The seed of the Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was planted in Franklin County, North Carolina circa 1877 in red, muddy, and rocky soil. The following Deacons and Trustees worked together in the founding of the edifice: Brothers Ruffin Harris, Jordan “Speck” Moore, Willie Stallings, and John Yarborough. At this time the church owned four acres of land.
The first church originated from a log cabin with windows eight feet high. The pews were made of undressed timber, which was not very comfortable or attractive. In about 1890, the church membership had grown and a weatherboard church was built.
The rules of the church were very strict; members who disobeyed were required to come before the church and ask to be pardoned. If a member missed three conference meetings, he/she would be called in questions by the church and requested to report the reason for the absenteeism. All candidates for baptism were required to present oral testimony that would satisfy the pastor and members in order to be baptized.
Money and jobs were not as plentiful as they are today. In the year of 1926, the total amount of tithes and offerings was $208.21. The pastor’s salary was $25.00 per month. It was not uncommon for the pastor’s salary to be three or four months in arrears. The shepherd would continue to serve God and minister to the poverty-stricken flock. Brothers Wiley Allen and John Mann were employed by the church to do general maintenance, grounds keeping, and janitorial services. Their compensation was fifty cents per day.
Over the years, Rocky Chapel has made numerous improvements in its physical structure and in many other areas. Individual members and church ministries made concerted efforts to enhance the church welfare. Each decade, significant changes were realized.
In the THIRTIES, electricity replaced the lamps that hung from the tall ceilings and the first light bill was paid February 20, 1937. Each member was taxed five cents extra to defray the cost.
In the late FORTIES, Sis. Lelia “Leak” Gay, through prayer and hard work, was instrumental in the digging of the first well on the church grounds. During this decade, two acres of land were purchased from Sis. Aldonia Moore, expanding the property holding of the church. An all-note choir was organized consisting of Brothers J. E. Mitchell, Thomas Gay, C. H. Whitley, David Moore, Sisters Minnie Harris, Queen Harris Dunston, and many others. This group helped to institute a Franklin County Singing Union. A Junior choir was organized under the leadership of Sis. Sarah Mann; performances included both home and travel appearances. Sis. Inez Wilkins served as pianist for the group until her college enrollment made it inconvenient for her to continue her services.
The organization of an all-male singing group in the FIFTIES was the forerunner of a Rocky Chapel Senior Choir. Under the auspices of Bro. J. E. Mitchell, Bro. Mangum Pettiford, and Sis. Sarah Mann, a choir was formed which included both female and male members. Later in this ten-year span, brick veneer replaced the weatherboard on the outside of the church and it stood as a testament to the spirit of togetherness among its members.
The Missionary Circle met on the first Saturday afternoon of each month. The purchase of the first communion set for Rocky Chapel was a source of pride and joy to this group as the practice of sipping from the common cup during communion service was eliminated.
The purchase of a church bus ushered in the decade of the SIXTIES. It provided transportation and helped to increase Sunday School attendance. Brothers James “Toot” Blackmond and William “Big Boy” Woods were the bus drivers. Furniture was purchased for the pastor’s study and pulpit, double doors were added to the front entrance of the church, and pine paneling was installed in the sanctuary.
The spirit of enthusiasm continued to fill the congregation in the SEVENTIES. This manifested itself in the undertaking and completion of several projects. Two educational classrooms were annexed, a new piano was purchased, and a baptismal pool was installed. A junior choir was reorganized under the direction of Pastor J. M. Boone. Sisters Mae Rena M. Davis and Myrtle Mitchell supervised the group. Bro. Odell Harris repaired and enlarged the pastor’s study. A second well was drilled and a water fountain was installed. A junior missionary auxiliary was organized at the direction of Pastor Boone and under the leadership of Sis. Mae Rena Davis. Stained glass windows, a central air conditioning system, and a public address system were added in the sanctuary. The decade ended with the repair and painting of the vestibule and the remodeling of the choir stand.
In the EIGHTIES, there was a further expansion of our annexed area to accommodate an equipped kitchen and a dining area. This project demanded a great deal of planning but the accomplishment was worth the effort.
For thirty-nine years, Rev. J. M. Boone rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable service, demonstrating insight and vision for the benefit of the church. He exhibited a keen interest in the youth whom he served. He was an ardent supporter of the North Carolina General Baptist Association, the Reedy Creek Association, and the various unions and auxiliaries of Franklin County and the outlying areas. His health declined, but with great sacrifice he continued to carry on his pastoral responsibilities. On January 1, 1989, after nearly forty years of service, Pastor J. M. Boone tendered his resignation to Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
In June 1989, Rev. Melton Wayne Johnson came to serve the church. He was elected pastor for the remainder of the year. Rev. Johnson was later chosen to serve for an extended period and was installed as the pastor of Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on the Second Sunday in April 1990. Rev. Johnson was an energetic and enthusiastic pastor. He was a dynamic preacher who works continually for improvement and spiritual growth. A native of Houston, Texas, he preached strong, but not long – receiving many requests for speaking engagements both in and out of state.
