Our History
A New Leadership for a New DayIn June of 1988, Reverend Kenneth Marcus became the pastor of Turner Chapel.
Under he and his wife Reverend Cassandra Marcus’ (now Turner's co-pastor) guidance, Turner Chapel purchased additional vans, increased the ministerial staff and number of choirs, and purchased land for the new Turner Chapel church site. During this time the Lord continued to bless Turner Chapel with phenomenal growth.
In 1990, after just two years under the leadership of our "Dynamic Duo", husband and wife ministerial team, Reverends Kenneth and Cassandra Marcus, the Turner Chapel population stood at 482 members.
In 1993, Pastor Marcus and Church Officers agreed upon a vision for Turner Chapel that included a new sanctuary, educational facility, multipurpose center, childcare facilities and an activity center.
In 1994, Turner Chapel members filled the church to capacity during each of three Sunday services, held at 7 am, 9 am, and 11 am.
In October of 1994, a Church Expansion Committee was formed to address the immediate and long-term needs for worship space. In January 1996, we began worship services at Wheeler High School’s 450 seat gymnasium. This move allowed us to go back to two services.
After nearly a year and a half of setting up and breaking down chairs and other furnishings for worship services, we sought other options.
The Vision for a New Turner
In 1997, Turner Chapel began to monitor and project future growth realizing the need for a new sanctuary that would seat 2500 to 3000 persons. With membership continuing to grow, Turner Chapel decided to build a Recreation Center prior to the new Worship Center. On July 18,1999, Turner Chapel opened the doors of a new Turner Chapel Recreation Center, which served as a "temporary home" to over 4,000 members, while the new main sanctuary building was under construction. Later in 1999, we were blessed to be able to retire the bank loan for the recreation center.
Expansion PlansIn 2002, the church expansion committee announced plans for the new Worship Center. A 100,000 square feet worship facility was planned with three levels that feature state-of-the-art audio/video technology, a generous narthex, and ample parking facilities.
Many fund-raising events were held to build our Cathedral. From Pew Rallies, to Fashion Teas, to Special Concerts and Presentations, each member and friend gave to bring forth our new church.
The Cathedral of Turner ChapelOn March 20, Palm Sunday 2005, the members and friends of Turner Chapel AME Church entered the new Cathedral of Turner Chapel AME Church. People came from as far South as Port-au-Prince, Trinidad, and New York City.
Since its inception in 1865, Turner Chapel has had 51 Pastors to serve its illustrious congregation. Three of our Pastors were elected to the Bishopric: Henry McNeal Turner, William A. Fountain, Sr, and Harold I. Bearden. In addition to serving as Bishop of the AME church, Henry McNeal Turner also served as Morris Brown College’s First President. Bishop William A. Fountain, Sr. and Reverend William A. Fountain, Jr. both served as Presidents of Morris Brown College. A number of former Pastors have served as Presiding Elders. They are: Dr. D.W. Wiggs (1936-1939), Dr. J.S. Downs (1922-1924), Dr. J.R. Hurley (1946-1948), Dr. D.S. Saunders(1931-1933), and Dr. A.J.Harris (1950-1952).
Since 1865, Turner Chapel has grown to include over 6000 members, 100 ministries, and 46 parcels of land. Come join us as we continue to embark on the journey the Lord lays ahead for us.
