always worked with and for the community. Below are some of the things that have taken place through the church since its inception.
1920s to 1930s
The site of the first church was the Madison Avenue (now 35th St.) Community Center, having been built and named by our founding Pastor W. F. Harp. Serving as Presiding Elder was the late Elder R.B. Brookins and the Rt. Rev. John Hurst, Presiding Bishop. Rev. Harp saw the need for a place of worship for the citizens living in and around Kelsey City. The pioneer leaders at this time were Mr. Jasper and Mrs. Mary Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Alex McCray. The church was used as a school, Washington-Rosenwald School (now Washington elementary). Professor Lightburn was the overseer. The disastrous storm of 1928 destroyed the original structure of the church. Rev. Bowers and Rev. Everett began rebuilding on the land adjacent to the present site. another church Laura Villa AME, was also destroyed during the storm. The members of Laura Villa AME joined the steadfast, strong, few of Hurst Chapel and the membership grew. At that time Rev. J. B. Blake (deceased past Presiding Elder of the North District) was the pastor of Laura Villa AME.
The first Trustees, Stewards, and Class leaders were Bro. Joe Dixon, Bro. Charlie Dixon, Rev. Freeman, Bro. F. J. Brunswick, Bro. Alex McCray, Bro. Jack Williams, and Bro. John Hollings. The church treasurer was Sis Lusiane Mink-Boone, and church secretary was Bro. Charlie Dixon. Superintendent of the Sunday School was Bro. Earnest Blocker, organizer and President of the Usher Board was Sis Julia Grant, organizer and President of Stewardess Board #1 was Sis Mary Williams, and President of Stewardess Board #2 was Cora Turner. Sisters Mattie Roundtree and Florida Sands Brown were in charge of the junior choir. Sis Florida Sands Brown was President of the Junior Missionary Society. Bro. Lloyd Roundtree was President of the Lay Organization. During this timeframe there was an organization named Our First League. Our First League was organized by Sis Annie Blocker. She served as President with Sis Evelyn Monroe serving as Vice President and Sis Ella Hayes serving as secretary.
The first converts of Hurst Chapel were Bro. Eddie Roundtree, Sis Sarah Bishop, Sis Florida Sands Brown, Bro. Hubert Bostic, Bro. John Bostic, Bro. Percy Monroe, Sis Eunice McCray, Bro. Ordey McCray, Sis Carrie Greene, Sis Roselle Greene, Sis Lula Stevens Smiley, Bro. Earnest Smith, Sis Ella Hayes, and Sis Alice Barnes. Rev. Weston, Pastor, baptized the first converts and Carrie Ella Brown DeLoach was the first infant to be baptized at Hurst Chapel. During this time Roselle Greene and Earl Monroe was united in Holy Matrimony. Bro. John Bostic, Jr., following his family, joined Hurst Chapel in 1932 and continued as a faithful member his demise. Rev. M. H. Wilson baptized Bro. Fred Ray and Bro. Tut Davis, both at age 13, in a canal which was located at the end of Silver beach Road behind the church.
1940s to 1950s
The present building of Hurst Chapel was started in 1957 by Rev. F. D. Wright. Members attended both services and often walked in the dark to be in service and worship the Lord. Sugarhill Cemetery, formerly Kelsey City Colored Cemetery was given to Bro. Lloyd Roundtree by Mr. Dan Collingsworth in the late 1950s. Bro. Roundtree donated Sugarhill Cemetery to Hurst Chapel. many church pioneers are buried in the cemetery. Church members maintained the upkeep of the cemetery until the early 1970s when the city took over. The earliest burials in the cemetery took place before the 1920s. It was the only cemetery for Blacks from Jupiter to West Palm Beach during segregation.
The Sunday School superintendent at this time was Bro. Eddie Roundtree. he along with faithful assistants, Sis Florida Brown, Sis Mary Coffey, Sis Doris Earst Heastie, Sis Lynnette Lewis, Sis Blondell Bostic Killins, Sis Josephine Bostic, and Bro. Jonathan Brooks led the church School and paved the way for a successful Church School. Bro. Roundtree trained the assistants to be able to take his place as he had to work on some Sundays. They sang without music and no hymnals. The songs were learned and held in the heart. Sis Augusta Cook joined the Church School and later took command faithfully.