Some of the accomplishments during the administration of Pastor Johnson were: the reconstruction of sidewalks, the installation of lightning rods, the purchase of fire extinguishers, the construction of ramps for the handicapped, the addition of aerial light, the drilling of another deep well and installation of a new water pump, the implementation of Vacation Bible School, Weekly Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, the organization of a Brotherhood Group, a Youth-In-Action Auxiliary, a Youth Missionary Group, a Male Chorus, a Pastor’s Aid Group, the purchase of a church van, remodeling of pulpit, the remodeling of Pastor’s Study, the purchase of commercial kitchen appliances.
Until January 1976, worship services were held only on the Third Sunday of each month. At that time First Sunday services were added. Since 1989, worship services have been held each Sunday of the month.
On February 13, 2005, Rev. Melton Wayne Johnson resigned as pastor to relocate in Salem, Virginia after 16 years of service at Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
On November 9, 2006, Rev. Rory E. Sneed was elected to be the new pastor of Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. His role as pastor began January 1, 2007. Pastor Sneed is a devoted teacher and preacher of God’s word. He has a sincere love for the people of God and special gifting to share the word of God in a manner that is relative to all generations. Pastor Sneed has a down to earth personality and is focused on the need to share God’s love with all as the true mission of Christ’s church. Under Pastor Sneed’s leadership, Rocky Chapel continues to flourish and has seen a significant increase of new members being added to the church roll.
In 2009, Rev. Sneed implemented a Praise and Worship Team, a Computer Lab for the use of young people, Leadership Training each month, a Youth Department consisting of Education, Church Activities and Choir, a Youth Bible Study, a Funeral Hospitality Committee, Ladies of Virtue and Vision (LOVV) women’s ministry and 9:00 a.m. worship service on fifth Sundays.
Rocky Chapel has added the following improvements and auxiliaries for 2010: Nurse’s Ministry, the purchase of a ZOLL AED Plus (automated external defibrillator), a new HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) unit.
Computer Classes at the church were implemented on April 7, 2011. The Mighty Men of Valor (MMOV) and the Program Committee were implemented in 2012.
After years of praying, fasting, planning, and communicating, groundbreaking was held for the new church on July 10, 2011 following morning worship service. The first turn of dirt was done the old fashion way, with hard hats and shovels. Under the leadership of Pastor Rory Sneed, the actual construction of the new sanctuary began July 25, 2011. We thank God for the prayers and giving by all members. We also praise God for the sacrificial pledges made by many for the construction of our new church. The hard work of the Board of Directors and the various committees finally came to fruition. Through the awesome power that only God has, we marched from our old sanctuary into our new sanctuary on April 1, 2012. Oh What a Day!!! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! AMEN!!!
Church records show the names and capacities in which many served. They include: PASTORS – Revs. James Ashe, Sid Thomas, Tom Plummer, Gilford Stanford, Willie Jones, John Huff, George Edmond, Amos Bell, E. B. Suggs, Avery Horton, J. M. Boone, Melton W. Johnson and Rory E. Sneed. DEACONS – Deacons John Yarborough, Jordan “Speck” Moore, Ruffin Harris, Spence Melton, June Harris, Ed Harris, Eddie Harris, C. H. Whitley, Billy “Buck” Harris, David D.K. Mann, Bonnie Harris, Odell Harris, Sam Blackmond, Otis Blackmond, James A. Blackmond, Richard Leonard, Bobby Leonard, Jr., Roger Burrell, and Jimmie Leonard, Jr. TRUSTEES – Trustees Eddie Harris, David Mann, C.H. Whitley, Odell Harris, J. C. Wheless, Andrew Burrell, Roger Burrell, Anna Hicks, Richard Leonard, Theresa Wilkins, Lois Armstrong, Donnell Blackmond, Avon Harris, Alphonza Harris, Charles Mann, Jr., Peggy Spivey, Fred Harris, Harold Wilkins, Nicole Leonard Davis, Mary Scarborough, Karen Leonard Moore, Zebedee Thorne, John Raymond Harris, Theartis Harris, Bernard Harris, Bonnie Harris Jones, Jonesville Wiggins, James Boone, Todd White, Derrick Lucas, Juan Taylor, and Willie Grady. MOTHERS OF THE CHURCH – Sisters Milla Yarborough, Neppie Y. Wheless, Bettie J. Harris, Menna Mitchell, Johnnie Davis Harris, Beatrice Leonard Harris, Marjorie Jeffreys Leonard, and Dorothy Davis Harris. SECRETARIES (financial and