Church History

Harnett Chapel OFWB Church was founded April 14, 1947 at an organizational meeting in the home of Elder R. L. Crowell. Services begin the third Sunday in May 1947. St Mark Disciple Church hosted the first service. Later services were held at St. Stephens Disciple Church and Dafford Funeral Home.

The church was originally organized under the Original Freewill Baptist Middle Eastern and North Eastern Conference. Officers in the conferences at the time were: moderators Elders W.W. Ascue, J.F. Elliott and T.T. Platt; and Trustees Brothers A.B. Parker, Frank Williams and James Holliday. In 1948 they voted to buy a parcel of land on East Edgerton Street costing $750.00 and a tent for $150.00. Church services were held in the tent for several years.

With a growing membership they added service on the first Sunday so they could have service twice a month. This membership included about 34 adults and 20 young adults who were dedicated and together in accomplishing God’s will. The members worked hard to raise funds over several years time until they were able to build a beautiful church costing $25,000. The building was free of mortgage under the pastorate of Elder J.F. Elliott.

Elder Elliott later resigned the pastorate and the members elected Elder Raymond McLeod, Jr. as pastor. Under Elder McLeod loans were secured and a new church building was begun in June 1978. After his resignation in 1984 several pastors have served as pastor in Harnett Chapel Church. Pastors over the years included: Elder George McIver, Elder Curtis Thomas, Elder Jerry Murray and Elder Robert C. Murphy.

Elder Murphy served as pastor from November 1987 through November 1991. During his pastorate the church was blessed to purchase new pews, pulpit furniture, carpeting, air conditioning and painting of the church.

Bishop Henry McLean came to serve the church as pastor in November 1991. Several ministers continued to feed the flock over the years before Dr. Margaret Wilson was elected pastor in 2004.

Under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Margaret Wilson the church continues undergoing much needed renovations. We continue to update and beautify this building and its grounds that God maybe glorified in all we do.