1960s to 1970s
The present church was completed in 1960 under the leadership of Rev. A.B. Collins. Rev. A. A. Williams was the Presiding Elder and Rev. S. L. Greene the Presiding Bishop. The dedication and cornerstone of the church laying took place on September 25, 1960. In 1962, Rev. M. H. Wilson returned to serve as pastor of the church he loved so well. He pastored for a total of nineteen (19) years; 1937 - 1949 and 1962 - 1969, in failing health, he retired and passed away quietly on December 24, 1969. The Rev. Richard Allen Chappelle (deceased) came to Hurst Chapel as shepherd of the flock. Under his leadership and guidance, a new parsonage was purchased and furnished and was located in the back of the church. Rev. Chappelle also organized the first Pulpit Aide Board for Hurst Chapel. Riviera Beach decided to rename its streets in the 60s. The church was located on Acrehome Blvd, but the name changed to Avenue S. The old parsonage was a wooden structure on the northeast corner of Madison Avenue (now 37th Street and Avenue S). The church annex and dining room were completed, and various improvements were made to the sanctuary and parking lot. In 1971 Men's Day at Hurst Chapel was observed under Rev. Hector Smith and in 1975 under his leadership the church purchased two of the three lots west of the parsonage. the outside walls were re-stuccoed and the woodwork restored. In 1979 under the leadership of Rev. William Curry, new carpet and new pews were installed in the church.
The Junior Missionary Society was organized on September 24, 1961, under the leadership of Pastor M. H. Wilson. Officers of the Junior Missionary Society were Betty Bennett, President; Josephine Bostic, Vice President; Barbara J. Bennett, Secretary; Pearlie M. Shaw, Assistant Secretary; Lucy Timmons, Treasurer. Francis Carswell, Susie Patterson, and Jackie Bostic were the Program Committee. The Trustee Board started the Annual Teas, and the Second Annual Tea was held on Sunday, January 21, 1962 at 3:00 PM with Mrs. Florida Barber presiding. The Gospel choir was a vision of Mrs. Charlie Mae Dixon, and it came to life in May 1966. We celebrated our First Anniversary on April 30, 1967. Sis Dixon was the first President and Sis Lois Leonard was the musician. Sis. Dixon decided to step down as president and left the position in the capable hands of Sis. Nora Davis. Our first Musical Extravaganza was held on December 27, 1974 with Bro. Wayne Leonard as organist and director. Sis. Davis served faithfully until November 1983 as she assumed other duties. Sis. Alto Brown was unanimously elected president. Sis Dixon was the founding President, followed by Sis Nora Davis 1967 - 1983, Sis Alto Brown 1983 - 1995, Sis Vera Byrd and Sis Josephine Bostic were last presidents of this choir.
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During this time several fund raisers were held. To name a few: Pew Rallies and Bake Sales. Men and Women's Day Programs were separate events. The programs were spearheaded by strong, spiritual men and women. In spite of the rough economic times, the church was blessed financially.
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The Sunday School (now referred to as Bible Discovery Hour) held many activities for the children under the leadership of Mr. John Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins joined the church and Sunday School in 1974. At the time the superintendent was Sis Augusta Cook. The Sunday School membership was small, but the enthusiasm was high. Pastor Hector Smith and Associate Pastor James Sykes were active in the Church School. Sis Jamesena Marshall was one of the faithful teachers of the youth. Sis Josephine Bostic taught the adult class. In 1976 Bro. John Jenkins took command of the Sunday School after Sis Augusta Cook retired as superintendent. In an attempt to increase membership, Mr. Jenkins purchased a 'station wagon' and began Sunday School pick-ups. He was instrumental and inspired the Youth by taking them to Bush Gardens, Cypress Gardens and Disney World who otherwise might not of had a chance. Numbers began to increase, and it was determined that if parents came to Sunday School, the children would be there too. With numbers increasing came the need for more teachers and more classes. Volunteers to teach were Sis Eulabe Cook, Sis Joycelyn Thomas, Sis Kimberly Bradley, Sis Mary Hart, Sis Emma Powell, Bro. Roland Smith, Sis Francina Bain, Sis Cathy Cook Hall, Sis Tabithanetha McDonald, Bro. Emmanuel Sutton, Sis Terretha Smith, Bro. Anthony Stafford, and Bro. James Powell, Jr. Bro. James Powell, Sr. served as Assistant Superintendent and Sis Elizabeth Johnson served as Director of Christian Education.
In the 1970s Rev. Reba B. Johnson organized Hurst Chapel Choir #2 for the young adults. Rev. Johnson was also the musician. This choir flourished and prepared the young people for adulthood.
1980s to 1990s
Under Rev. W. A. Curry's guidance, the security lighting systems were installed and the security fence installed around the air conditioning unit. Rev. Dr. Frank S. Fayson came to Hurst Chapel in 1985 and soon we began having the A.M.E. Church Homecoming celebration (Founders Day 2nd Sunday in February), with Mt. Zion A.M.E. of Wauchula, FL as guest and presiding church for many years. Hurst Chapel also traveled to Wauchula to celebrate their annual program in August of each year. Rev. F. Fayson had the vision of the multi-purpose building, and the building fund began. Rev. Fayson restarted two worship services on Sunday, but instead of an evening service the second service began before Church School at 7:30 am.