recording) – Brothers Q. W. Wheless, John Harris, Ed Harris, A. L. Neal, Clifton Mitchell, Sam Alton Blackmond, Sisters Mary Blackmond Leonard, Lucy Blackmond Davis, Bonnie Ray Harris, Nicole Leonard-Davis, Sharlene Harris-Crudup and Dorothy Woods Harris. USHERS – Brothers Arthur Mann, Georgia Bell and Wiley Allen. Brother Luther Burrell assisted in the organization of the usher board and there have been numerous ushers, consisting of young and old. CUSTODIANS – Brothers Bonnie Harris, John Mann, Billy “Buck” Harris, Eddie Harris, Rev. Timothy Burrell, and Sisters Brenda Williams, Dorothy Blackmond, Otis Blackmond and Avon Harris. MUSICIANS – Brothers Lee Lucas, Russell Lynch, Raymond Lynch, Earl Mabry, Sr., Earl Mabry, Jr., Sisters Mary Lizzie Whitley, Blanche Perry, Inez Wilkins, Pauline Jackson, Anna M. Davis, Bernell Davis, Joyce Hunter, Senora Dunston, Regina Davis, Janet Dunston, Donya Davis, Larranda Spivey, Veona Alston, Cletherine Melton, Karen Moore, and Kimberly Woods. DEACONESSES – Sisters Learah Whitley, Dorothy Dunston Blackmond, Dorothy Davis Harris, Marjorie Jeffreys Leonard, Gladys Leonard, Myrtle Mitchell, Annie Brodie Harris, Barbara W. Leonard, Susie M. Harris, and Doris Leonard.
Through the years, with the assistance of the Almighty God, the church has maintained a spirit of togetherness. In spite of the many global changes that are taking place, God’s spiritual powers are still alive at Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
(The first church history was compiled by Sis. Mary B. Leonard, April 14, 1965. Revisions and updates were first made by Sis. Mae Rena M. Davis, August 15-18, 1977. Information and facts as remembered were furnished by our oldest deacon at that time, Bro. Bonnie Harris. The church history was later updated in August 2007 and additional information is added each year.)
The first church originated from a log cabin with windows eight feet high. The pews were made of undressed timber, which was not very comfortable or attractive. In about 1890, the church membership had grown and a weatherboard church was built.
The rules of the church were very strict; members who disobeyed were required to come before the church and ask to be pardoned. If a member missed three conference meetings, he/she would be called in questions by the church and requested to report the reason for the absenteeism. All candidates for baptism were required to present oral testimony that would satisfy the pastor and members in order to be baptized.
Money and jobs were not as plentiful as they are today. In the year of 1926, the total amount of tithes and offerings was $208.21. The pastor’s salary was $25.00 per month. It was not uncommon for the pastor’s salary to be three or four months in arrears. The shepherd would continue to serve God and minister to the poverty-stricken flock. Brothers Wiley Allen and John Mann were employed by the church to do general maintenance, grounds keeping, and janitorial services. Their compensation was fifty cents per day.
Over the years, Rocky Chapel has made numerous improvements in its physical structure and in many other areas. Individual members and church ministries made concerted efforts to enhance the church welfare. Each decade, significant changes were realized.
In the THIRTIES, electricity replaced the lamps that hung from the tall ceilings and the first light bill was paid February 20, 1937. Each member was taxed five cents extra to defray the cost.
In the late FORTIES, Sis. Lelia “Leak” Gay, through prayer and hard work, was instrumental in the digging of the first well on the church grounds. During this decade, two acres of land were purchased from Sis. Aldonia Moore, expanding the property holding of the church. An all-note choir was organized consisting of Brothers J. E. Mitchell, Thomas Gay, C. H. Whitley, David Moore, Sisters Minnie Harris, Queen Harris Dunston, and many others. This group helped to institute a Franklin County Singing Union. A Junior choir was organized under the leadership of Sis. Sarah Mann; performances included both home and travel appearances. Sis. Inez Wilkins served as pianist for the group until her college enrollment made it inconvenient for her to continue her services.
The organization of an all-male singing group in the FIFTIES was the forerunner of a Rocky Chapel Senior Choir. Under the auspices of Bro. J. E. Mitchell, Bro. Mangum Pettiford, and Sis. Sarah Mann, a choir was formed which included both female and male members. Later in this ten-year span, brick veneer replaced the weatherboard on the outside of the church and it stood as a testament to the spirit of togetherness among its members.
The Missionary Circle met on the first Saturday afternoon of each month. The purchase of the first communion set for Rocky Chapel was a source of pride and joy to this group as the practice of sipping from the common cup during communion service was eliminated.
The purchase of a church bus ushered in the decade of the SIXTIES. It provided transportation and helped to increase Sunday School attendance. Brothers James “Toot” Blackmond and William “Big Boy” Woods were the bus drivers. Furniture was purchased for the pastor’s study and pulpit, double doors were added to the front entrance of the church, and pine paneling was installed in the sanctuary.
The spirit of enthusiasm continued to fill the congregation in the SEVENTIES. This manifested itself in the undertaking and completion of several projects. Two educational classrooms were annexed, a new piano was purchased, and a baptismal pool was installed. A junior choir was reorganized under the direction of Pastor J. M. Boone. Sisters Mae Rena M. Davis and Myrtle Mitchell supervised the group. Bro. Odell Harris repaired and enlarged the pastor’s study. A second well was drilled and a water fountain was installed. A junior missionary auxiliary was organized at the direction of Pastor Boone and under the leadership of Sis. Mae Rena Davis. Stained glass windows, a central air conditioning system, and a public address system were added in the sanctuary. The decade ended with the repair and painting of the vestibule and the remodeling of the choir stand.
In the EIGHTIES, there was a further expansion of our annexed area to accommodate an equipped kitchen and a dining area. This project demanded a great deal of planning but the accomplishment was worth the effort.
For thirty-nine years, Rev. J. M. Boone rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable service, demonstrating insight and vision for the benefit of the church. He exhibited a keen interest in the youth whom he served. He was an ardent supporter of the North Carolina General Baptist Association, the Reedy Creek Association, and the various unions and auxiliaries of Franklin County and the outlying areas. His health declined, but with great sacrifice he continued to carry on his pastoral responsibilities. On January 1, 1989, after nearly forty years of service, Pastor J. M. Boone tendered his resignation to Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
In June 1989, Rev. Melton Wayne Johnson came to serve the church. He was elected pastor for the remainder of the year. Rev. Johnson was later chosen to serve for an extended period and was installed as the pastor of Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on the Second Sunday in April 1990. Rev. Johnson was an energetic and enthusiastic pastor. He was a dynamic preacher who works continually for improvement and spiritual growth. A native of Houston, Texas, he preached strong, but not long – receiving many requests for speaking engagements both in and out of state.
Some of the accomplishments during the administration of Pastor Johnson were: the reconstruction of sidewalks, the installation of lightning rods, the purchase of fire extinguishers, the construction of ramps for the handicapped, the addition of aerial light, the drilling of another deep well and installation of a new water pump, the implementation of Vacation Bible School, Weekly Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, the organization of a Brotherhood Group, a Youth-In-Action Auxiliary, a Youth Missionary Group, a Male Chorus, a Pastor’s Aid Group, the purchase of a church van, remodeling of pulpit, the remodeling of Pastor’s Study, the purchase of commercial kitchen appliances.
Until January 1976, worship services were held only on the Third Sunday of each month. At that time First Sunday services were added. Since 1989, worship services have been held each Sunday of the month.
On February 13, 2005, Rev. Melton Wayne Johnson resigned as pastor to relocate in Salem, Virginia after 16 years of service at Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
On November 9, 2006, Rev. Rory E. Sneed was elected to be the new pastor of Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. His role as pastor began January 1, 2007. Pastor Sneed is a devoted teacher and preacher of God’s word. He has a sincere love for the people of God and special gifting to share the word of God in a manner that is relative to all generations. Pastor Sneed has a down to earth personality and is focused on the need to share God’s love with all as the true mission of Christ’s church. Under Pastor Sneed’s leadership, Rocky Chapel continues to flourish and has seen a significant increase of new members being added to the church roll.
In 2009, Rev. Sneed implemented a Praise and Worship Team, a Computer Lab for the use of young people, Leadership Training each month, a Youth Department consisting of Education, Church Activities and Choir, a Youth Bible Study, a Funeral Hospitality Committee, Ladies of Virtue and Vision (LOVV) women’s ministry and 9:00 a.m. worship service on fifth Sundays.
Rocky Chapel has added the following improvements and auxiliaries for 2010: Nurse’s Ministry, the purchase of a ZOLL AED Plus (automated external defibrillator), a new HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) unit.