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Sis Augusta Cook asked Marie Monroe Ames to fight city hall concerning the Sugarhill Cemetery and began giving Marie history. Sis Mattie Roundtree and Bro. John Bostic worked diligently with Marie and other pioneers arming Marie with the ammunition to stop the desecration of the graves. Rev. Eugene Monroe, Marie Monroe Ames, city manager Bill Wilkins, and city attorney Andrew DeGraffenreit met in meetings to settle the cemetery issue and relieve Hurst Chapel of any financial debt. In 1997 the city agreed to put a memorial park at Sugarhill Cemetery. In 2005 plans were drawn up for the memorial park, in October of 2006 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Sugarhill and on October 4, 2007, the dedication ceremony was held opening the Sugarhill Cemetery Memorial Park. It sits between 30th and 31st Streets (previously Bunga St.) in Riviera Beach.
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Hurst Chapel has always been blessed with educators. Sisters Ernestine Bradley and Catherine Brooks began an after-school tutorial program for youth at Hurst Chapel. Sis Jamesena Marshall tutors any K-12 grade student within the community. The tutorial and after school programs continue to be a part of Hurst Chapel legacy until the Covid pandemic shut everything down. Lora Peterson Wilson began Vacation Bible School during the summers under Rev. Fayson. Sis Elizabeth Johnson took over and ran the Vacation Bible School for several years followed by Daphne and Deon Heastie. Sis Geneva Brooks and other Palm Beach County educators formed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee, which prompted the city of West Palm Beach to put up a Memorial Park as a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. The members of Hurst Chapel joined in with Sis Geneva Brooks and the committee and Hurst Chapel purchased a bench for $500.00. Members purchased several bricks in the park with their name and the church's name.
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In 1986 Hurst Chapel purchased a van and this further enhanced the Church School pick-ups and growth. Rev. Sykes initiated a program that was named "Sunday School Jubilee" which was a combination promotion and fundraiser. This program proved highly successful and consequently the Sunday School has been able to pay all its own expenses, including travel and educational literature. During this time the church School began to award high school and college graduates an honorarium and provides financial incentives to all its graduates attending college or post-secondary schools through their matriculation. The Church School has taken our youth on various trips and cultural events such as the Kravis Center and the Norton Museum of Art. The Church School grew tremendously due to the encouragement the children received for their good character in and out of school and their grades. The youth and adults in Church School enjoyed displaying their gifts, talents and learning through the various programs the Church School performs. The goal of the Church School is to assist in training our youth in the A. M. E. Doctrine.
2000 to 2010
In 2001 the church held a banquet at the new Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune Elementary School in Riviera Beach. At the banquet members and others pledged $1,000.00 each for the multi-purpose building. Hurst Chapel went from a vision of Rev. Dr. Frank Fayson to victory with the multi-Purpose Center which opened in 2003 under the leadership of Rev. I. F. Mitchell, Sr. and named it the Fayson-Mitchell Christian Multi-Purpose Center. It was built by Serraes Construction company. Hurricane Wilma caused extensive damage to the sanctuary. There was tree debris, roof repair, fence replacements, damage in the sanctuary to the altar, piano, steeple, pews, and windows. The total cost of repairs to the outside, multi-purpose building and sanctuary was $156,740.51. Services could not be held in the sanctuary for a long time, but the dedicated, spiritual minded and faithful members of Hurst chapel stood strong and determined to continue to hold to God's hands as the necessary repairs were being made.
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The late Sis. Sandra McDonald saw a vision to feed the needy and lonely at Thanksgiving time. In 1996 she served her first Thanksgiving meal to the community under the leadership of Rev. I. F. Mitchell, Sr. Sis McDonald fed more than 200 individuals and gave out Thanksgiving baskets prior to Thanksgiving to over 75 families. She worked diligently in her calling until the Lord called her home in 2007. As a tribute to their mother, Kendra and Kerri McDonald served dinners and gave out baskets in 2008. The Thompson family began the Sharing and Caring Christmas Dinner (now the Hurst Chapel Community Christmas Meal and Toy Give Away) in 2008, which is continued today and serves approximately 200 persons.
Rev. Clarence E. Bess was assigned to Hurst Chapel from 2006 - 2009. Sis Geneva Brooks and the Pulpit Aide Board began serving Christmas dinner at church to fellowship one with another. Sis Geneva and Catherine Brooks began to help families in need.