Computer Classes at the church were implemented on April 7, 2011. The Mighty Men of Valor (MMOV) and the Program Committee were implemented in 2012.
After years of praying, fasting, planning, and communicating, groundbreaking was held for the new church on July 10, 2011 following morning worship service. The first turn of dirt was done the old fashion way, with hard hats and shovels. Under the leadership of Pastor Rory Sneed, the actual construction of the new sanctuary began July 25, 2011. We thank God for the prayers and giving by all members. We also praise God for the sacrificial pledges made by many for the construction of our new church. The hard work of the Board of Directors and the various committees finally came to fruition. Through the awesome power that only God has, we marched from our old sanctuary into our new sanctuary on April 1, 2012. Oh What a Day!!! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! AMEN!!!
Church records show the names and capacities in which many served. They include: PASTORS – Revs. James Ashe, Sid Thomas, Tom Plummer, Gilford Stanford, Willie Jones, John Huff, George Edmond, Amos Bell, E. B. Suggs, Avery Horton, J. M. Boone, Melton W. Johnson and Rory E. Sneed. DEACONS – Deacons John Yarborough, Jordan “Speck” Moore, Ruffin Harris, Spence Melton, June Harris, Ed Harris, Eddie Harris, C. H. Whitley, Billy “Buck” Harris, David D.K. Mann, Bonnie Harris, Odell Harris, Sam Blackmond, Otis Blackmond, James A. Blackmond, Richard Leonard, Bobby Leonard, Jr., Roger Burrell, and Jimmie Leonard, Jr. TRUSTEES – Trustees Eddie Harris, David Mann, C.H. Whitley, Odell Harris, J. C. Wheless, Andrew Burrell, Roger Burrell, Anna Hicks, Richard Leonard, Theresa Wilkins, Lois Armstrong, Donnell Blackmond, Avon Harris, Alphonza Harris, Charles Mann, Jr., Peggy Spivey, Fred Harris, Harold Wilkins, Nicole Leonard Davis, Mary Scarborough, Karen Leonard Moore, Zebedee Thorne, John Raymond Harris, Theartis Harris, Bernard Harris, Bonnie Harris Jones, Jonesville Wiggins, James Boone, Todd White, Derrick Lucas, Juan Taylor, and Willie Grady. MOTHERS OF THE CHURCH – Sisters Milla Yarborough, Neppie Y. Wheless, Bettie J. Harris, Menna Mitchell, Johnnie Davis Harris, Beatrice Leonard Harris, Marjorie Jeffreys Leonard, and Dorothy Davis Harris. SECRETARIES (financial and recording) – Brothers Q. W. Wheless, John Harris, Ed Harris, A. L. Neal, Clifton Mitchell, Sam Alton Blackmond, Sisters Mary Blackmond Leonard, Lucy Blackmond Davis, Bonnie Ray Harris, Nicole Leonard-Davis, Sharlene Harris-Crudup and Dorothy Woods Harris. USHERS – Brothers Arthur Mann, Georgia Bell and Wiley Allen. Brother Luther Burrell assisted in the organization of the usher board and there have been numerous ushers, consisting of young and old. CUSTODIANS – Brothers Bonnie Harris, John Mann, Billy “Buck” Harris, Eddie Harris, Rev. Timothy Burrell, and Sisters Brenda Williams, Dorothy Blackmond, Otis Blackmond and Avon Harris. MUSICIANS – Brothers Lee Lucas, Russell Lynch, Raymond Lynch, Earl Mabry, Sr., Earl Mabry, Jr., Sisters Mary Lizzie Whitley, Blanche Perry, Inez Wilkins, Pauline Jackson, Anna M. Davis, Bernell Davis, Joyce Hunter, Senora Dunston, Regina Davis, Janet Dunston, Donya Davis, Larranda Spivey, Veona Alston, Cletherine Melton, Karen Moore, and Kimberly Woods. DEACONESSES – Sisters Learah Whitley, Dorothy Dunston Blackmond, Dorothy Davis Harris, Marjorie Jeffreys Leonard, Gladys Leonard, Myrtle Mitchell, Annie Brodie Harris, Barbara W. Leonard, Susie M. Harris, and Doris Leonard.
Through the years, with the assistance of the Almighty God, the church has maintained a spirit of togetherness. In spite of the many global changes that are taking place, God’s spiritual powers are still alive at Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
(The first church history was compiled by Sis. Mary B. Leonard, April 14, 1965. Revisions and updates were first made by Sis. Mae Rena M. Davis, August 15-18, 1977. Information and facts as remembered were furnished by our oldest deacon at that time, Bro. Bonnie Harris. The church history was later updated in August 2007 and additional information is added each year.)