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Rev. Bess also supported Sis Janice Bostic and Dr. Dorethea Satchel in forming a health and fitness group on Saturdays. Dr. Glenda Garrett started the Night at the Apollo in 2006, which is a fun night held at the Multi-Purpose Center with interpretations of gospel and other entertainers. This event has caught on in the Eleventh Episcopal District so well that in 2010 the ministers of the Noble North District had a program at the Fayson-Mitchell Multi-Purpose Christian Center which adopted the Apollo Night of entertainment. The Women's Missionary Society began a Pioneer Day Program which brings in artifacts of yesteryear and teaches our youth the importance of character, self-pride, and education. The program was educational and successful. Rev. Clarence Bess supported the idea of a Youth Explosion, suggested by YPD Director Sis Tammy McDonald. The first Youth Explosion was held in March 2009 and it has become an annual event. The Youth held its 4th Explosion on March 17, 2012. This event allows the youth to share their gifts and talents. The Area Women's Missionary Society has adopted the Youth Explosion.
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In November 2009 Rev. Hudson Williamson was appointed to Hurst Chapel. He began a Wednesday night Praise and Worship Service for lent season, which was agreed upon by members to continue on a weekly basis in 2010. Sis Tammy McDonald (YPD Director added a Youth Bible Study. It was approved by Pastor Williamson and the youth began meeting with Sis Natasha Twiggs, assisted by Sis Tammy McDonald and Sis Emma Powell. This study group empowers youth Spiritually and includes teachers and youth from other churches. More teachers, including recent college grads returning home assist with this bible study. Sis McDonald in her strong work with and for the youth also obtained approval from Pastor Hudson Williamson to allow the youth to celebrate "Hallelujah Night' instead of going out on Halloween. The first event was held on October 31, 2010 in the Fayson-Mitchell Multi-Purpose Center. "Hallelujah Night" provides a safe haven for our youth filled with games, music, and lots of fun. Under the leadership of Pastor Williamson, Chairpersons Pamela Patterson and Anthony Stafford hosted Dual Day (which is a combination of Men and Women's Day) with Bishop Vashti McKenzie as guest speaker.
A “Friday Fun Night Social” was started to provide a safe haven for the community youth. On the third Friday of each month a free social is held for the community youth and young adults to come together, fellowship, play sports, and enjoy a weekend night out with safe supervision. The social was facilitated by Sis. Adonis Stubbs, Bro. Alonzo Jones, and Sis. Claudette Calix. Brothers James Powell II and Oren Monroe II facilitated the sports ministry at the Fun Night Socials.
2011 to present
Associate Minister Angela Young began hosting “Parenting Classes” to support the community. Brothers James Patterson and Kenneth Monroe are the leaders of Boy Scout Troop #767. Sis. Natasha Twiggs formed Girl Scout Troop #21119 for middle and high school age girls. In 2014 Sis Pamela Patterson formed Girl Scout Troop #20351 for girls in grade K-8.
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In November of 2015 Bishop Adam J. Richardson sent Rev. Dr. Elvin J Parker III to Hurst Chapel AME Church. As a child Rev. Parker III grew up living in the parsonage of Hurst Chapel while his father, Rev. Elvin J. Parker II was the pastor of this congregation. Rev. Dr. Elvin J. Parker III brought in new drums and had a piano donated to the church. The Sons of Allen Ministry has become stronger at the church and within the community under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Parker III.
In 2016 the Sons of Allen Ministry began hosting a community breakfast on the third Saturday of each month, which brought souls in for prayer and food. This ministry also brought souls to Christ and would be in attendance when these powerful men of God conducted services.
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In 2020 the world went into a pandemic with the Coronavirus. In the United States churches and communities were shut down. Church slowly began to reopen in May of 2021.
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A new Bishop was assigned to the Eleventh Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. Frank Madison Reid, III in October 2020. In October 2022 He appointed Hurst Chapel’s first female pastor. Reverend Sharon Hobbs is presently the pastor of Hurst Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Riviera Beach. In the short time she has been here she has organized trustees, class leaders and Bible Discovery Hour which were all not functioning as should be due to the shutdown. She has also brought our first Valentine Social and an Interactive Board to the church. We are pleased and grateful to have Reverend Sharon Hobbs leading our congregation.
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As is seen in the daily activities and the lights which shine from the members’ hearts; Hurst Chapel continues to grow. The members minister to others throughout the community with spirit filled hearts. The members keep one another covered through prayers and continuous fellowship services. Our history is recorded and will continuously be updated so that our fellowman will be aware of our good Christian deeds.
At Hurst Chapel, we stand at the threshold of endless possibilities. With faith as our foundation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we eagerly look to the future with hope and purpose. As we embark on this journey together, we envision a church that continues to grow in love, impact lives, and inspire transformation. We are committed to deepening our spiritual roots, embracing innovation, and adapting to the evolving needs of our congregation and community. With open hearts and open arms, we aspire to be a beacon of light, extending God's love to those in search of hope and belonging. Through our ministries, worship, and outreach, we will strive to create an inclusive space where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to discover and fulfill their God-given purpose. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Together, we will be catalysts of transformation, making a positive impact in our community and leaving a lasting legacy of love and grace.